While standing in my backyard the other evening I realized that my AC unit was running full tilt. It’s one of those things that you take for granted on a hot day, reaching for the thermostat and setting the temperature a few degrees lower to create a cool and comfortable oasis. Like any typical home owner I know it is my responsibility to ensure that the AC unit is in good working condition. It always amazes me how many people seem to forget to clean the cooling fins in the condenser sitting beside their house come spring time. Maintaining those little cooling fins by clearing all the dirt and debris will ensure your AC unit runs in tip top condition. At the same time, you need to change or wash your filter every three months. These simple tasks could be the difference between relaxing indoors on a hot summer evening, and making a panic-induced call to your local repair man.

This process is no different in your Data Centers. With this hot weather upon us I often hear Data Center Operations Managers complaining their HVAC systems cannot keep up with the heat and humidity. Having a clean condenser will enable your roof top units to dissipate heat optimally, while a clean filter will ensure maximum airflow. I am a firm believer in quarterly maintenance. Can you remember the last time you had preventative maintenance on your HVAC systems? Prevention is the key when experiencing weather like we have had over the past few days, or you could find yourself in a hot and sticky mess, literally.

There is another option to ensure core cooling… ice cream! Although I am pretty sure it’s not recommended for Data Centers.

Mark Yetman
Director Managed Services