5 Easy Tips for Keeping Your Server Room Cool

Small business owners must wear many hats. Not only must they meet customer expectations, they must also stick to tight budgets and preserve company resources. Meanwhile, modern organizations rely on computer systems and networks to improve business processes. As such, most offices have a server room that houses vital hardware. With normal operation, however, computer equipment generates a considerable amount of heat. Overheating, of course, can wreak havoc on sophisticated hardware. Therefore, component cooling becomes a top priority for diligent business owners. Here are five easy tips for keeping your office’s server room cool.

1. Store Equipment Separately

If space is at a premium in your office, you might be tempted to stash your network equipment in a storage closet with other items. Usually, that’s a bad idea. Old boxes, holiday decorations, and cleaning products can interfere with airflow. They can also retain heat or generate their own. Accordingly, be sure to store your computer hardware in a dedicated space.

2. Get the Right Cabinetry

Placing network hardware on conventional bookshelves is a mistake. Since regular office furniture isn’t designed to breathe, your equipment can suffocate while sitting on a shelf. Instead, opt for cabinetry designed with component cooling in mind.

3. Don’t Forget About Moisture

Heat isn’t your only concern when safeguarding your company’s network equipment. You also must remember to keep your hardware dry. Never store essential items in basements or other areas prone to flooding. Also, try to place your office network equipment far from swamp coolers, kitchens, and other sources of humidity.

4. Keep It Clean

To operate at an efficient temperature, your company’s network servers and other pieces of hardware must have adequate airflow. As you probably know, clogged vents can limit air. Thus, be certain you regularly clean dirt, lean, and other debris from vents. Remember, though, hardware can be delicate. When you are removing accumulated gunk, be sure you follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. If you are unsure how to properly clear dust, contract with a specialist to be sure you do not damage sensitive equipment.

5. Install a Fan

Often, the best way to encourage clean, cool, efficient hardware operation is to install a ventilation system in your server room. Instead of opting for a bathroom fan that might lack sufficient power, choose one specifically designed for office applications.

Instead of risking the welfare of sensitive computer equipment, savvy business owners develop strategies for effective component cooling. While you might choose to speak with an IT professional to ensure your company’s hardware stays in tip-top shape, you might use these five recommendations as a foundation for a component cooling strategy.

Kevin Smith is a writer and an avid reader. He writes about business, marketing, health, pets, or relationships etc.