Server Room Temperature Recommendation

One of the most important tasks when you are planning to run a website or running a data center, is server design and its maintenance. A web server needs to be up 24 x 7 and so does a data center. To be able to maintain optimum efficiency of functioning, the equipment needs to be housed in a temperature and humidity controlled environment. One needs to know what is the ideal server room temperature, which can ensure that all the network components function with optimum efficiency. The aim of this article is to discuss what is the ideal temperature and humidity range for a server room or a data center.

Like all mechanical components, the nemesis of electronic components is heat and humidity. Every one of the computer hardware parts, which includes the computer processor, motherboard and all of its accessories have a range of temperatures between which their work with optimum efficiency.

However, drastic variation from this optimum temperature range can cause a breakdown, affecting its functioning severely. When you have a website running on the server or a data center dependent on it, you can't really afford to have a server blanked out due to heat problems. Let us take a look at the factors which determine the ideal temperature for server rooms or data centers.

Factors That Determine Ideal Temperature & Humidity

Every electronic component, which is a part of the server computer and its connected equipment generates a certain amount of heat through its functioning. Ideally, to determine the right room temperature, one must study the optimum performance temperature range for each component and set the temperature and humidity levels of the server room accordingly.

So one of the first factors is the heat output of every one of its computer hardware components and their optimal performance range. Of course, the number of computer systems, switches and other such networking components installed also affects the choice of temperature range. Most importantly, the size of the server room and its dimensions matter as it will determine the capacity of the air conditioner system that you will require to maintain the ideal temperature.

The set temperature of the air conditioning system and humidity levels need to be precisely calibrated so that the heat generated by the components is effectively driven away, through air circulation. The temperature and humidity levels cannot be too low or high. The heat carrying capacity of air is related to its moisture holding capacity and temperature.

Ideal Server Room Temperature

The ideal temperature and humidity are specified by all server equipment manufacturers. Both temperature and humidity values need to be maintained within a specific range. The ideal temperature recommendation from experts is 20 degrees to 21 degree Celsius (that is 68 to 71 degree Fahrenheit). Although the temperature may vary in individual cases, depending on the heat output of the equipment it's not recommended that it be set below 10 degree Celsius (50 degree Fahrenheit) or above 28 degree Celsius (82 degree Fahrenheit).

The humidity of the room should be maintained around 40% to 50%. When I specify humidity levels here, it is in terms of relative humidity. Temperature sensors are attached to the network itself and they can provide email or sms alerts when the ambient temperature goes above or below recommended levels.

The ideal temperature range is 20 to 21 degree Celsius but it may vary according to the number, structure and heat output of the entire computer network. It is best to consult the manufacturers of server equipment for the right ambient server room temperatures. Installing monitors is highly recommended as it can alert you in case the air conditioning equipment breaks down. When you have a server room or data center to take care of, it's best not to take chances.