Money Saving Tactics For IT Server Rooms

Why Every Server Room Needs a Backup AC Unit

Server rooms generate constant heat. If the main AC system fails, even briefly, temperatures can rise quickly. This puts your equipment at risk of:

• Hardware damage

• Data loss or corruption

• System downtime

• Expensive repairs and business disruption

  
  

A backup AC unit ensures continuous cooling, protecting your servers during emergencies or scheduled maintenance. Redundancy ensures reliability—one unit should never carry all the risk.

AC Isn't Just About Cool Air

A server room with poorly maintained or outdated air conditioning is a ticking time bomb. Energy costs rise, downtime risks multiply, and subtle failures can go undetected—until it’s too late. Upgrading to precision cooling is essential for safeguarding infrastructure, reducing energy costs, and maintaining business continuity.

Old vs. New AC Units: Efficiency, Cost & Savings

Feature / Factor	Old AC Units (10–15+ yrs)	Modern AC Systems (Latest Tech)
Cooling Technology	Single-speed compressors	Inverter-driven variable-speed compressors
Efficiency (SEER / COP)	SEER 8–10 / COP ~2.5	SEER 16–25 / COP ~4.5–6.0
Energy Usage	High energy consumption	Up to 40% lower energy use
Humidity Control	Often poor or absent	Integrated & automated
Monitoring & Smart Controls	Manual thermostats or analog timers	BMS integration, remote monitoring, IoT-enabled
Expected Lifespan	10–12 years	15–20 years
Annual Running Cost	£2,000–£3,500+	£1,200–£2,000
Estimated Annual Savings	—	£800–£1,500+ per system
Payback Period	—	3–5 years (faster with energy incentives)

Example Scenario (UK Mid-Sized Server Room):

• Old Unit Running Cost: ~£3,200/year

• New Unit Running Cost: ~£1,700/year

• Annual Savings: ~£1,500

• ROI Period: Just over 3 years

  
  

Hidden Costs of Keeping Old Systems

• Higher repair frequency

• Downtime risk from sudden failure

• Regulatory non-compliance (e.g., banned refrigerants like R22)

• No eligibility for modern energy efficiency grants or Carbon Trust incentives

  
  

Key Regulations & Standards in the UK

1. F-Gas Regulations (EU/UK Regulation 517/2014)

   • Regulates fluorinated greenhouse gases (HFCs)

   • Leak checks every 3–12 months depending on refrigerant charge

   • Certified engineers required for servicing and installation

   • Phasedown of high-GWP refrigerants like R410A, R404A

     
     

2. Building Regulations Part L

   • Sets minimum energy efficiency standards

   • All AC systems must meet SEER ratings

     
     

3. TM44 AC Inspections

   • Mandatory for systems >12kW

   • Every 5 years by accredited inspectors

   • Penalty: £300+ per unit if not conducted

   • Benefit: 10–20% energy savings through identified inefficiencies

     
     

4. ASHRAE Thermal Guidelines for Data Centers

   • Target temperature: 18–27°C

   • Humidity: 40–60%

   • Systems must maintain stable environmental conditions

     
     

Consequences of Non-Compliance

• Fines from regulatory bodies

• Increased insurance premiums or claim denials

• Equipment damage from thermal stress

• Loss of certifications (ISO, PCI DSS, etc.)

  
  

Partner with Delta T Cooling

Secure your infrastructure. Ensure compliance. Partner with Delta T Cooling.

We help facility managers future-proof their cooling systems—from retrofit evaluations to full installations—with ongoing, expert support.

📞 Ready to assess your server room? Book a technical consultation today.