CLEAN INSIGHTS / Protection & climate
Air quality and climate control in data centers
HEPA air cleaning and climate monitoring do different jobs. Here is how to plan them during operation and construction.
Consider air quality and climate together
Air paths, filtration and operating conditions need to suit the installation, following manufacturer specifications. A room thermometer does not automatically show the air temperature at the device inlet. Choose measurement locations deliberately.
Commission measurements against a clear goal
Is the aim to establish a baseline, compare conditions after cleaning or support a construction phase? This determines measurement locations and timing. Record operating state and measurement conditions for useful comparisons rather than placing isolated numbers side by side.
Use HEPA air cleaning appropriately
Portable HEPA units can be planned as an additional measure to reduce airborne particles. Position, airflow and operation are matched to the room. Deposits on surfaces and inside equipment receive the separately agreed cleaning. Air and surface cleaning serve different purposes.
Read H14 specifications correctly
Under EN 1822, H14 filters have an overall efficiency of at least 99.995 per cent at MPPS, the most penetrating particle size. This filter specification is not a percentage cleanliness guarantee for the room. A separate result at 0.3 micrometres must retain its stated test conditions.
Supervise construction enclosures
A temporary positive-pressure enclosure may be planned to protect sensitive IT areas. It needs an appropriate air arrangement, access control and monitoring of temperature and agreed pressure and operating conditions. Coordinate the enclosure with existing cooling and site requirements.
Turn results into actions
A report assigns readings to their locations and times and records observations. Discuss follow-up actions with the responsible team when anomalies arise. Filter replacement, technical cooling maintenance and equipment changes belong within the relevant specialist responsibilities.
FOR YOUR PLANNING
Your checklist at a glance
- Define measurement goals and locations
- Consider manufacturer requirements
- Distinguish filter performance from room conditions
- Plan temperature monitoring for enclosures
- Document findings and actions together