DATA CENTRE COOLING
millimetre, can reduce system effi ciency by as much as 15– 20%. Multiply that across multiple chillers running 24/7, and the energy waste soon ramps up. A robust chiller service programme for a mission-critical
environment like a data centre should be pre-emptive, rather than reactive, because reacting could be too late. Some of the most impactful maintenance tasks include leak detection, which manages refrigerant loss. Suction and discharge pressure checks help diagnose load handling and confi rm that compressors aren’t being overworked. Subcooling and superheat measurements fi ne-tune refrigerant fl ow for optimal thermal performance. Cleaning condenser coils helps restore heat transfer, while electrical and sensor inspections catch potential faults before they escalate into costly failures. Checks on expansion valve position, oil pressure, vibration isolators and freeze protection settings all contribute to reliability and resilience.
From maintenance to market leadership Legacy systems remain a vital part of many data centre operations and, when properly maintained, can continue to deliver reliable, effi cient performance. In today’s high-demand environment, consistent servicing is not just about upkeep; it can play an important role in protecting business continuity, energy performance and compliance. With high-density racks, AI workloads and increasingly
remote campuses putting strain on HVAC infrastructure, the sector needs more than a calendar-based service schedule. It needs condition-based strategies, performance logging and technicians who understand the diff erence between data and insight. Forward-thinking operators are embracing a more strategic
approach to HVAC service, one that pairs core maintenance with higher-value services designed to support business goals. This includes CapEx (Capital Expenditure) budget assistance, which helps operators plan future investments based on system condition, lifecycle stage and long-term effi ciency targets. It also includes design optimisation services, off ering expert guidance on how to improve chiller plant layout and confi guration for better reliability, resilience and output. Performance analysis services are equally valuable. By
evaluating PUE (Power Usage Eff ectiveness) across HVAC and IT infrastructure, engineers can pinpoint sources of energy waste and produce tailored roadmaps for improvement. Carbon assessments, energy audits and commissioning support provide essential evidence and assurance that cooling systems are operating within their environmental targets and original design specifi cations. Carrier’s Abound HVAC Performance platform enhances this approach further, using real-time data insights and cloud connectivity to continuously monitor equipment health, identify ineffi ciencies and support condition-based maintenance strategies.
Case in point: maintaining performance across 500+ assets One example that illustrates the power of HVAC service partnerships comes from a UK data centre operator supported
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by a global facilities management provider. Carrier has created a tailored service agreement to support the customer with its multiple high-density sites, which have more than 500 HVAC assets, including chillers, close control units, humidifi ers, fan coils and dry air coolers.
Despite the equipment being supplied by various manufacturers, the operator selected a single trusted service provider capable of delivering consistency, depth of technical knowledge and a high standard of maintenance. The strategy is a proactive, partnership-led model focused on performance optimisation, carbon reduction and uptime assurance. Each site is supported by dedicated service technicians familiar with the specifi c asset mix. Communication and repairs are streamlined through a designated point of contact, while maintenance is delivered in line with a rigorous 38-point checklist. This includes EC517/2014-compliant leak tests, oil pressure and heater checks, superheat and subcooling diagnostics, control panel reviews and vibration analysis. All fi ndings are documented in regular condition reports, which include actionable recommendations to improve effi ciency and sustainability.
In addition to day-to-day servicing, the data centre operator
benefi ts from broader strategic support. This includes preliminary site assessments, long-term PUE reduction planning, capex and design optimisation advice, energy and carbon audits, and access to specialist training and digital tools. The result is a service model that not only keeps things running, but one that actively improves performance and positions the site for future gains.
The quiet work that powers the cloud Data centres may have become the backbone of our digital economy, but cooling is the silent enabler. And in the UK, where ambition is high, but advanced cooling technology isn’t quite there yet, the role of skilled service technicians is more important than ever. They’re becoming key partners in performance, compliance and sustainability. Until advanced cooling methods like immersion or liquid cooling become mainstream, likely not for another couple of years, the most meaningful gains will come from getting more out of the systems already in place. These service engineers are the ones turning sustainability goals into operational gains, keeping power-hungry workloads stable, and doing the quiet, critical work that keeps the cloud running.
www.acr-news.com • November 2025 17
"Unlike the fl ashy headlines
about cutting- edge cooling, the real effi ciency gains
today often come from inspecting, calibrating, brushing and testing."
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