What to Do If Your Cooling Systems Fail
Welcome to Keep Your Cool—a series tackling simple cooling optimization strategies for busy data center operators.
When a cooling system fails in a data center, every second counts. The rise in temperature can quickly lead to overheating, equipment damage, and costly downtime. A swift and calculated response is critical to minimizing these risks.
Now, the best way way to react if your cooling system fails is to have had a “table top” / failure mode effects analysis (FMEA) exercise, where you assess the risk of failure and develop a contingency plan. Each plan will be custom to your facility and should be “practiced” with your staff AHEAD of any failure. However, you can use the following steps as a guide to creating your own contingency plan.
Assess the Situation Immediately
Your first step is to quickly identify the scope of the failure. Has the entire cooling system shut down, or are only specific components affected? Understanding whether the issue stems from a localized failure—such as a malfunctioning CRAC (Computer Room Air Conditioning) unit—or a complete HVAC breakdown will guide your next steps. Pay special attention to areas most at risk, such as high-density server racks, since they are prone to rapid overheating.
Activate Redundant Cooling Systems
If your data center has redundant or backup cooling units, switch them on immediately (if they haven’t already started). Most modern data centers have redundancy built into their cooling infrastructure, such as N+1 or 2N configurations. These systems are designed to kick in automatically, but it’s essential to verify that they’re functioning as intended. Check airflow consistency and ensure temperatures are stabilizing across mission-critical areas, especially around hot aisles.
Optimize Airflow Quickly
If backup systems aren’t enough to maintain safe temperatures, it’s time to get creative with your airflow management. Rearrange equipment temporarily to allow better air circulation in key areas. Clear obstructions from vents and ensure hot and cold air aisles are well defined. If possible, open containment doors to let cooler air reach overheating components. Simple fixes like removing floor tiles in front of server racks can significantly improve airflow, but be mindful of maintaining overall airflow balance.
Deploy Portable Cooling Units
Having portable air conditioners or spot coolers on standby can be a lifesaver during cooling system failures. These units can be rapidly deployed to targeted areas that are most at risk. However, knowing the capacity of each unit and where to position them is key. For example, spot coolers are particularly effective when directed at high-density racks or areas showing the highest temperature spikes. Pre-position power outlets and keep deployment paths clear to ensure that you can get these units up and running as quickly as possible.
Communicate with Your Team
Clear, efficient communication is vital in high-stress situations like a cooling system failure. Ensure all relevant personnel—both on-site and remote—are immediately informed of the situation. Define responsibilities quickly to avoid confusion and overlap, and have someone monitor the status of the cooling systems while others handle physical adjustments. Open lines of communication will reduce response time and prevent unnecessary panic, making the recovery process smoother.
Monitor Temperatures in Real Time
As the situation develops, constant monitoring of environmental conditions is critical. Use thermal sensors to track real-time temperatures across your data center, especially in hot spots and areas critical to uptime. You can either use your permanent sensors or deploy temporary sensors, like the AUDIT-BUDDY, around the room. By keeping an eye on these metrics, you’ll be able to make informed decisions on whether additional emergency measures are required. Data-driven responses allow you to avoid guesswork and react with precision.
Reevaluate and Prepare for Contingencies
Once emergency measures are in place, continue to monitor temperatures closely and reassess your response. If cooling efforts aren't stabilizing conditions, it might be necessary to prepare for a controlled shutdown of the most vulnerable equipment to prevent irreversible damage. While downtime is undesirable, it's far less costly than replacing critical hardware. Simultaneously, review what triggered the failure to see if any preventative steps can be applied in real-time or future scenarios.
Conclusion
Cooling system failures are unpredictable, but being prepared with a solid action plan can protect your data center from major disruption. Rapid assessment, optimized airflow, and proactive communication are key to ensuring system stability in an emergency. Most importantly, continuous environmental monitoring and regular equipment maintenance will help you stay ahead of potential cooling issues.
About Purkay Labs
Purkay Labs provides advanced temporary environmental monitoring solutions, such as the AUDIT-BUDDY, which empower data center operators to detect cooling inefficiencies and failures before they become critical. Our tools help you maintain optimal temperature and humidity levels, ensuring your data center remains operational—even during unexpected cooling system failures. With Purkay Labs, you’re equipped to protect your most valuable infrastructure.