(Reprinted by request)

I am writing this article from a hotel room in Colorado looking out on the beautiful Rocky Mountains. It is nearly 90 degrees outside, but the Rockies are snow capped. A Pike's Peak brochure in the hotel lobby mentioned that there are 30 degrees difference between the base of Pike's Peak and the Summit.

I was thinking about the temperature differences in some offices and the area where their servers and other critical network equipment are stored. Some offices keep their air conditioning in the office areas set between 68 and 72 degrees. However, the unvented closet where their servers and other equipment are stored can reach 90+ degrees. Over time this extreme heat can adversely affect the equipment. In addition, many brand name server manufacturers have thermostats inside their servers which cause them to shut down if a certain temperature threshold is reached. It can take a significant amount of time for the server to "cool off" enough to bring the server back up.

The problem may not just affect servers and networking equipment in closets. When I work on network issues for clients I often go to various workstations. It is not uncommon to see PC workstations under desks, pushed to the very back (which blocks internal PC fans from circulating air properly). As well, there are often times that papers, files and boxes are placed on top of and around the PCs – again blocking proper air flow. Over time, this extreme heat can shorten the life of the PC.

Okay. I have mentioned servers, networking equipment, and PC workstations, but you laptop and PDA users are not off the hook. Many laptops just are too darn small to get proper air flow through their miniaturized components.  Due to this fact, the bottoms of the laptops are usually hot after just a few minutes of being powered on. Could it be that this is the reason that most desktops outlive laptops... or laptops often times are more problematic then typical desktops?

What should you do about your servers? It's simple. If your server closet is uncomfortable for you, it's probably more than uncomfortable for your server and networking equipment. Make sure you have proper ventilation and air conditioning into the server closet. Make sure switches, routers and other equipment are placed properly and not stacked on top of one another as this also will cause a buildup of excess heat.

What should you do about your PC workstations? If you know me, you know I am not a big fan of placing workstations directly on the floor. While sitting on the floor, the internal fans are "inhaling" carpet fibers, dust bunnies, and everything imaginable floating under the desks. Normally, I recommend placing PC workstations on desks where the air circulation is better and the air quality is better than on the floor.

Laptop heat issues have spawned a myriad of products to cool your laptop. There are various products to elevate and fan a breeze under the laptop itself. Many of these products are cost effective and do an adequate job of dispersing some of the excess heat.

PDA and Smartphone users: This should go without saying. But keep your PDA out of direct sunlight, and don't leave it in your car or take it to the beach. Direct sunlight may permanently damage your PDA's or Smartphone's delicate screen. As well, the excess heat can cause damage to your battery.

So this summer ... stay cool and do likewise for your important technology investment.

If you or your organization have not yet benefitted from the expertise of the SNBS staff, please take your concerns to Ken at 717-757-6999 or 800-745-8233, or send him an email by using the form below. Along with the many technical services they offer, SNBS provides Internet and website consulting services. Ken is also the co-host of the Technology Trust podcasts. Ken's blog is available at http://www.kensaxe.com/.

IT STAFF PROVIDES COMMUNITY SERVICE Our Business Solution folks do more than work with machines and software - they work with people, too. Check out two of their latest Community Service adventures in these past articles: SN's Technology Professionals Plug into Katrina Restoration Effort (January 23, 2008 issue) SN Volunteers assist with Convoy of Hope (July 23, 2008 issue)

Save article

Email Firm

Email to a Friend