Spot cooler sizing can be a guessing game if you don’t have answers to some of the basic questions required for your application. Some of the questions that will help with sizing are listed below, but other applications require even more analysis to come up with the perfect portable AC unit. Give us a call if we can assist with sizing your server room, data center, warehouse, office space or any area that needs primary, supplemental or emergency cooling.
Spot Cooler and Portable AC Sizing
- Size of space to be cooled – This can usually be determined by measuring the room size - length x width = square footage. If you don’t have anything to measure with you can get a good estimate by counting the ceiling tiles…they are usually 2′ x 2′ or 2′ x 4′. Knowing the ceiling height helps in the calculations also…do you have a 8 – 10 foot ceiling or a 15-20 foot ceiling…it will make a difference.
- Size of A/C system that failed – If you know that it was a 5 ton unit that failed, putting in a 5 ton portable unit will usually do the trick.
- Determine BTU required for emergency cooling – There are a few ways that you can come up with the proper sizing.
If you know the total watts for all servers and equipment in your server room use this formula: Watts x 3.4 = BTU
If you know the total Volts/Amps for your equipment use this formula: (Volts x Amps) x 3.4 = BTU
If you are unsure about this step, a ServerCOOL representative will be glad to help with these calculations. - Power available (115, 208/1, 208/3, 460/3) – Ask your building facility manager or electrician what voltage is available in your building.
- How much space is available for units? – Dimensions are listed on our specification sheets for each unit. Keep in mind that spot coolers need additional space around the unit for ventilation purposes, so keep the condenser and evaporator area clear of obstructions.
- Will units be inside or outside? Some units are not designed to be left out in the elements, or in extreme heat or cold, so knowing the answer to this will help us determine what units to recommend for your application.
- How will supply air be distributed? Free blow or ducted? – We’ll need this information to know what attachments to provide for your specific application. Some applications may require units with nozzles, or may need additional attachments that include an adapter with supply ducting.
- Where will condenser air be discharged? – Do you have a drop-down or suspended ceiling, plaster or drywall ceiling, or will you need to exhaust the warm air out of a window? We will need to know this in order to provide the proper exhaust kit or ducting for your job.
- How will the condensate be removed? Tanks or pumped? – Spot coolers collect condensation as part of the air conditioning process. This water can be collected in a condensate tank, or can be pumped out using a condensate pump kit. If you will be using a spot cooler in a server room, it is recommended that you use a condensate pump if at all possible. Most spot coolers come with an automatic shut-off if the condensate tank fills up, keeping the tank from overflowing. In a server room, it is best to use a condensate pump that will continuously pump water out, so you never have to worry about the unit shutting down with a full tank.
- Still not sure? Give us a call at 800-277-1565…we will be glad to help.
