Efficient cooling plays a central role in maintaining uptime, protecting hardware, and reducing operational costs in data centres. However, traditional methods can fall short under modern workloads and density increases. The good news is that several underused strategies can improve thermal management almost immediately—without requiring major infrastructure overhauls. Whether you’re operating a small server room or managing enterprise-scale systems, these seven tactics will enhance cooling performance starting today.

1. Fine-Tune Hot and Cold Aisle Separation

Most operators already follow the hot aisle/cold aisle layout, but many don’t implement full containment. Incomplete barriers allow warm and cool air to mix, weakening cooling efficiency. Install floor-to-ceiling aisle containment or sliding doors to improve separation. Sealing gaps under racks and between tiles further strengthens airflow direction. This small adjustment makes a significant impact by keeping intake air cooler and reducing the burden on cooling units.

2. Increase Rack Ventilation Efficiency

Perforated doors and blanking panels help guide airflow, yet some installations neglect proper vent management. Replace solid rack doors with vented options and install blanking panels between servers to prevent air recirculation. This forces cold air through equipment rather than around it, improving cooling precision. Regularly audit panel configurations and correct any gaps that could disrupt the front-to-back airflow path.

3. Recalibrate CRAH Units for Targeted Output

CRAH (Computer Room Air Handler) units often operate below optimum efficiency due to static settings. Adjust airflow output to match actual rack demand rather than maintaining constant output across the room. Use thermal mapping tools to identify hot spots and fine-tune CRAH airflow accordingly. Balancing supply with demand in real time lowers energy use while maintaining optimal server conditions.

4. Deploy Environmental Sensors for Real-Time Monitoring

Adding more sensors across aisles and within cabinets provides detailed temperature and humidity data. Many data centres rely on limited wall-mounted sensors, which don’t capture variability within equipment rows. Real-time data allows facilities to adjust airflow dynamically, reduce overcooling, and quickly identify trouble zones. More sensors mean better decisions and fewer assumptions about thermal behaviour.

5. Rearrange Equipment Based on Heat Load

Not all servers generate the same amount of heat. Placing high-load servers randomly throughout the facility causes uneven heat distribution, making it harder to cool efficiently. Group higher-heat equipment together in zones closest to the CRAH units or liquid cooling support. Organising racks by load profile improves airflow predictability and maximises the effectiveness of cooling systems across the room.

6. Add a Liquid Cooling System to Support Dense Loads

While traditional air cooling manages baseline demand, high-density installations may require additional solutions. Integrating a liquid cooling system into high-performance computing zones instantly reduces temperature in racks where airflow alone falls short. Liquid systems transfer heat away from the source more effectively, supporting denser configurations without compromising uptime or increasing energy bills significantly. Hybrid setups combining air and liquid offer maximum flexibility.

7. Implement Variable Fan Speeds and Setpoints

Instead of running fans at a fixed speed, switch to variable speed control. Adjust fan output based on inlet temperature to reduce energy usage during periods of low demand. Optimising setpoints for temperature and humidity can yield immediate improvements. Many systems operate with overly conservative thresholds, which lead to overcooling. Updating setpoints and aligning them with manufacturer guidance creates a more balanced environment with less energy waste.

Small Adjustments Deliver Big Results

Improving data centre cooling doesn’t always require expensive upgrades. Smart layout changes, airflow corrections, and targeted enhancements like CRAH calibration or liquid cooling system integration can make a dramatic difference in performance and reliability. These strategies increase cooling precision, lower energy costs, and extend hardware lifespan—instantly creating a more resilient and efficient environment.

With growing pressure to deliver higher uptime and manage rising workloads, now is the time to revisit your cooling approach. Small, strategic adjustments yield fast gains and prepare your facility for future growth.

Enhance your data centre cooling today—contact Canatec for expert solutions.