Data centers are the foundation of our digital lives. Almost all modern technology services rely on their computing power. Maintaining optimal performance of data centers is essential in maintaining uptime and extending system lifespan. An often overlooked but critical aspect of data center management is indoor air quality (IAQ).
In its recent report, “IoT Devices in Smart Commercial Buildings 2025 to 2030”, smart building-specialist industry analyst Memoori highlighted how “the demanding operational requirements of data centers have positioned them at the forefront of smart building technology innovation”. Part of this relates to the environmental sensors that “virtually every data center is filled with”, given that “even minor inefficiencies can have significant cost and performance implications.”
It’s no surprise, therefore, that indoor air quality (IAQ) sensors have become an important part of the data center environmental monitoring infrastructure.
Why IAQ is crucial for data centers
The air quality inside data centers is vital for the health of the servers, switches, routers, and storage used within them. Poor air quality can affect the overall performance of the data center, create a need for more regular maintenance to avoid downtime, and potentially increase the data center’s overall energy consumption.
Data centers generate a significant amount of heat due to the constant operation of servers and other equipment. To maintain proper functioning, data centers rely on advanced cooling systems to regulate temperatures. Accurate, real-time visibility of temperatures throughout a data center is essential for operators to maintain optimal performance.
Dust and particulate matter can also be major culprits in degrading the performance of the sensitive IT equipment housed in data centers. When dust accumulates on servers, cooling fans, or electrical components, it can impair airflow and lead to overheating. Additionally, the buildup of dust and debris has the potential to short-circuit electronics, resulting in costly repairs or downtime.
Data centers must maintain a specific range of humidity to prevent condensation on equipment, which can cause electrical issues and corrosion. However, too little humidity can cause static electricity, which may damage sensitive components.
A data center’s cooling system is designed to regulate temperature and humidity, ensuring that equipment runs efficiently. If the air quality in the data center is compromised, the cooling systems themselves may become less effective.
Given the significant focus on the energy consumed by the world’s data centers, particularly given the explosive growth in artificial intelligence (AI), energy efficiency is a major concern in data center management. Any information and data which can both support the performance of the data center, while also contributing to energy efficiency, is welcome.
An example of the potential savings comes from Google. Using AI to analyze data collected from thousands of sensors, Google DeepMind reduced its data center cooling bill by 40%. Applying the same approach across all data centers would have a huge impact.
In addition, with greater scrutiny from regulators and the implementation of specific industry standards regarding the operation of data centers – including ISO 50001 for energy management, or the Uptime Institute's Tier standards, which specify operational requirements for data center facilities – the need for such insight is an imperative. A report in 2023 found that fewer than half of data center operators were tracking the metrics needed to either assess their sustainability or meet upcoming regulatory requirements.
Give the impact of air quality in data centers on performance and energy consumption, operators are looking at every way in which they can measure and monitor indoor air quality (IAQ). Indoor air quality sensors are foundational to providing the insight needed to efficiently and effectively optimize a data center’s air quality.
What are indoor air quality sensors?
Indoor air quality (IAQ) sensors are devices designed to monitor a variety of environmental factors, including pollutants and contaminants in the air, temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide (CO2) levels. While many people associate IAQ with human comfort and health, in the case of data centers, the focus is on creating an optimal environment for equipment to operate. These sensors provide real-time data that can help data center operators make informed decisions to optimize air circulation, filtration, and cooling systems.
The benefits of IAQ sensors in data centers
By incorporating IAQ sensors into their operations, data centers can realize numerous benefits. Real-time monitoring of air quality parameters allows data center operators to make immediate adjustments to air filtration and HVAC systems, preventing system inefficiencies and maintaining consistent performance.
This continual monitoring and optimization of temperature, humidity, and airflow can reduce the need for excessive cooling and energy use, resulting in potentially significant operational cost savings.
In addition, maintaining the right air quality conditions reduces the likelihood of system failures or downtime due to overheating, dust buildup, or moisture-related issues.
Such issues in air quality can be identified before they contribute to potential equipment failure, enabling predictive maintenance rather than reactive repairs, reducing the risk of unexpected disruptions and maintaining performance
Reducing energy consumption and optimizing HVAC systems contributes to overall sustainability efforts by lowering the carbon footprint of data center operations.
Ensuring data centers perform as our technological foundation
Indoor air quality can be an overlooked aspect of data center management, yet it plays a pivotal role in the efficiency, reliability, and longevity of the equipment housed within them and, in turn, the critical digital services data centers provide.
By integrating IAQ sensors into their infrastructure, data centers can improve operational performance, reduce energy costs, and ensure the optimal environment for mission-critical systems.
As the demand for data processing and storage continues to grow, the role of IAQ sensors in maintaining the health of data centers will only become more essential, ensuring that these facilities remain efficient, reliable, and sustainable for years to come.
