Here are a few strategies to consider as you are preparing your data center for 2014:

* Assess cooling unit return-air temperatures and latent cooling conditions.

* Conducting an infrared (IR) temperature survey will help track the proper management of previous thermal management issues and identify any new issues that may arise.

* Install blanking panels that seal effectively, with no gaps between panels, in all open spaces within cabinets. Install blanking panels, seal under cabinets, and seal between mounting rails and sides of cabinets.

* Regularly calibrate all cooling unit return-air temperature and relative humidity (RH) sensors and validate your IT cooling equipment performance.

* Tracking will help assure that your cooling infrastructure will be operating at maximum capacity, maximum reliability, and the lowest operating cost (and best PUE) in 2014.

Read It’s That Time of Year: How to Prepare Your Data Center for 2014 from Data Center Knowledge