AC and Heating
Keep Your IT Equipment Safe from Overheating
Server rooms generate intense heat from servers, switches, storage arrays, and networking gear. When temperatures creep above recommended operating ranges (typically 64–80°F), the risk of hardware failure, data loss, and unplanned downtime increases. While building HVAC systems are critical, they aren’t always designed to handle concentrated heat loads or sudden cooling failures.
That’s where portable spot coolers come in. For 2026, the best options combine targeted cooling power, reliability, ease of deployment, and environmentally responsible refrigerants as legacy refrigerant R-410A continues to be phased out.
Below are our top portable spot cooler recommendations for server rooms, including models well-suited for small IT closets to larger, mission-critical environments.
1. Airrex HSC Series — R-454B Portable Spot Cooling (Best Overall)
Airrex has updated its HSC Series to use R-454B refrigerant, significantly reducing GWP while maintaining strong cooling performance and reliability. These are excellent options for a wide range of server room sizes.
Recommended Airrex Models
- HSC-14R — 13,600 BTU · 115V · Compact and portable, ideal for small to mid-sized server rooms
- HSC-18R — 17,600 BTU · 115V or 208-230V options · Great for larger IT closets
- HSC-24R — ~24,000 BTU · 208-230V · Mid-capacity performance
- HSC-36R — ~36,000 BTU · 208-230V · Higher capacity for larger server room zones
Why Airrex Leads in 2026
- Uses R-454B refrigerant (low GWP) for regulatory compliance
- Dual adjustable outlets for directed airflow
- Washable filters reduce maintenance cost
- Compact design and plug-and-play simplicity on standard power
These units balance efficiency, sustainability, and focused cooling, making them strong choices for most server cooling scenarios.
2. OceanAire Deluxe Spot Coolers with R-454B (Best for Continuous Duty)
OceanAire’s Deluxe Spot Coolers cover a broad range of capacities and electrical configurations, and many are now offered with R-454B refrigerant to meet 2026 standards.
Key OceanAire Models
- 2OAC1211 — 1 Ton · 115V / 1 Phase
- 2OAC1811 — 1.5 Ton · 115V / 1 Phase
- 2OAC2412 — 2 Ton · 208-230V / 1 Phase
- 2OAC3612 — 3 Ton · 208-230V / 1 Phase
- 2OAC3632 — 3 Ton · 208-230V / 3 Phase
- 2OAC3634 — 3 Ton · 460V / 3 Phase
- 2OAC6012 — 5 Ton · 208-230V / 1 Phase
- 2OAC6032 — 5 Ton · 208-230V / 3 Phase
Why OceanAire Is a Top Choice
- Broad range of cooling capacities (1–5+ tons) to match heat load
- Multiple voltage and phase options
- Built for continuous operation in demanding environments
- Quiet, controlled airflow suitable even in open office-adjacent server spaces
OceanAire units are durable, scalable, and built with the robust components needed for mission-critical data centers and larger server deployments.
3. MovinCool Climate Pro Series (High Capacity)
MovinCool’s Climate Pro Series includes high-capacity portable coolers often exceeding 30,000–60,000+ BTU—useful for larger heat loads or spaces that require broad coverage.
Popular MovinCool Model Lines
- Climate Pro 36 — ~36,000 BTU
- Climate Pro 48 — ~48,000 BTU
- Climate Pro 60 — ~60,000 BTU
Considerations
- Larger footprint and power requirements
- Some legacy models still rely on R-410A, so confirm refrigerant
- Strong reliability and output when sized correctly
These are solid options where a single larger cooler is needed rather than multiple smaller units.
4. KwiKool Iceberg Series (Flexible Cooling)
KwiKool Iceberg Series units are known for precise temperature control and offer both air-cooled and optional water-cooled configurations.
Notable Iceberg Models
- Iceberg II 14 — ~14,000 BTU
- Iceberg II 18 — ~18,000 BTU
- Iceberg II 24 — ~24,000 BTU
Strengths
- Offers flexibility with condenser options
- Effective for smaller server rooms or edge cooling applications
- Often used where condenser placement is limited
Confirm the refrigerant type on specific Iceberg models, as older variants may use R-410A.
5. Tripp Lite SRCOOL Series (Rack-Focused Spot Cooling)
For small, tightly packed IT closets or rack rows, Tripp Lite SRCOOL units deliver compact, targeted cooling.
Typical SRCOOL Options
- SRCOOL10K — ~10,000 BTU
- SRCOOL15K — ~15,000 BTU
Best Use Cases
- Rack-adjacent supplemental cooling
- Small closets or telecom rooms
- As a backup to existing HVAC
These units are best when space is limited and the heat load is modest.
Quick 2026 Spot Cooler Comparison
| Model Series | Typical Cooling | Refrigerant | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airrex HSC (14R–36R) | 13,600–36,000 BTU | R-454B | Small–mid server rooms |
| OceanAire Deluxe (1–5 Ton) | ~12,000–60,000+ BTU | R-454B | Larger rooms, continuous duty |
| MovinCool Climate Pro | 30,000–60,000+ BTU | R-410A / newer options | High capacity |
| KwiKool Iceberg | ~14,000–24,000 BTU | R-454B / check model | Flexible cooling |
| Tripp Lite SRCOOL | ~10,000–15,000 BTU | Varies | Rack-adjacent cooling |
2026 Takeaway: Choosing R-454B-equipped models like Airrex and OceanAire helps future-proof your cooling strategy and reduces regulatory risk compared to older R-410A units.
How to Choose the Right Spot Cooler for Your Server Room
When selecting portable spot cooling for 2026 and beyond, consider the following:
- Heat Load and Capacity: Match the BTU rating to the actual heat load of your server room. Too little capacity will struggle; too much can waste energy.
- Refrigerant Regulations: Prioritize units with R-454B to align with low-GWP requirements.
- Power and Phase: Confirm voltage and phase (115V, 208-230V single-phase, or 3-phase) based on your facility’s electrical infrastructure.
- Portability and Setup: Wheeled units and plug-and-play designs simplify deployment during emergencies or temporary needs.
- Continuous Operation: For mission-critical spaces, choose models designed for 24/7 reliability.
Final Recommendation
For most small to mid-sized server rooms, the Airrex HSC Series (especially HSC-14R and HSC-18R) delivers reliable, eco-friendly cooling with easy deployment.
For larger heat loads or continuous-duty environments, OceanAire Deluxe spot coolers offer scalable capacity and robust performance.
If you need help selecting the right model or confirming sizing, contact Climate Control Solutions for expert guidance.
