Just like a regular computer, it’s quite common for servers to build up dust and is often ignored. Dust can be damaging to the system’s normal operation and can dramatically impact the life expectancy of the server.
Dust build up can lead to all kinds of problems. For example, vital airflow to important components is restricted and can cause the system to overheat, under perform or in serious cases, cause a critical hardware failure.
The event of a critical failure can mean some serious downtime for your business however some simple preventative maintenance can help reduce the likelihood of a serious system failure ever occurring.
Do I need to clean?
Depending where you server is located, dust can build up quickly. So if you can write your name in the dust and see it clearly, then the chance is you’ll need to do something about it.
Cleaning the Exterior
Do not dust the back of the server. Problematic dust rarely builds up at the back of the server. You create the risk of accidentally knocking out the power cable or damaging something else, so it’s best to stay away from the back completely.
Cleaning the Interior
Dust can be sneaky and settle on important components inside the case. If you are cleaning the external vents of your server frequently (every 2-3 months) you should consider having a professional clean the server internally once every 1-2 years.
Do not open the server. Cleaning the inside of a server needs to be completed by a professional. The inside of a server is very delicate and is at risk of static shocks and miss handling of components. Please contact ACR Support to perform a manual backup and safely shut down the server before any internal work is administered.
ACR Pro-Tips
- Print this out and leave a copy near the server
- Check dust monthly and clean when required