Emergency Cooling Needs? Questions to Ask

6/17/2025

Maintenance and engineering managers need to ask a series of important questions when considering facilities’ portable cooling needs, says Brandon Elliott, mechanical technical director with Henderson Engineers:  

• What is the function of each space? 
• Are the cooling needs for people, equipment or products? 
• What is the occupant load during normal operation? 
• Will there be spikes in occupants if the facility is used during an emergency? 
• What are the consequences if those areas lose cooling, such as servers overheating, unsafe conditions for occupants or spoiled food? 
• How long can different areas tolerate higher temperatures with no cooling? 
• Do certain areas require 24/7/365 cooling no matter the situation?  
• Do certain areas require humidity control? 
• Is it acceptable to reduce or stop ventilation during emergencies?  
• What length of time does temporary cooling need to operate? 
• Will lighting and other equipment operate during that time? 
• How will the placement of the portable cooling equipment impact acoustics? 
• How does the heat rejection from the units impact the space, and how is that heat removed? 

Managers have a lot to consider when faced with bringing in extra options to meet additional cooling needs. Being prepared and better informed about the issues and concerns will help overcome potentially life-threatening situations for occupants.