Data center heat waste linked to increased nearby air conditioning costs
An Arizona State University researcher found that heat waste from data centers can measurably warm nearby areas, potentially increasing home air conditioning bills. The warming effect can extend up to five football fields downwind, leading to a several percent increase in utility costs, especially for upper-level apartment residents.
An Arizona State University researcher has identified a measurable warming effect around data centers, extending up to five football fields downwind. This phenomenon, which can cause a 1-2 degree Fahrenheit elevation in air temperature, may lead to a several percent increase in utility bills for nearby homes, potentially adding tens of dollars per month to air conditioning costs.
The study also indicated that multi-level apartment complexes situated near data centers could experience even greater impacts, particularly for residents on upper floors. These higher levels are roughly at the same height as the data center rooftops where heat-releasing equipment is typically located, making residents more susceptible to the direct effects of the emitted heat.