2026-10-03 17:37 UTC
I've been running a Tripplite rack cooler in the home server room for a few years. While it keeps the room cool, it also doesn't manage humidity super well, and only has two modes - Fan, and compressor on. So it cycles quite a bit throughout the day, It also places quite a bit of load on the UPS. With the AC on it, the UPS goes from being able to support the entire system load for an hour or so, to under 10 minutes. The high inrush also isn't good for the batteries.
So, early next week, we're installing a Mitsubishi cooling-only 3/4 ton mini split in the room. 12 year warranty on it with 3 year labor, and it's compatible with home assistant so I can set up automations (like emergency server shutdown) if its condensate pump backing up causes it to shut down or other emergencies.
Not going to be cheap, but it'll create less noise, keep the humidity more stable, and will cost a lot less over the long haul for electricity since it will use only a fraction, and won't be cycling a lot like the current unit is.
And I can probably get at least a few hundred bucks for the current unit.
Big project, since the server room only has front of house access, which we can't use to mount the exterior unit, so it has to go through the attic, down the side of the house.
The things I do to continue self hosting. :)
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