Data Center Load & Energy Demands: What the Numbers Say Now
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By Lauren Acklin
- In Facility Management HVAC
Facility Management, HVAC October 6, 2026 Data Center Load & Energy Demands: What the Numbers Say Now If you are laying the groundwork for a new data center—or planning upgrades to an existing facility—the design assumptions from even a few years ago may no longer reflect today’s operating environment. Rack densities are climbing. Cooling requirements are changing. Power availability is becoming a critical site-selection and capacity-planning consideration. And as AI and other high-performance computing applications accelerate demand, facility infrastructure is being asked to support significantly more load within the same—or sometimes smaller—footprint. For owners, developers, and facility teams, that means load and energy assumptions need to be addressed earlier in the planning process. Here is what current industry reporting through 2026 tells us about rack density, cooling requirements, and power availability—and what those numbers could mean for facility planning. Rack Density Is Rising Quickly Data center planning has always started with a load number. What has changed is how quickly that number is moving. According to figures reported in the AFCOM State of the Data Center Report 2026, average rack density has increased significantly in recent years: Year Average kW per Rack Change 2021 7 kW Baseline 2023 8.5 kW Gradual 2024 12 kW Accelerating 2025 16 kW Accelerating 2026 27 kW Up approximately 69% in one year Source: AFCOM, State of the Data Center Report 2026. Figures represent blended industry averages and may vary significantly by facility type and workload. 01 — Yesterday’s Baseline May Not Work for Tomorrow’s Facility The reported average rack density increased from 16 kW in 2025 to 27 kW in 2026. Compared with the 7 kW figure reported in 2021, that represents a dramatic change in only five years. That matters because data centers are rarely designed for a single year of operation. A facility planned around today’s average may be expected to support tomorrow’s higher-density workloads. Mechanical, electrical, structural, and other facility systems therefore need to account not only for what is being installed today, but also for how the facility may evolve. The question becomes less about “What is our current load?” and more about “What load should this facility be prepared to support over its useful life?” 02 — One Average Does Not Describe Every Data Center Industry averages can also hide an important distinction. Traditional enterprise and colocation environments may operate at relatively modest rack densities, while AI and high-performance computing environments can require dramatically higher capacities. That creates a widening gap between conventional data center infrastructure and purpose-built high-density environments. For facility planning, the takeaway is straightforward: an average rack-density number is only useful when you understand what type of facility and workload it represents. Teams should distinguish between: Current installed rack density Average operating density Maximum design capacity Expected future density High-density or AI-specific zones Those numbers should not be treated as interchangeable. 03 — Cooling Strategy Is Becoming an Earlier Decision As rack density increases, heat removal becomes one of the defining infrastructure challenges. Conventional air cooling remains appropriate for many data center applications. However, published industry analysis generally places practical limitations on traditional air-cooling approaches as rack densities move into higher ranges. That means the cooling conversation can no longer wait until late in the design process. Higher-density environments may require a combination of strategies, including: Optimized airflow management Hot-aisle or cold-aisle containment Higher-capacity mechanical systems Direct-to-chip liquid cooling Rear-door heat exchangers Hybrid air-and-liquid cooling configurations Many facilities may ultimately operate with a combination of technologies—maintaining traditional air cooling in lower-density areas while introducing liquid cooling infrastructure where higher-density computing demands it. That transition affects more than the HVAC equipment itself. It can influence piping, water strategy, structural requirements, redundancy planning, equipment layout, electrical capacity, maintenance access, and the overall facility design. 04 — Power Availability Can Become the Limiting Factor Floor space is important, but increasingly, the more difficult question is whether enough power is available to support the equipment that will occupy it. International Energy Agency projections indicate significant growth in global electricity consumption from data centers through the end of the decade, driven in large part by accelerated computing and AI workloads. At the same time, obtaining additional utility capacity can be a lengthy process in constrained markets. For owners and developers, time to power can become just as important as time to build. That also changes the way mechanical efficiency should be viewed. When the total electrical allocation for a facility is constrained, power consumed by cooling and supporting infrastructure reduces the amount available for IT equipment. HVAC efficiency is therefore not simply an operating-cost consideration. In a power-constrained facility, it can become part of the overall capacity equation. 05 — Infrastructure Has to Be Planned as a System Increasing load density affects much more than cooling and electrical distribution. Data centers depend on an interconnected facility infrastructure where changes in one system can create new requirements for another. Higher-density environments can affect: HVAC & Mechanical Systems Increasing heat loads require careful evaluation of cooling capacity, redundancy, airflow, controls, and potentially liquid-cooling infrastructure. Electrical & Construction Infrastructure Additional equipment loads may require new distribution strategies, equipment modifications, structural coordination, and construction planning. Roofing & Building Envelope Rooftop mechanical equipment, penetrations, added infrastructure, and ongoing service traffic can affect roof performance and require careful coordination to protect the building envelope. Security & Network Infrastructure As facilities expand or become more complex, physical security, access control, surveillance, cabling, and network infrastructure must scale alongside critical equipment. Site & Exterior Infrastructure Equipment additions, utility work, drainage requirements, access routes, paving, and other site improvements may also become part of expansion planning. For facility teams, the challenge is making sure these systems are considered together rather than as independent scopes of work. 06 — Three Questions Belong at the Beginning of Planning The current numbers push several conversations much earlier in the process. What density are you designing for—and for what year? A facility designed around current installed density may not have enough capacity for
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How to Lower HVAC Costs This Fall (Without Major Upgrades)
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- In Facility Management HVAC
Facility Management, HVAC October 6, 2026 How to Lower HVAC Costs This Fall (Without Major Upgrades) Fall is an important transition period for commercial facilities. Cooling demand begins to decrease, heating systems prepare for increased use, and facility teams have an opportunity to address HVAC inefficiencies before colder weather arrives. For large commercial buildings, this seasonal transition can also reveal opportunities to reduce operating costs. The good news is that improving HVAC efficiency does not always require replacing equipment or investing in a major system overhaul. By using fall as an opportunity to review schedules, complete preventive maintenance, optimize controls, and correct airflow issues, facility managers can reduce unnecessary energy use while preparing their buildings for the months ahead. Here are eight practical ways to lower HVAC costs this fall—without a major capital investment. 1. Adjust HVAC Schedules for Fall Your building’s summer HVAC schedule may no longer make sense as temperatures and occupancy patterns change. Fall is a good time to review operating schedules and make sure HVAC systems are not running longer than necessary. Consider: Adjusting startup and shutdown times as temperatures become milder Reducing unnecessary evening and weekend runtime Updating holiday and unoccupied schedules Reviewing temperature setpoints Adjusting schedules to reflect current occupancy Avoiding unnecessary heating and cooling during mild fall weather can help reduce energy consumption before winter arrives. 2. Complete Fall Preventive Maintenance After working through the summer cooling season, HVAC equipment may need attention before transitioning into heavier heating demand. A fall preventive maintenance inspection can help identify worn components, airflow restrictions, control issues, and other problems before they become costly winter service calls. Fall maintenance should include items such as: Replace filters. Dirty or clogged filters can restrict airflow, increase system workload, and negatively affect indoor air quality. Inspect and clean coils. Dirt and debris can reduce heat-transfer performance and make HVAC equipment work harder than necessary. Check belts, bearings, motors, and electrical components. Worn components can affect efficiency and increase the risk of unexpected equipment failure. Inspect heating equipment. Heating components that have been inactive for months should be inspected and tested before colder temperatures arrive. Preventive maintenance now can help reduce the chance of discovering a problem on the first truly cold day of the season. 3. Look for Ductwork and Airflow Problems As your building transitions from cooling to heating, fall is a good opportunity to address areas that were consistently too warm or too cold during the previous season. Inspect accessible ductwork for: Air leaks Damaged insulation Disconnected sections Deteriorated seals Blocked supply or return vents Conditioned air that escapes before reaching occupied spaces means HVAC equipment must work harder to maintain comfortable temperatures. Addressing these problems before winter can help improve both comfort and efficiency. 4. Balance the System Before Winter Does one part of the building always feel too warm while another feels too cold? Uneven temperatures may indicate an airflow or system-balancing issue. Building layouts, renovations, tenant changes, equipment adjustments, and even furniture placement can affect how conditioned air moves throughout a facility. Testing and balancing can help improve airflow distribution, reduce hot and cold spots, limit unnecessary HVAC runtime, and improve occupant comfort before heating demand increases. 5. Review Your Building Controls Fall is also an ideal time to review building automation systems, programmable thermostats, and HVAC control sequences. Check: Occupied and unoccupied schedules Heating and cooling setpoints Temperature setbacks Economizer operation Equipment staging and sequencing Simultaneous heating and cooling Zone controls Occupancy sensors During mild fall days, a properly operating economizer may be able to take advantage of favorable outdoor conditions to reduce mechanical cooling demand where system design and conditions allow. The goal is to get more value from the controls and equipment you already have. 6. Prepare Ventilation Systems for Seasonal Changes Fall temperatures can fluctuate dramatically. A cool morning can quickly become a warm afternoon, creating changing demands on commercial HVAC systems. This makes proper ventilation and control especially important. Facility teams should verify that: Outside-air dampers operate correctly Economizers function as intended Sensors and controls are properly calibrated Ventilation strategies reflect current occupancy and building use Ventilation should always meet applicable requirements and indoor air quality needs. The goal is to make sure the system is bringing in and conditioning outside air appropriately—not creating unnecessary heating or cooling loads. 7. Review Summer Energy Performance Fall provides a natural opportunity to look back at how your HVAC system performed during peak summer conditions. Review: Monthly utility costs Energy consumption Peak electrical demand Equipment runtime Maintenance history Recurring comfort complaints Unexpected repairs or service calls Were energy costs noticeably higher than last summer? Did one piece of equipment require repeated attention? Were certain areas consistently difficult to cool? These trends can help identify inefficiencies that should be addressed before the next peak season—and problems that could affect winter performance. For organizations with multiple locations, comparing energy and maintenance trends across facilities can also help identify buildings that warrant a closer look. 8. Get Your Building Ready for Heating Season The first cold day of the year should not be the first time your heating system is tested. Before temperatures drop, facility teams should confirm that heating equipment is operating properly and that thermostats, controls, dampers, and other system components respond as expected. This is also a good time to remind employees and tenants to: Keep exterior doors and windows closed in conditioned areas Keep supply and return vents clear Avoid unauthorized thermostat adjustments Report persistent hot or cold areas Report HVAC issues before relying on portable heaters or other temporary solutions A little preparation in the fall can help prevent comfort complaints, unnecessary energy use, and emergency service calls later in the season. Fall Is the Time to Find HVAC Inefficiencies Reducing HVAC operating costs does not always require a new rooftop unit, chiller, or major capital project. Sometimes, the biggest opportunities are already inside your building. Fall provides a valuable window to identify them. By reviewing schedules, completing preventive maintenance,
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Why Regular HVAC Maintenance Is Essential for Commercial Facilities
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- In Facility Management HVAC
Facility Management, HVAC October 1, 2026 Why Regular HVAC Maintenance Is Essential for Commercial Facilities HVAC systems are critical to the day-to-day operation of commercial facilities. From office buildings and retail locations to healthcare facilities, schools, government properties, industrial plants, and manufacturing facilities, reliable heating, cooling, and ventilation help maintain comfortable and functional environments throughout the year. But keeping commercial HVAC equipment running effectively requires more than responding when something goes wrong. A proactive commercial HVAC maintenance plan can help facility managers identify developing problems, improve system performance, reduce unexpected disruptions, and make more informed decisions about their mechanical assets. At Connect Service Solutions, we understand that HVAC is one part of a much larger facility management strategy. Here are some of the most important reasons to make preventive HVAC maintenance a priority. 1. Improve HVAC Energy Efficiency Commercial HVAC systems can represent a significant portion of a facility’s overall energy use. When equipment is dirty, worn, improperly adjusted, or operating with restricted airflow, the system may have to work harder to maintain desired indoor conditions. Routine maintenance can help keep equipment operating as intended. Depending on the system, preventive HVAC maintenance may include: Replacing or cleaning air filters Cleaning coils Inspecting belts and moving components Checking electrical connections Evaluating system controls and sensors Inspecting refrigerant components Checking airflow Identifying abnormal equipment operation Maintaining equipment regularly can help facility teams identify inefficiencies before they develop into larger performance problems. 2. Support Better Indoor Air Quality Indoor air quality, or IAQ, is another important consideration for commercial facilities. HVAC systems circulate air throughout occupied spaces, making filtration, ventilation, and equipment cleanliness important components of an overall indoor air quality strategy. Routine HVAC maintenance can include inspecting and replacing filters, cleaning system components, checking ventilation, and identifying conditions that may affect airflow or indoor comfort. Depending on your facility and HVAC system, maintenance may help reduce the circulation of dust and other airborne contaminants while supporting cleaner, more consistent airflow throughout occupied spaces. For facilities with specialized indoor environmental requirements, regular HVAC inspections can also help teams identify areas that require additional attention. 3. Reduce the Risk of Unexpected HVAC Breakdowns Few facility managers want to discover an HVAC problem because employees, customers, tenants, or occupants are suddenly uncomfortable. Preventive maintenance gives technicians an opportunity to identify signs of wear, damaged components, unusual system behavior, and other potential problems during scheduled service rather than waiting for equipment to fail. A proactive maintenance program may help identify: Worn belts or components Dirty filters and coils Electrical connection problems Drainage issues Unusual noises or vibration Airflow problems Control or sensor issues Other signs of equipment deterioration Addressing developing problems early can help reduce the likelihood of unexpected disruptions and give facility teams more time to plan necessary repairs. 4. Support Safety and Facility Requirements Commercial facilities may have a variety of requirements related to HVAC operation, ventilation, equipment, indoor environments, and building performance. These requirements can vary based on the building, equipment, location, occupancy, and industry. Routine inspections and maintenance give facility teams an opportunity to document equipment condition, identify maintenance needs, and address potential concerns as part of their broader facility management program. Keeping accurate HVAC service records can also help organizations maintain a clearer history of repairs, inspections, equipment condition, and completed maintenance. 5. Help Extend HVAC Equipment Service Life Commercial HVAC equipment represents a substantial facility investment. Like most mechanical equipment, HVAC systems experience normal wear over time. Components become dirty, belts wear, connections loosen, filters become restricted, and equipment performance can change. Regular preventive maintenance can help identify and address these issues before they contribute to more significant equipment problems. Maintaining equipment consistently may also help facility managers get more useful service life from existing HVAC assets and better anticipate when major repairs, retrofits, or replacements should be considered. 6. Make HVAC Costs More Predictable Reactive maintenance can make facility budgeting difficult. An unexpected HVAC failure may require emergency service, replacement parts, temporary cooling or heating, or even equipment replacement at an inconvenient time. A planned maintenance strategy gives facility managers greater visibility into equipment condition and upcoming needs. Instead of simply reacting when equipment fails, teams can use inspection and maintenance information to help prioritize: Immediate repairs Preventive maintenance Equipment upgrades HVAC retrofits Capital replacements Energy-efficiency improvements This can make HVAC maintenance a more predictable component of long-term facility planning. What Should a Commercial HVAC Maintenance Plan Include? There is no single maintenance schedule that works for every commercial HVAC system. The appropriate program depends on factors such as equipment type, age, manufacturer recommendations, operating conditions, building use, climate, occupancy, and system demand. A commercial HVAC maintenance program may include: Site Surveys Evaluating the facility and its HVAC equipment can help establish current system conditions and identify specific maintenance requirements. Preventive Maintenance Agreements Scheduled service agreements provide a structured approach to routine HVAC maintenance and inspections throughout the year. Filter and Belt Changes Regular replacement of filters and worn belts can help maintain airflow and reduce unnecessary strain on equipment. Coil Cleaning Dirty coils can affect heat transfer and system performance. Routine inspection and cleaning can help keep these components functioning properly. Multi-Point HVAC Inspections A comprehensive inspection may evaluate components such as fans, electrical connections, controls, sensors, refrigerant systems, drainage, and other critical equipment. System Performance Evaluation Monitoring equipment performance over time can help identify changes that may indicate maintenance, repair, retrofit, or replacement needs. What Happens When HVAC Maintenance Is Neglected? Skipping preventive HVAC maintenance doesn’t necessarily result in an immediate failure. Instead, problems can develop gradually and become more noticeable over time. Facility teams may begin experiencing: Increased energy consumption Inconsistent temperatures Reduced airflow More frequent service calls Unexpected equipment failures Poor indoor comfort Increased repair needs Shortened equipment service life For facilities with multiple buildings or locations, these problems can become even more difficult to manage without a standardized maintenance strategy. Consider HVAC Maintenance Across Your Facility Portfolio Organizations managing multiple properties can benefit
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