How Smart Design Keeps Data Centers Cool

As artificial intelligence continues to increase demand for data centers, much of the conversation focuses on massive facilities and high energy use. But smaller, thoughtfully designed data centers like Alerify show how reliability, efficiency, and peace of mind can still take center stage.

Recently, Andy Kochanowski, Founder and CEO of Alerify, welcomed Erie News Now inside the Harrisburg-based data center to demonstrate how the facility operates and how careful design keeps critical systems protected.

Peace of Mind for Small and Mid-Sized Businesses

Alerify exists to solve a common challenge many businesses face: critical IT equipment stored in environments never designed for it.

“As a business owner, you don’t want your entire network sitting in a closet that’s one mop away from going down,” Andy explained during the segment.

Instead, Alerify offers a secure, temperature-controlled environment where businesses can store their data and infrastructure with confidence. There is no need to worry about power loss, overheating, or unreliable connectivity.

Redundancy by Design

Inside the data center, redundancy is built into every layer. Alerify invests in multiple internet providers, backup generators, and layered cooling systems to ensure uninterrupted operations.

Cooling is especially critical. Servers generate significant heat, and without constant airflow and temperature control, that heat can become a serious risk. During the visit, the hum of industrial air conditioning made it clear just how much effort goes into keeping systems stable and secure.

Energy, Efficiency, and the Future

Electricity is Alerify’s largest operating cost, a reality made more challenging as AI-driven workloads demand more power. Still, Andy is focused on operating responsibly and efficiently.

Andy Kochanowski welcomed Erie News Now over to Alerify to show them how the data center keeps cool. We are proud to run on air conditioning, with almost half of our energy powered by solar.

While Alerify does not currently run large-scale AI workloads, Andy continues to study how the technology is evolving. He's contiuously looking for improvements that could make AI more energy-efficient and accessible for smaller businesses, including our private AI model: AI Edge.

Built for Today, Ready for Tomorrow

As conversations around data centers, energy use, and AI continue to grow, Alerify remains committed to transparency, thoughtful design, and long-term reliability. For Andy, he's laser focused on building infrastructure businesses can trust today while preparing responsibly for what’s ahead.