Vertiv Liebert PDX CRAC Financing

Cooling capacity that cannot keep pace with IT load is capacity you cannot sell. The Vertiv Liebert PDX is a computer room air conditioner designed for dense, high-load data center environments where precision temperature and humidity control directly affects server performance and equipment longevity. PDX units deploy in downflow configurations with raised floor delivery or in upflow arrangements, giving data center designers flexibility in how they address cooling across different row densities and IT equipment profiles.

Financing a PDX deployment is a natural step for operators who are scaling cooling alongside compute, and the numbers make sense: a cooling infrastructure investment that extends IT equipment life and keeps compute running at spec produces a real return that justifies the capital commitment. We structure PDX financing as part of the broader data center capital stack, matching terms to the project scope and the cooling system's operational horizon.

Vertiv is the successor brand to Liebert, and the PDX carries forward the Liebert precision cooling lineage that data center operators have relied on for decades. That brand continuity matters for collateral value: the PDX is a liquid asset in the secondary market, supported by Vertiv's global service network and parts availability. These factors support the favorable terms we can structure for PDX transactions.

PDX units appear in facilities across the spectrum, from enterprise data centers running traditional server room configurations to colocation providers managing precision cooling at the suite level. We finance both buyer types and understand how the cooling architecture differs between them.

The Liebert PDX is a direct expansion (DX) CRAC unit available in cooling capacities ranging from approximately 17 kW to 135 kW per unit, depending on configuration. PDX units use refrigerant-based cooling with a compressor integrated into the unit, making them self-contained compared to chilled-water CRAH units that rely on an external chiller plant. The self-contained architecture makes PDX units easier to deploy quickly and more appropriate for facilities that lack a central chilled water infrastructure.

From a collateral perspective, the PDX benefits from Vertiv's strong brand position and service network. A PDX unit in operating condition retains meaningful secondary market value, particularly in the 50 kW to 100 kW capacity range that is most common in mid-size data centers. Vertiv's global presence means service and parts availability is broadly supported, which sustains the asset's operational value and market liquidity over the financing term.

PDX deployments typically include hot and cold aisle containment and may integrate with a DCIM monitoring system for real-time temperature and humidity visibility. When these elements are part of the same infrastructure project, we can include them in the financing package alongside the PDX units.

PDX unit purchases range widely in total project size. A single PDX unit at the low end of the capacity range may fall below our $50,000 minimum when purchased alone, but most data center deployments involve multiple units, and a multi-unit PDX installation plus containment and controls typically lands well within our financing range. Our sweet spot for cooling projects is $100,000 to $150,000 and above, and most serious cooling infrastructure deployments exceed that threshold.

For transactions up to approximately $400,000, we can move on application-only financing: a credit application, three months of bank statements, and basic business information. This is the fastest path to funding and works well for mid-size PDX deployments at a single facility. For larger multi-site cooling projects or higher-value transactions, full financial underwriting applies.

Term length for a PDX transaction typically runs three to seven years, reflecting the cooling system's expected service life and technology refresh considerations. An equipment lease is a common choice for cooling equipment because it keeps the asset off the balance sheet and simplifies upgrades when newer PDX generations become available. A fair market value lease gives the operator the option to renew, return, or purchase at the end of term without a committed exit strategy upfront.

The PDX is Vertiv's DX CRAC platform for facility-level cooling. For row-level precision cooling, the Vertiv Liebert CRV is Vertiv's in-row cooling unit, placing cooling capacity directly adjacent to high-density server rows. For larger facilities relying on a central chilled water plant, CRAH units fed by chilled water systems are the alternative architecture. We finance the full Vertiv cooling portfolio.

PDX units often work alongside UPS systems that ensure cooling remains powered during a utility event. The combination of cooling and power protection infrastructure can often be financed in coordinated transactions when both are part of the same infrastructure build. We also finance the Vertiv Liebert EXL S1 UPS for buyers equipping a complete Vertiv power and cooling infrastructure.

Tell us the unit count, total project value, and your commissioning date and we will put together terms that fit the cooling project. We finance Vertiv cooling and power infrastructure across the product portfolio and can bundle PDX units with containment, controls, and UPS in a single coordinated transaction. Reach out today.

Can I finance both PDX CRAC units and a Vertiv UPS in the same transaction?

Yes. Cooling and power infrastructure from the same project scope can often be consolidated into a single financing package. The combined asset value needs to meet our minimum, which cooling-plus-UPS projects almost always exceed. We structure the package as a single transaction and coordinate the draw to both vendors simultaneously.

My PDX units are four years old and I want to refresh them. Can I trade them in and finance new units?

Equipment trade-ins are handled differently from new purchases in financing. The most common approach is to sell the old units separately on the secondary market and use a new financing transaction for the replacement units. If the old units have value, the proceeds can serve as a down payment on the new financing. We do not typically buy equipment, but we can help structure the transaction around a trade-in that a dealer facilitates.

Does a DX-based CRAC like the PDX have a shorter financing term than a chilled water CRAH system?

DX cooling equipment generally has a slightly shorter expected service life than chilled water systems, reflecting the compressor's wear characteristics. As a result, PDX financing terms typically run three to seven years versus seven to ten or more years for a chilled water plant. The shorter term reflects the technology refresh cycle as much as the equipment's useful life.

Can I finance PDX units at multiple sites under one transaction?

Yes. Multi-site equipment transactions are possible when all equipment serves the same borrowing entity. We document each installation location in the security agreement. Multi-site transactions may require slightly more documentation, but they simplify the accounting for the buyer versus separate transactions at each location.

What refrigerant does the Liebert PDX use and does that affect financing?

Current generation PDX units use refrigerants compliant with current environmental standards. Phase-down schedules for certain refrigerants are a real consideration for equipment that may be in service for seven or more years. This is primarily a maintenance cost and compliance question rather than a financing structure question, but it is worth factoring into the total cost of ownership analysis.