Climate-Controlled Storage Units
At EZ Storage®, we want to offer our customers the very best in self-storage solutions. Many people come to us with fragile or sensitive items that need to be stored at a specific temperature. Our climate-controlled storage units, through the use of central heating and air conditioning systems, maintain a steady temperature of 65 to 75 degrees year round, and are available in a variety of sizes. Your belongings will be safe from the damaging effects of changing weather, and you’ll know they’re safe and sound, no matter the season.
Common Reasons for Using Climate-Controlled Storage
There are a number of reasons climate-controlled storage might be right for you, but here are a few of the most common:
- Sensitive materials. Items like wooden and leather furniture, clothing, media, musical instruments, electronics and more can be damaged by extreme temperatures.
- Location. If you live in an area that experiences cold winters (below freezing) and hot summers (above 90 degrees Fahrenheit) you’ll probably need climate-controlled storage.
- Timing. If you’re storing items during the winter or the summer, or if you’re storing them year round, you’ll likely benefit from climate-controlled storage.
Benefits of Climate Controlled Storage Units
Especially in colder climates, climate-controlled storage units offer three major benefits.
- Preventing damage to your belongings. From keeping wooden items from warping or cracking, to protecting electronic devices and warding off mildew, mold, and pest, climate-controlled units are one of the best ways of preventing damage to your items.
- Protecting items from external weather. Whether it’s extreme heat or intense snow and freezing weather, many items and belongings can be damaged by high or low temperatures, and temperature shifts. Climate-controlled units stabilize the temperature your belongings experience, helping keep them safe.
- Comfort and peace of mind. With a climate-controlled unit, you won’t need to worry about freezing while you’re trying to grab something from your storage unit. Plus, most storage units come with added security, so you won’t have to worry about a thing.
How to Determine If You Need Climate-Controlled Storage
When figuring out if you need a climate-controlled storage unit, you should ask yourself whether you’d be comfortable storing your items in a space that experiences extreme heat or severe cold. If your belongings could be damaged by being left in a garage, attic, or basement, they’d likely benefit from a climate-controlled space. To put it simply, you should consider:
- What you’re storing. Are you looking to store items, like artworks, records, electronics, or wood furniture, that might be damaged by extreme temperatures?
- Where you’re storing. region of the country where temperatures go below 32 degrees or above 90 degrees?
- When you’re storing. If you’re storing items in the winter or in the summer — or year-round — climate controlled storage might be a good idea.
Items That Need Climate Controlled Storage
One question many customers ask is, “What should I put in my climate-controlled self-storage unit?” The answer to that question can vary, and the general response is anything that you feel could be susceptible to damage should it be exposed to extreme heat or cold.
Materials such as glass, leather, and certain plastics can break, wear, or warp when they get too warm, and wood can crack due to contraction and expansion. If you have photo albums or vinyl records, temperature changes can cause them to warp or fade, and other collectibles that include paper and plastic can benefit from being stored in a controlled environment.
Here are some examples of what could (and perhaps should) be stored in a climate-controlled unit:
- Family heirlooms
- Antiques and artworks
- Leather and wood
- Electronics
- Bedding and clothing
- Ceramics
- Appliances
- Pharmaceutical and medical equipment
- Photos
- Media, including comic books and vinyl records
- Oriental rugs
If you have antiques or heirlooms that you don’t want to leave in a place where they could be damaged by heat or cold, or you have sensitive electronics that need to be protected from dust, contact your local EZ Storage facility today.
Understanding the Types of Climate-Controlled Storage
Now that you understand the basics of climate control, here’s a quick breakdown of the four main types of climate-controlled storage.
- Climate-controlled storage. is heated in the winter and cooled during the summer to prevent damage from extreme temperatures. Humidity isn’t precisely controlled, but isn’t usually a problem since these units are often inside a building.
- Heated storage. Similar to climate-controlled storage, heated storage is usually offered in areas where hot weather is uncommon, but winters can be extreme.
- Air-cooled storage. Used in regions where heat is a year-round issue, these units use air cooled by water vapor to beat the heat. Great for preventing heat damage, but can be an issue if your items are sensitive to humidity.
- Humidity-controlled storage. If you have delicate items or belongings, like pieces of art or paintings, that absolutely need strong humidity control, then humidity-controlled storage is likely the right move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, you’ll find answers to some frequently asked questions about climate-controlled storage.
What is climate-controlled storage?
Climate-controlled storage is a type of storage that’s meant to keep your belongings at a particular temperature all year round. Through heating and cooling methods, a climate-controlled storage unit makes sure that your sensitive or fragile items aren’t damaged by extreme heat or cold.
What temperature is climate-controlled storage kept at?
Typically, the temperature in a climate-controlled storage unit will be kept stagnant between 65 degrees and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Is it worth getting a climate controlled storage unit?
A climate controlled storage unit will typically be more expensive than a regular unit, but if you’re putting items into storage that might be affected by temperature changes, then the investment is well worth it.
What does climate control mean for storage units?
Climate control for storage units means the storage conditions are specially designed to maintain steady temperatures and humidity levels, with the goal of keeping your items and goods in the best possible condition.
What should you not store in a storage unit?
A good storage unit is secure and will keep your goods in excellent condition. That said, you still might not want to put any priceless items or heirlooms into storage, simply because it might give you peace of mind to store them at your home.
Is climate-controlled storage more expensive?
Typically, climate-controlled storage will cost around 25% to 50% more than a standard storage unit of the same size, depending on location and unit size.