4 Benefits of Using Climate-Controlled Units for Long-term Storage

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Deciding whether or not you need a climate-controlled self-storage unit depends on what you'll be storing and for what duration. This will also determine whether you need enhanced humidity control in addition to temperature control. While more expensive than basic storage, climate-controlled units are ideal for protecting certain valuables. Read on to learn more about these units.

1. Temperature protection

In your own home, you're available to control the ambient temperature according to external conditions, but this isn't a luxury you'll have in a long-term storage unit. As such, it's good to know that your sensitive items are kept at a constant internal temperature and hence are unlikely to suffer damage. These include antique items, musical instruments and wood furniture, which can warp, crack or split when exposed to extreme heat or cold. Temperature control is also needed to protect art pieces, electronics, books or documents. The latter group will also need humidity control, as moisture can damage these items.

2. Great in-unit air quality

Air quality is important when you're storing things for a long time. Standard storage units aren't as well sealed as climate controlled units. In addition, air conditioning in the unit always ensures proper air circulation within the unit so that the air is always clean and fresh. Air quality is a priority for storage of mattresses, most electronics, documents and upholstered furniture, which can easily accumulate musty smells and mould.

3. Protection from dust and small animals

The continuous air circulation includes purification cycles which prevent accumulation of dust and debris inside the unit and on your valuables. You can actually store items for years and find them as fresh as if you'd stored them for weeks. While certain things are easy to clean, like wooden furniture, things like upholstery and documents can sustain permanent damage from accumulation of dust. Insects and rodents are also kept away from the unit.

4. Humidity control

You can get additional protection with humidity control, which regulates the amount of moisture in the internal air. Humidity control comes at an additional cost, but is extremely important if you're in a region where humidity fluctuates significantly, such as coastal regions.

High humidity can make your wooden furniture, documents and antiques more prone to damage: warping, moulding, mildew growth, rotting, etc. Conversely, when the air is too dry, this can cause splintering, crazing and splintering on wooden furniture. Electronics and musical instruments are also sensitive to air humidity.

If you cannot afford humidity control, ensure you make arrangements to have your unit opened regularly to allow built-up humidity to escape and fresh air to come in.

6 December 2017