Climate Controlled Storage - a Comprehensive Guide
What is Climate Controlled Storage?
Climate controlled storage is a type of storage unit that provides a steady temperature and humidity level. It’s essentially a storage unit that feels like an average comfortable room in a house. The temperature is typically kept between 55 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year. A traditional storage unit, on the other hand, may expose your belongings to an array of temperatures as seasons change.The exact temperature and humidity level in a climate-controlled storage unit will vary depending on the facility, but generally, the humidity will be kept at about 55%. This can provide significant benefits for a range of items that could otherwise be damaged by extreme temperature changes or high humidity levels, such as wood furniture, electronics, and artworks.However, it’s important to note that not all climate-controlled storage units are the same. Some may only provide heating or cooling, while others may also control the moisture content of the air, typically referred to as humidity control.In most cases, climate-controlled storage units are located within an enclosed building. This not only helps in maintaining the temperature and humidity levels, but it also adds an extra layer of protection against dust, pests, and weather elements.Climate-controlled storage units come in a variety of sizes, from small lockers to large rooms. The size of the unit will depend on the amount and type of items you are looking to store.While climate-controlled storage units are typically more expensive than traditional ones, they provide a level of protection that is unmatched by traditional storage units. This makes them an excellent choice for anyone who wishes to store items that are sensitive to changes in temperature or humidity.
Why do I need Climate Controlled Storage?
Climate controlled storage units provide optimal conditions that protect your valuable items from severe temperature swings and extreme humidity levels. They help to restrict the growth of mold, mildew, rust, and wooden warping that can significantly damage your items.Especially, if you are planning to store items that are sensitive to temperature or humidity, such as family heirlooms, oil paintings, wooden or leather furniture, electronics, musical instruments or important documents, a climate controlled storage unit can be a good option.The temperature and humidity in climate controlled units are consistently maintained all year round, offering an environment similar to that of your house. Your belongings are hence safer and better preserved in such units.Apart from regular fluctuations, objects may also get damaged due to extreme weather conditions. In cold climates, items can freeze and crack, while hot climates can cause items to warp or fade. Climate controlled storage though costly, provides the needed insulation from extreme weather conditions.Climate controlled units also control the onslaught of dust and pests. As these units are generally enclosed, the chances of dust, rodents or bugs damaging your stuff are greatly minimized.Plus, climate controlled units can prove more comfortable for you. If you need to access your belongings regularly or spend a considerable amount of time sorting and arranging your stuff, these units provide a comfortable temperature-regulated environment to work in.The reasons to choose climate controlled storage can be many and vary according to your storage needs, value of the items getting stored, duration of storage, climatic conditions of the region and so forth.
What items can be stored in a Climate Controlled Storage?
1. Artworks: Paintings, sculptures, and other forms of art can be damaged by excessive heat, cold or humidity.
2. Musical Instruments: Pianos, guitars, violins, etc. could be ruined by temperature fluctuations and humidity.
3. Electronics: Computers, audio equipment, televisions, and cameras are sensitive to heat and humidity.
4. Furniture: Wood can warp or crack with changing humidity, and delicate upholstery can develop mold or mildew.
5. Important Documents: Paper documents can get yellow and brittle with extreme temperatures and can get destroyed by mold and mildew with high humidity.
6. Wine: Wines need a temperature and humidity-controlled environment to age correctly.
7. Pharmaceuticals: Meds and supplements may lose their efficacy in extreme temperatures.
8. Cosmetics and Toiletries: Many beauty products, toiletries, and perfumes can spoil in high heat and humidity.
9. Car & Bike Parts: Especially antique or rare parts that could rust or corrode with moisture
10. Stamps and Coin collections: Delicate and of immense value, these can get tarnished with heat and humidity.Remember, property deemed dangerous or illegal cannot be stored in climate-controlled storage or any other storage for that reason.It’s not necessary only to store these items in climate-controlled storage; you can store anything else too. However, considering their cost, such units should ideally be used for storing items with high monetary or emotional value.
What is the cost of Climate Controlled Storage?
The cost of a climate-controlled storage unit can vary widely, depending on several variables like its size, the facility’s location, rental duration, extra features, among others.Typically, climate-controlled storage units are more expensive than regular ones due to the additional heating, cooling, and humidity control equipment they require. On average, they can cost anywhere from 25% to 50% more than traditional storage units.It’s also worth considering that prices can widely vary based on the location of the facility. Climate-controlled facilities in urban areas or cities with extreme weather may cost more than those in suburban or rural areas due to the high demand and operational costs.The duration of rent is also a factor. Long-term rentals can often avail discounts, making per month charges lower as compared to short-term rentals.Lastly, many facilities may also offer extra features such as enhanced security (CCTV surveillance, keypad entry), insurance cover, or 24/7 access, which could add up to the final cost.Remember, while climate-controlled units may seem expensive, the cost is worth considering if it can protect your valuable items from damage that temperature fluctuations, moisture, dust, or pests could cause.
How can I find Climate Controlled Storage near me?
Finding a climate-controlled storage near you shouldn’t be too difficult, considering their popularity and increasing demand. However, here are a few steps to help you find one:1. **Internet Search:** A simple Google search like “climate-controlled storage near me” should yield a variety of results. You can explore websites of different facilities, compare their offerings and make a preliminary list of potential options.
2. **Online Directories:** Other than Google, you can also check online storage unit directories that provide a detailed list of facilities in different regions. These sites often have filters that allow you to search specifically for climate-controlled units.
3. **Check Reviews:** Once you have a preliminary list, check customer reviews on various online platforms. This will give you insights about the quality of service, reliability of the facility, any issues faced by previous customers, etc.
4. **Visit the Facility:** If possible, make a visit to the facility. Observe things like security measures, cleanliness, maintenance, location, etc. Also, visit a few units to see how well the climate control functions.
5. **Discuss your Requirements:** Talk with the facility manager about the specific items you are looking to store. They might give you more specific insights about the need for a climate-controlled unit and suggest a suitable size of unit for your requirements.
6. **Price and Contract Terms:** Compare the costs of different facilities and understand the terms of the contract. Any hidden fees, insurance, penalties, termination terms, etc.In case you live in a rural area or a small town where climate-controlled facilities are not available nearby, you may consider other alternatives such as renting space in a climate-controlled building or finding ways to pack your items so they are protected against temperature changes and humidity.
What is the difference between Climate Controlled Storage and Traditional Storage?
Climate controlled storage and traditional storage both serve the primary purpose of providing extra space for storing your items. However, they vastly differ in the kind of protection they offer to your belongings.Typically, traditional storage units are like garages — simple enclosed spaces that keep your belongings safe from theft, pests, and outdoor elements such as wind and rain. However, they do little to protect your items from temperature variations or humidity levels. The interior conditions of a traditional storage unit largely depend upon the weather outside.Conversely, climate-controlled storage units are specifically designed to maintain a steady temperature and humidity level. They protect your belongings not only from extreme weather conditions but also from the potential damage that can be caused due to prolonged exposure to high or low temperatures and humidity. In simple terms, while environmental factors directly affect traditional storage, they have minimal effect on climate-controlled storage.In terms of cost, traditional storage units are usually cheaper than climate-controlled storage units due to less amenities and lesser operating costs. You might prefer traditional storage if you plan to store non delicate items like garden tools, bicycles or seasonal decorations.In terms of location, traditional storage units are often outdoor or drive-up units, whereas climate-controlled storage units are usually located indoors.Lastly, where security is a concern, climate-controlled storage units generally provide higher security measures than traditional storage units. Being located indoors, they are less accessible to potential thieves and are often equipped with advanced security systems.
What temperature is maintained in a Climate Controlled Storage?
Climate-controlled storage units are designed to maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level throughout the year, regardless of the weather conditions outside. While the specific temperature can vary slightly across different facilities, most of them aim to keep the temperature between 55 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit (13 and 30 degrees Celsius).The exact temperature within this range might be influenced by the local climate and the type of items being stored. For instance, if the storage unit contains sensitive items like wine or certain types of art, the facility may choose to keep the temperature closer to the lower end of this range.In addition to this, it is also important to note that the humidity level in a climate-controlled storage unit is usually kept at about 55%. This is because high humidity levels can provide a breeding ground for mold and mildew, which can damage your belongings over time.
Can Climate Controlled storage prevent damage to my items?
Yes! Climate-controlled storage units can significantly help prevent potential damage to your items by maintaining a constant temperature and humidity level, which protects them from a host of issues.Extreme temperatures can cause a range of problems, from cracked wood in furniture to malfunctioning electronic equipment. Temperature-sensitive items like wine and delicate antiques need a stable environment to stay in good condition.High humidity levels too can cause serious damage. They can encourage the growth of mold and mildew, which can permanently damage or even destroy some items. On other hand, low humidity levels can dry out wood causing it to crack and warp.Climate controlled storage also shields your belongings from extreme weather conditions; heatwaves, cold snaps, or high humidity outdoors have little effect inside a climate-controlled unit.Aside from this, because most climate-controlled storage units are indoors, they also offer better protection against dust, pests, and weather elements.So, while the cost of climate-controlled storage is a bit higher, it could save you from having to replace expensive items down the road. Before deciding, it’s important to evaluate the value of the items you plan to store and determine if the cost of climate control is justified.
How secure is Climate Controlled Storage?
Climate controlled storage units typically offer higher security compared to their traditional counterparts. As these units are usually located inside a building, they are inherently more secure than outdoor units.They are less accessible to potential thieves due to their indoor location, requiring the person to bypass an additional layer of security at the building entrance.Most facilities use modern security equipment such as surveillance cameras, door alarms, strong locks, and sometimes even biometric access controls like fingerprint scanners. Additional security measures may include perimeter fencing, gated access, well-lit facilities, 24-hour video surveillance, and onsite management.Also, because they are inside, these units tend to be cleaner, reducing the possibility of pests, which can sometimes cause as much damage as any thief.However, it’s important to understand that while these measures significantly increase security, they don’t make it absolute. Always ask your facility about the security measures they have in place before leasing. Consider insurance if you are storing valuable items.
Should I be concerned about Humidity in a Climate Controlled Storage?
Yes, you should be concerned about humidity in climate controlled storage units, especially if you plan to store items that can be damaged by excessive moisture.High humidity levels can lead to unwanted moisture in your storage unit, which can, in turn, promote the growth of mold and mildew. This can ruin fabrics and cause wood to warp. In addition, humidity can damage documents, photographs, and electronics, among other items.While most climate-controlled storage units maintain a consistent level of humidity – typically at or below 55% – it’s always a good idea to check with your storage provider to ensure that their climate control system includes not only temperature control, but also humidity control.If you are storing items sensitive to humidity, consider finding a facility that also provides desiccant or dehumidifier options which can help to maintain low humidity levels.Lastly, even in a climate-controlled unit, it’s a good idea to store items properly, such as using plastic bins instead of cardboard for additional protection. Similarly, for electronics or delicate gadgets, silica gel packets can be used to absorb any unwanted moisture.So while the overall concern about humidity is less in climate-controlled storage units compared to traditional units, keeping a check on the unit and taking necessary precautions is always recommended.
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LOCATIONS
VANCOUVER
11660 Mitchell Rd., Richmond, BC, Canada V6V1T7
778-488-0469
EDMONTON
10831 231 St., Edmonton NW, AB, Canada T5S 2C5
786-783-6811
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15 Technology Way, SE Calgary, AB, Canada T3S0B8
587-742-4955
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725032 Range Road 63, Grande Prairie, AB, T0H 0W0