Pros and Cons of climate controlled units and non-climate.

What Is Climate-Controlled Storage?

Climate-controlled storage (vs heated storage) keeps your temperature-sensitive items at a consistent temperature and humidity levels, no matter what damaging weather conditions are happening outside.

Climate-controlled storage spaces are specifically designed to protect your belongings from temperature extremes.

• The thermostat in these units usually hangs out between 55 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that neither the extremes of summer nor the harsh cold of winter can impact your stored items.

• Climate-controlled units offer balanced, humidity-controlled storage, so your stuff doesn’t warp or grow mildew during humidity fluctuations outside. The typical range here is 30-50%.

Pros and Cons of Climate-Controlled Storage

We mentioned benefits like constant temperatures and humidity-controlled storage for your delicate or high-value items. Now let’s take a look at the pros and cons of climate-controlled storage spaces:

Pros of climate-controlled facilities:

• Protection from extreme temperatures is essential for things like wood furniture and musical instruments. These and other fragile items are prone to warps and cracks and tend not to fare well with extreme temperature fluctuations.

• The air temperature in climate-controlled units is constant as the air continuously circulates, maintaining a fresh and consistent environment. These air-conditioned storage units make all the difference for paper items like your favorite books, comic books, and paper documents.

• Indoor storage units are well-sealed, keeping out dust, pollen, and even pests. So, you won’t find unexpected visitors building a home out of your fragile belongings.

• In addition to regulating the normally unchecked humidity, humidity control also maintains a low and consistent moisture level. 

• Climate control protects your sensitive items from damage caused by excess moisture or drying out. High humidity can lead to mold and mildew. And you know how dry winter air can make your skin crack–imagine what that does to wood or electronics!

Cons of climate-controlled spaces:

• Climate-controlled units typically cost more than standard units.

• Not all storage facilities offer climate-controlled options, especially in smaller towns or rural areas. And climate-controlled self-storage units sometimes have limited availability or a waiting list.

• Most climate-controlled units are inside buildings with indoor-only access, making loading and unloading more of a hassle. Indoor storage units typically mean you have to walk a longer distance from parking.

• The high energy consumption of maintaining humidity control and a consistent temperature range year-round causes an environmental impact.

When Do I Need Climate-Controlled Storage?

Got some delicate items, collectible items, or cold-sensitive items you’re not sure where to keep? A climate-controlled environment might just be the right answer for storing temperature-sensitive items of all sorts. As a rule of thumb, opt for climate control when:

• You’re storing anything that can warp or get damaged by extreme heat, cold, or humidity. Not everything can handle the roller coaster of cold winter air and the scorching heat of summer.

• Your items are valuable, not just in dollars, but in sentiment too — some things are just irreplaceable: family heirlooms, your favorite guitar, or that collection you’ve been adding to since you were a kid.

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  What Is Non-Climate-Controlled Storage?

  Now, let’s step over to the non-climate-controlled side of things. 

  With a nonclimate-controlled storage unit, you’re not exactly letting your common items brave the elements, as they have a roof over their heads, a locking door, and four walls–all of which serve as a layer of protection.

  But your more sensitive belongings will surely feel extreme weather conditions and fluctuations in both temperature and humidity.

  Nonclimate-controlled storage units are just like an offsite shelter, shed, or garage. If it’s hot and sticky outside, it’s likely going to be hot and sticky inside. Cold outside? Same deal in the unit, following the beat of nature. 

  Your things are protected from rain, snow, and wildlife but not from the effects of extreme temperatures.

  Pros and Cons of Non-Climate Controlled Storage

  There’s a time and a place for everything, including traditional storage units. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of non-climate-controlled storage facilities.

  Pros of non-climate-controlled storage units:

  • Non-climate-controlled units tend to be more wallet-friendly, often priced 25-40% cheaper than their climate-controlled counterparts. That’s no small change, especially if you’re storing items that don’t need special conditions. I mean, if you’re storing common items that aren’t affected by temperature or humidity, why pay extra?

  • Standard storage facilities are more readily available, as they’re in lower demand.

  • Traditional storage units without climate control come in a variety of sizes and types. These types include outdoor-facing and drive-up storage facilities that are much easier to access, especially when you’re loading and unloading heavy gear.

  Cons of non-climate-controlled storage units:

  • Units experience the full range of outdoor temperatures, which can be damaging to sensitive items.

  • No moisture control creates humidity issues, including mold, mildew, and rust problems, especially in humid climates. Rapid temperature changes can also cause condensation, another corrosive risk. Not to mention,  humidity fluctuations can cause weird odors and smells to develop.

  • Traditional storage units are less sealed and weatherproof than climate-controlled units, allowing more dust and debris to intrude on your storage space and contaminate your stuff. The less rugged sealing also allows insects and rodents to get into your unit more easily. 

  • If you’re storing antiques, electronics, musical instruments, and other sensitive items, your storage facility may require additional preparation and maintenance during extreme weather seasons

  • Materials like wood, leather, and fabric may crack, warp, or deteriorate faster, reducing the lifespan of many of your possessions. This means your items need you to inspect and clean them more regularly during periods of long-term storage.

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