Are you trying to decide whether or not climate controlled self storage will help you keep your stored belongings safe? Here’s everything you need to know about it. You’ll see why it’s so important.
Climate controlled self storage works better than this
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The Reasons
Climate controlled self storage first came into wide use in the self-storage industry in the 1990s, in part due to consumer demand. Self-storage users wanted a higher quality environment for their valuables. Some conventional, non-climate controlled units experienced problems with mould and mildew, roof leaks, condensation inside the units… even vermin!
Modern self-storage companies usually take measures to prevent such problems with their non-climate controlled units, of course. But you may still want climate-controlled storage if:
- You are storing items of great sentimental or financial value;
- You are storing items that are especially sensitive to temperature or humidity;
- You live in areas that experience extreme temperatures or high humidity;
- You want to be sure the climate can’t get to your things.
Controlling the Storage Environment
Climate controlled self-storage works by controlling temperature and humidity. Most of our possessions are used to being indoors with us, in the stable environment of our homes. We normally don’t think of everyday things like wooden furniture, clothing, electronics, books, photo albums, and paper products as “sensitive.” But that’s because when in our home or office, they’re not exposed to extreme or widely changing environmental conditions.
Fluctuating humidity, for example, makes wood expand and contract. Enough of this can cause warping and splitting. High humidity can lead to liquid damage to electronics. It can also lead to mould and mildew growth on wooden or upholstered furniture, clothing, and paper products. That includes the cardboard boxes we often use for moving and storage!
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A typical temperature range for climate controlled self storage units is around 15 to 27 C°. The temperature does not drop too low, soar too high, or fluctuate too widely. Companies achieve this control with proper insulation and by using an HVAC system. That’s a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, like the ones in our homes and offices.
Fighting Humidity
What not everyone understands is that HVAC systems help to regulate humidity as well as temperature. That’s because we have a poor understanding of how humidity can do damage to our homes and belongings. But it makes sense once you think about ventilation in bathrooms. Turning on the exhaust fan when you shower removes moisture from the room that could otherwise cause mould and mildew.
Humidity can also be a problem in other parts of the home. The best way to prevent mould and mildew in the home is by focusing on three areas:
- Heating;
- Insulation;
- Ventilation.
Adequate heating helps prevent condensation by raising the temperature of indoor surfaces. Insulation helps retain the heat. Ventilation lets moist air escape from an area instead of being trapped there, which also helps prevent condensation. These principles apply to self storage facilities, too.
Mould Prevention
Mould prevention is a major concern because of the health risks of mould. It’s not just a danger to your belongings. When it comes home with you, it also becomes a danger to the people in your home. Children and the elderly are especially sensitive to mould. So are people with allergies, respiratory conditions like asthma, and weakened immune systems. But really, it’s dangerous for everyone.
Now it’s easier to understand why humidity is such an important consideration when you’re thinking about self storage. Humidity control in climate controlled self storage units usually means keeping the relative humidity below 60%. That’s the level recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency for mould prevention. The self-storage company can keep track of the humidity using a humidistat, which is like a thermostat for humidity.
Consumers demanded climate controlled self-storage facilities in order to better protect their belongings, and businesses require it for their document storage. True climate control means the monitoring and regulation of both temperature and humidity. Climate controlled self-storage gives you extra assurance that your costly or irreplaceable items are protected from damage. It also helps protect your health, and the health of your loved ones, from the risk of exposure to mould.
