Is Climate Control Right for You?

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May 30th, 2022

Have you been debating if you need a climate-controlled self-storage unit from Master Mini Storage? We have put together a list of frequently asked questions and the answers to help with your decision. Climate control keeps the storage unit's temperature within a certain range. Doing this helps protect belongings from damage that can be caused by extreme heat or cold. Controlled units are typically kept between 55 and 80 degrees.

Is a climate-controlled unit necessary? Maintaining a consistent storage environment can help protect your belongings and climate-controlled units are the way to do that. Climate control reduces the chances that temperature-sensitive items could be damaged by preventing the unit from getting too hot or too cold. This amenity is beneficial for anyone storing delicate items or living in a region where extreme temperatures are common.

How hot can a storage unit get? Storage units that do not have climate control, such as drive-up access units that do not have the insulation of an indoor building, can reach temperatures up to 120 degrees in certain regions. Storage items can be damaged by extreme heat in an uncontrolled storage unit.

Can my unit get too cold? If temperatures drop below freezing in your area, then you should be concerned about your storage unit getting too cold. Furniture, electronics, musical instruments, and other sensitive items can shatter, crack, warp, or stop functioning properly in too cold of temperatures.

What about humidity? Humidity can cause mold and mildew growth on your items. A unit that is too humid can damage delicate items like photographs, artwork, books, clothing, and more when kept in an uncontrolled self-storage unit.

What items need to be in climate-controlled units? Most items can benefit from climate-controlled storage, items that are delicate like antiques, musical instruments, and china, will be safer in a temperature-controlled unit as they are more sensitive to extreme temperature changes. How long you are going to be storing items as well as where you live can help determine the need for a climate-controlled unit.

Do important documents need climate control? If you are planning to store paper files like important documents, and photos, you will need to use a climate control storage unit. Paper can fade a warp over time and is also highly susceptible to mold and mildew growth.

What about my wardrobe? When clothing is kept in an uncontrolled space fabrics can stretch, fade develop mold and mildew, and even deteriorate. To store your clothing properly you will want a climate-controlled unit.

Furniture and climate control Wood, leather, fabric, and plastic can all be damaged by extreme temperatures so it is best to rent a climate-controlled unit for your furniture.

Do I need climate control for my electronics? TVs and other electronic devices need climate control because extreme heat or cold can damage electrical components. Climate control can help you safely store electronics even if you live in a mild climate.

Do my appliances need climate control? All appliances can benefit from climate control. Heat or cold can make electrical components stop working. Appliances with water hookups like washing machines and dishwashers can break in freezing temperatures or develop mold in humid environments.

Should I have climate control for indoor vehicle storage? Most vehicles are designed to withstand extreme temperature changes. If you plan to store a classic car or motorcycle that requires a bit more protection from the elements, climate-controlled storage can help prevent rust and other body damage.

Is climate-controlled storage important in the South? Southern regions experience extreme heat and high humidity, and climate control is important in these conditions. Texas surely qualifies as extreme heat and high humidity.

Though climate control is generally more expensive than non-temperature-controlled units, it's worth renting a climate-controlled unit to protect sensitive items. Having your items in climate control will make them less likely to get irreplaceably damaged by extreme temperature changes. This will not only give you peace of mind when keeping valuable belongings in storage it can also save you money in the long run.