When you think of climate control, many people probably think of something like air-con. While the two are similar, and are both great ways of fending off extreme heat. There are some differences between the two that you need to be aware of.
Air conditioning or climate control?
Air con
While it isn't very common in the UK. The lack of extreme temperatures and the relative humidity makes having it a bit redundant compared to hotter countries.
It's popular in the summer months as a way to keep temperatures down. It is manually controlled, allowing you to set a temperature that it will keep the room at. It also isn't used for heating in any way, meaning that it won't be able to stop areas from becoming too cold.
While it's great for homes during hot summers, the fact that it needs to be manually controlled makes it less than ideal for storage units. This is where the convenience of climate control comes in.
Climate control
Climate controlled self storage units use both air-con, heaters, and humidity control together to keep the room at a consistent temperature.
Climate control is the best way to keep stored belongings and sensitive items at a cool temperature. Climate controlled storage units will keep the unit at a certain temperature automatically.
How they work is by detecting the temperature in the space they are in, and once it gets too hot or too cold, it will activate, keeping the area at the exact temperature that it has been told to be kept at.
Why get climate controlled storage?
When you have precious and delicate items, the last thing you want is damage coming to them. Things like humidity and heat can have a disastrous effect on all kinds of things you would rather keep in pristine condition.
The right temperature can also prevent things like mould growth and high humidity. A climate controlled self storage unit is vital if you want to maintain a regulated temperature.
Climate controlled storage not only keeps a traditional storage unit at a consistent temperature but it also keeps it safe from extreme heat or cold.
What items need climate control?
If you live somewhere with hot weather and high humidity, then you will want to keep your belongings in a well-regulated environment. Anything sensitive or important should be kept somewhere you know will keep it in one piece.
List of items needing climate controlled storage
Items that can be damaged by extreme and fluctuating temperatures include:
- Plastics and vinyl records
- Fabrics and furniture
- Electronics
- Art and musical instruments
- Clothing
- Photos
- Wine
- Antiques
- Leather
- Collectibles like stamps, books, and coins
Plastic, metals, electronics, and delicate fabrics can wrap, crack or become damaged from extreme changes in temperature. If you have some personal items you want to keep safe (or maybe some important documents that need to be kept in one piece) then the added cost for a climate controlled storage unit is only a little sacrifice for the benefit of added protection.
Do I need climate controlled storage?
That depends entirely on what you want to store! As stated in the previous list, certain items benefit from having temperature controlled storage.
However, for most use cases, climate-secure units (like those offered by HOLD) is more than adequate.
However, certain items will require the benefits of an air filtration system that can keep temperature and humidity levels down.
What do climate controlled storage units cost?
The first thing to keep in mind when working out the cost is how the regular prices work. When working out the cost for non climate control units, you should consider:
Storage: Before anything else, see what items you plan on storing. Have it all planned out first, so you know what size storage unit to look for.
Size: The size of the unit is the main factor that affects the overall cost. The bigger the size, the higher the cost.
Storage company: Different companies will charge different rates. Have a look around storage facilities in your area to find the place with the best and most affordable prices.
Location will also play a big role in how much you will pay. Places like London have higher rates than other cities up north like Leeds.
Security: Keeping your belongings in the perfect environment will prevent any damage, but it won't keep them from being stolen! Make sure any storage facility that you choose has in-depth security to prevent any risks to your stuff.
The main factor that affects price would be the size, but temperature controlled storage units would also have an increased energy cost when in use.
Where to find climate controlled storage?
Many modern storage companies will have climate controlled units available. Make sure to have a thorough look on their websites to see what kinds of storage they have on offer.
As many facilities offer some kind of AC or climate control nowadays, what it comes down to is what else these storage companies can offer to set them aside from the rest.
HOLD will keep your belongings safe!
HOLD self storage is a top-of-the-line storage solution that offers a convenient self storage space in the heart of London. With storage available at our Kings Cross facility, we not only have a great location, but also have a fantastic range of storage units.
We may not offer climate control specifically, but our units are climate secure. For example, our units are kept at the perfect temperature (not too cold, not too hot) to protect the stock of many London businesses.
From furniture to keepsakes and electronic devices. You can be sure that HOLD will protect your belongings from outside temperatures during those pesky hot summers and cold winters.
Get a free quote from us today!
Frequently asked questions
Does furniture need to be climate controlled?
Yes and no. A traditional storage unit isn't well-suited for keeping furniture in good condition long term. Any kind of wood or fabric, like leather, risks damage if not kept in a regulated environment. There's a wide range of different fabrics out there, but they usually don't do well in wet, cold, or hot environments.
In most cases, HOLD's climate-secure units are more than enough for even antique furniture.
What is the difference between climate control and HVAC?
HVAC stands for Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, which is a form of climate control. If a storage unit offers HVAC, then it is essentially offering the same thing as any other unit offering climate control.
What is the ideal temperature for a storage unit?
This depends heavily on what you want to store, as certain items do better in different temperatures. The ideal temperature in a unit is typically between 12 C to 19 C.
As a general rule of thumb, you should keep your storage at a cool temperature, not too cold, but also not too hot.
How to climate control a storage container?
Storage containers typically come with their own climate controls that you can monitor and change yourself. This method will give you the most accurate control for the results that you would want. If you are still renting a storage container, then there is little you can do, but if you have your own building for it, then there are some things you can do.
Vents, insulation, paint, and extractor fans can all help with making your own climate controlled storage facility. Making it a well-ventilated area will prevent dust and lower humidity. Installing AC and dehumidifiers will also help preserve your belongings.
What types of commercial storage units does HOLD have?
HOLD offers many commercial storage options, including self-storage units tailored for businesses, solutions for pallet storage, and office spaces equipped with storage areas. These cater to a diverse array of business requirements.
Remember to select the solution that aligns with your unique needs. For example, you may want a small business storage unit with a view to upsize. This is something our team are happy to help with.
What security measures does HOLD have in place for its storage units?
At HOLD, advanced security measures are essential for protecting our customer's business assets. The features we offer include:
- 24-hour CCTV
- All units fitted with intruder alarms
- Secure loading bay
- Robust security for individual units
- Personal pin codes
- Fire detection systems
These features not only provide peace of mind, but also protect your business assets from potential threats.
