Thanks to increased demand for ecommerce, popularity of luxury items in storage, and demand for 24 hour secured storage facilities, climate controlled storage has seen a big rise in demand and 2022 will continue that trend.
While climate controlled storage and temperature controlled storage are often thought to be one of the same, there is important differences between the two.
Temperature And Humidity Management
While the definition of climate controlled storage differs depending on who you talk to, the most common difference between climate controlled and temperature controlled storage is humidity. Most temperature controlled facilities only manage temperature. Climate controlled facilities like Thill manage both temperature and humidity.
Humidity and temperature work together to control the moisture levels in a storage space. When humidity in the air grows, so does the air’s ability to hold heat. Therefore, when humidity lowers, so does the temperature.
Climate controlled warehouses that you find at Thill’s facilities use HVAC systems (Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning), dehumidifiers, thermostats and heavy-duty insulation to manage both temperature and humidity levels. Dehumidifiers and air-conditioners work hand-in-hand to manage humidity and temperatures over long durations.
Why Is Climate Control Important?
What Should Be Stored In Climate-Controlled Units?
There’s a number of different items that should be stored in climate-controlled units.
(1) Wooden Furniture
When you get a climate-controlled unit, while you do get temperature control, you also get humidity control, that is very important to know. You don’t want your wood furniture to contain moisture. When moisture gets into wood, it can cause cracks, warps, wood rot as well. If you’re clearing out that spare bedroom for a new office, your best bet is to put your wooden bed frame and dressers in a unit that controls both temperature and humidity.
(2) Leather Furniture
Leather is very sensitive to shifts in temperature, this is why its a challenge to store it safely. Even if you’re not in an area that’s prone to temperature changes throughout the year, it’s better to be safe than sorry and opt in for a climate-controlled unit that will keep your leather items safe.
(3) Artwork
Artwork is among some of the most fragile items, temperatures and humidity can damage it beyond repair. If that item is a Picasso, you can lose a LOT money. To ensure that your artwork remains in top shape, it should be stored around 70-75°F with roughly 50% humidity. Your final pieces aren’t the only things that need a little TLC. Your craft supplies, like sewing machines and fabric, should also be stored to keep them from being exposed to moisture and cold spells.
(4) Instruments
Some Instruments can cost a lot of money, and just like with other items in this list, they can be sensitive in the wrong environment. Both temperature and humidity can affect your instrument’s shape and condition. Wood and string instruments can expand and contract in fluctuating temperatures. Brass and woodwind instruments can grow some nasty bacteria, so you always want to make they’re stored somewhere safe.
(5) Household Appliances
Many items can be damaged when exposed to extreme cold and heat, especially washers, dryers, dishwashers, and refrigerators. Both electrical and mechanical parts can crack or rust if not stored properly. Even if you thoroughly clean and dry your appliances, you should still store them in a climate controlled unit to ensure you don’t open them up to find mold or mildew inside.
Climate Controlled Storage
At Thill, our climate controlled storage is clean, dry and we do pest control treatment on a regular basis.
We make sure your product is stored in a safe, controlled environment. The last thing you want to worry about is your products being damaged or spoiled. Thill offers regulated warehousing space, including cage or isolated areas for valuable items; humidity-controlled facilities to accommodate pharmaceutical, agricultural and food standards; as well as refrigeration and freezer units.
Benefits Of Climate Controlled Storage
As you can assume, there’s a number of different benefits that make climate controlled storage a smart decision for your company. Let’s explore a few of the main reasons this type of storage is used.
(1) Protecting Your Assets From Extreme Temperatures
There’s several areas in the United States that get extreme heat and that heat can damage your inventory. Sure, many of us would naturally think about the western U.S., but the east can get hot too. Furthermore, in the midwest and eastern U.S., you have humidity to deal with. To our point, there’s a lot of areas that surpass that 100 degree mark and much higher.
What about the opposite, extreme cold? We’re discussing both because you have to be aware of them both. You don’t want your product in the wrong warehouse, you already know that.
If you have sensitive items like antiques, fine art, wood furniture and musical instruments, your products can damage if kept in the wrong warehouse environment. With controlled storage, you won’t have that worrisome problem.
(2) Great Quality Air Control
The air can rain havoc on your inventory if it’s not in the right environment. Fortunately, the air quality is often far better in climate controlled storage facilities versus the typical warehouse.
This environment keeps your inventory clean and smelling brand new. If your inventory is already boxed, that’s a big deal. While most won’t ship inventory already packaged, some still do. You want a storage warehouse that has quality air control.
(3) Humidity Control
Another big benefit to climate controlled storage is humidity control, meaning we can control the humidity of our storage facilities. Moisture can damage your product and that’s the last thing any business owner wants. While climate controlled storage is great, this added level of protection is even better.
Furthermore, you don’t want your inventory in a damp environment, it’s hard telling what is growing in there. Sure, it cost extra money but it’s worth protecting your inventory. Inventory is often a company’s biggest expense, the last thing you need is to lose a load of inventory.
Have A Special Storage Request?
If you have a specialty storage need or have questions about our climate controlled storage, you can reach out to one of our storage experts by calling us at 1-920-967-9201 or by using our contact form.
