Why Choose Climate-Controlled Self Storage Units?

Upstate New York has some of the most beautiful weather in the country, but at certain times of year, the climate can be a bit harsh. Winter temperatures sometimes drop way below freezing and stay that way for days on end. During the summer, the weather can be humid, and the area often experiences heat waves.  

When you need to store valued belongings, the last thing you want to do is worry about whether the weather outside is impacting your possessions. The best way to eliminate this concern is to place all your items in a climate-controlled storage facility. 

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What Are Climate-Controlled Storage Units? 

As the name suggests, climate-controlled storage units are storage units with interior climate controls that protect your belongings from exposure to heat, cold, and humidity.  They ensure that your items remain in the same condition they were in when you first loaded them into your unit.  

Definition and Features 

Climate-controlled storage units are essential storage solutions for delicate items. These spaces are engineered to detect weather fluctuations and create ideal conditions indoors when they encounter extreme temperatures and conditions outside. They typically remain at temperatures between 55 and 85 degrees, thanks to robust HVAC systems and insulation. State-of-the-art dehumidifiers also work to keep moisture at bay.   

Difference Between Climate-Controlled, Temperature-Controlled, and Standard Units 

Climate-controlled units regulate both temperature and humidity levels, while temperature-controlled storage units only regulate temperature. Temperature-controlled units still have some benefits, but they don’t prevent moisture from getting inside and potentially warping or rusting important items.  

Standard units don’t offer any type of protection from the elements. They are generally designed to serve as a cost-effective way to store items that aren’t valuable or that are sturdy enough to stand up to any changes in the weather.    

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Benefits of Climate-Controlled Storage Units 

When in doubt about how to store your belongings, climate-control is always a good choice. You can trust that your items are safe and secure, giving you one less thing to worry about, whether you’re moving, decluttering, or just short on storage space at home. But that’s just one of the benefits of climate-controlled units.  Other perks include:  

Protection from Extreme Temperatures 

The extreme temperatures of a New York summer or winter can have a big impact on your personal belongings. Heat can cause them to warp, crack, or mildew, especially when humidity is also present. Cold can dry items out or cause them to contract, leaving them damaged and unusable.   

Climate-controlled storage units have HVAC systems in place that sense when outdoor temperatures become extreme and kick on to provide an extra layer of protection. As a bonus, the additional air flow improves general air quality inside the unit, which can help reduce stale and musty odors.    

Humidity Control 

Humidity-controlled storage is a must for keeping mold and mildew at bay. Not only do mold and mildew ruin items like clothing and furniture, but they also pose a health hazard. If you’re storing metal items, the moisture from excessive humidity could cause them to rust over time. Wood items may also break down due to moisture, and paper items like artwork or important documents will deteriorate.  

Enhanced Security for Valuables 

Climate-controlled self-storage even offers a few extra layers of security for both you and your valuables. Unlike standard units, those with climate control are typically located indoors, which means it’s harder for unauthorized individuals to gain access to your space. They typically come with additional security measures as well, including keypads for entry, cameras, and alarms.  

In addition to protecting valuables in storage from other people, climate-controlled units protect your items from dust, dirt, and debris. Because the doors are not exposed to the elements, indoor units are often cleaner than the standard versions.   

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What Items Benefit from Climate-Controlled Storage? 

Climate-controlled units offer secure storage for sensitive items, but some items may benefit more than others. Keep that in mind if you plan to store any of the following.  

Electronics and Appliances 

Extreme temperatures and humidity are the enemy of electronics and appliances. Weather extremes drain batteries, cause plastic to crack, corrode and rust metals, and melt glues. Heat can degrade screens on TVs and computers, while cold can lead to hardware failures and mechanical stress due to thermal contraction. Humidity can cause condensation to form inside these items, leading to further damage.  

Antiques and Collectibles 

Antiques and collectibles are especially delicate and sensitive to the elements. Items like furniture can fade, swell, or crack when exposed to heat, cold, and humidity. Items like jewelry can tarnish, and that vinyl record collection could warp. Glassware and ceramics could shatter when exposed to extreme temperatures. To make matters worse, these rare items are often irreplaceable if they are damaged.  

Important Documents and Photographs 

Climate-controlled units are an excellent way to preserve important items like documents and photographs. Heat and humidity can warp and fade photos and cause important paperwork to break down, fade, and rot. Dust and debris can also destroy these items, but a climate-controlled unit can help keep them clean.  

Why Choose Stack-N-Stor for Climate-Controlled Storage? 

With locally owned storage facilities in Milton, Rotterdam, and Patterson, New York, Stack-N-Stor understands the importance of protecting precious belongings from the region’s temperature and humidity fluctuations. They offer climate-controlled units equipped with state-of-the-art systems that can protect your items year-round. Knowing your precious belongings are always safe and secure means you have one less thing to worry about during any of life’s transitions. Book your unit online today!