If you’re looking to invest in self-storage, you must understand the different types of storage units out there. Whether you’re building a facility from the ground up or looking to purchase an already constructed one, it’s critical to know what types of self-storage units are the best.

Many exist, but you need to keep an eye on two key things:

Space
Protection

Storage units must provide enough space to pack plenty of items in while offering protection from a variety of outside threats. With that in mind, there’s one type of unit you may wish to research more than most: a climate-controlled storage unit.

In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what one of these self-storage units is, the benefits they bring, and more.

What is a climate-controlled storage unit?

A climate-controlled self-storage unit is a special type of storage unit designed with one unique feature. Unlike standard self-storage units, these ones are temperature-controlled. They come equipped with heating and cooling capabilities that adjust based on the temperature outside or in the storage facility.

In essence, if it’s too hot and the heat can damage what’s inside the unit, a climate-controlled storage unit will start to cool its internal temperature.

The opposite will happen if it is too cold and the belongings inside the unit need to be stored in a warmer climate.

Some storage facilities build climate-controlled storage units to only do one of these tasks. It depends on where the facility is located.

For instance, in hot parts of the country, you may only need cooling capabilities as it never gets cold enough in the storage facility to warrant investing in heating as well.

On the other side of things, in really cold areas that struggle to heat up, a climate-controlled storage unit will likely only have heating capabilities. Of course, you then have places in the country where both are necessary at different points in the year.

Why are climate-controlled storage units necessary?

You may wonder if climate-controlled storage is needed at all. We won’t hide behind the fact that it will add to the cost of constructing a self-storage facility.

These units have more technology built into them and are typically made using different materials that regulate temperatures a lot better than most. It’s easy to assume that you can save money and offer lower prices for customers by avoiding climate control.

However, there are many reasons a customer may require climate-controlled units. It mainly revolves around the items they wish to store. Certain items or belongings are particularly susceptible to adverse temperatures. For instance, if customers are storing boats in the winter, they need a storage unit that can prevent the batteries from freezing and causing complications.

The same goes for a wide range of electrical items - storing them in cold climates can make the wiring freeze over and crack, or it can lead to cracks in screens or glass. Musical instruments are also particularly susceptible to extremely cold temperatures and may be damaged if stored incorrectly.

It’s not just the extreme cold that causes problems - excessive heat is an issue too. When storage units get warm, the humidity can increase. Research suggests that when humidity gets to 70% or higher, it can cause serious damage to property or belongings.

In a storage unit, this means it can lead to dampness or mold growth on a customer’s items. Clothing can be a victim of this when stored in humid environments, but so can furniture, medical supplies, or even food. Again, electronics are a big issue here because humidity can result in moisture getting into these items and potentially causing sparks or electrical fires.

As a result, you can see why a climate-controlled storage unit is necessary; some items are in desperate need of being stored at the right temperature or they can be damaged.

What are the benefits of climate-controlled self-storage units?

Following on from above, there are multiple benefits of climate-controlled self-storage units. Some are obvious, but others are more surprising. We’ve tallied up the most substantial benefits for you to see below:

Protection From The Elements

As mentioned, building a climate-controlled self-storage building will offer protection from the elements. This happens in two ways - one of which we have already spoken about. Obviously, the nature of climate control means the internal ambiance and temperature of a unit will be regulated. Therefore, everything inside the unit is protected from either heat or coldness.

At the same time, these units are often built indoors. You won’t come across outdoor self-storage units with climate control functions. Why? Because they’re more exposed to the elements, more effort is required to regulate the temperature. This means the heating/cooling systems have to work harder and will consume more energy. It’s more efficient to keep these units indoors - which means they receive an extra layer of protection from the elements. There’s less danger of torrential rain, snow storms, or high-force winds causing problems. A climate-controlled storage unit is tucked away inside the facility at all times.

An Added Layer Of Security

There’s another benefit of climate-controlled units being indoors, and it’s that you receive an added layer of security. Outdoor storage facilities are more prone to break-ins than indoor ones. It’s simply because there are fewer layers of protection a thief has to break through.

Outdoor facilities may have fencing around the area, but once someone gets through this, all they need is to break open the locker and access what’s inside a unit.

Indoor facilities will have exterior protection, plus any thieves have to break into the facility. Even if they get inside, CCTV can cover pretty much every area and make it even harder for them to successfully break into a storage unit.

Because climate-controlled units have to be indoors, it makes them less likely to be broken into. You can sell this benefit to customers and charge higher prices for these units. People will happily oblige as they want their items to be as secure as possible.

Improved Air Quality

Did you know that climate-controlled storage units provide better air quality than regular storage units? Whether you’re building a single-story or multi-story facility, air quality inside your units is crucial. Bad air quality can mean mold grows inside the unit or there’s a lot of dust.

Dust can attract dust mites or moths, both of which may eat through certain items. Clothing is particularly prone to getting eaten by moths, which is why you need to provide good air quality throughout.

Having a climate-control system usually means the air inside the unit is being regulated at all times. A ventilation system does this, so the air quality will improve and mold growth is prevented due to a lack of humidity.

At the same time, better air quality prevents dust build-up, so you don’t see the problems associated with that either.

Better Space Usage

We mentioned in the introduction that the ideal storage unit will provide adequate protection and space. Climate-controlled units offer better space usage than traditional self-storage units.

Why? Because they allow customers to store more items in one unit without worrying about bad consequences.

For example, someone may choose to split their items across two storage units because they’re worried about things like temperature control or humidity. When lots of items are stored together in a standard unit, it can create a more humid or warm atmosphere, which may damage the items.

If there’s a climate-controlled storage unit, this is no longer a problem. The climate control system regulates the temperature so the unit can be as full as possible without worrying about humidity or excessive heat.

Consequently, a customer doesn’t have to split their items across two units. It means they save money while you save space.

Instead of having two half-empty units occupied, you can have one full one, leaving another full one spare for a new customer. It’s the key to maximizing space in your storage facility.

Conclusion: Climate-controlled self-storage is a must for every facility

Regardless of where your storage facility is located, you will benefit from climate-controlled storage units. They differ from standard units in many ways thanks to their ability to control the internal temperature and humidity.

One of the best things about this feature is that it can be tailored to each individual storage unit as well. You may have one unit that needs to be kept quite warm, and then another next to it that has to be much colder. It depends on the belongings in each unit, but you have the ability to cater to your customer’s needs.

Keep in mind that many individuals use self-storage for a long time. They need to keep items in a unit for months, possibly years.

Having a climate-controlled storage unit ensures their belongings are protected for the long haul.

If you’re planning on building a self-storage facility or investing in one that already exists - always ensure climate control is present throughout.

Maximize space and protection with a climate-controlled storage unit