Humidity Can Be Bad For Your Stored Items, Here’s What You Can Do About That

Climate Control


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July 13th, 2021


With the rising demand for storage, and more than 50,000 self-storage facilities already set up in the U.S., you have tons of options to choose from. However, because luxury and antique items often require secure, high quality facilities, climate control storage units are experiencing rapid growth.But are the terms “climate controlled” and “temperature controlled” the same thing? Not quite.
Understanding the Difference Between Temperature Control and Climate Control As a storage unit customer, understanding exactly what a climate control storage unit does is important. Temperature control units only manage temperatures; however, a climate control storage unit can manage both temperature and humidity.Both temperature and humidity can work together to control the moisture levels in a storage space. As humidity in the air goes up, so does the ability of air to hold heat. When humidity decreases, it keeps the temperature low.Climate controlled facilities generally use commercial HVAC systems, dehumidifiers, customizable thermostats, and insulation. These things help to keep temperatures and humidity under control at all times. Dehumidifiers are the best at managing humidity over a period of time, but air conditioners are better at dropping humidity levels fast.However, air conditioners have fluctuating temperatures if they’re managing both humidity and temperature, and that can be bad for a storage unit with stricter temperature controls. Dehumidifiers are also more energy efficient when controlling humidity than an air conditioner alone.While there are a variety of ways to manage humidity levels, the most important thing is that the levels are managed 24/7/365. For reference, the average home is between 35-45% humidity, and 55% isn’t uncommon in a typical storage unit. Above 55%, however, your items will begin to suffer damaging effects from high levels of moisture in the air.Keep in mind that it is difficult to achieve 0% humidity, and most items will be fine in 55% relative humidity.

What Kind of Storage Do I Need? Before picking a facility, you should consult a professional and have them examine the needs of your items. Expensive tools, electronics, rare books, precious antiques, and textiles will all respond to temperature and humidity differently.In some cases, you may not require climate controlled storage units at all. Once you’ve determined the long-term storage needs for your item, contact a local storage facility to see if they can accommodate your requirements.If you have any questions about climate control units in Lincoln, Nebraska, give us a call anytime! We’ll be happy to help.