Are Self-Storage Units Heated In Winter?
Not always. Self-storage units are usually only heated in the winter if specified by the storage facility or if you opt for climate-controlled storage.
Climate-controlled storage is designed to maintain the optimum temperature and humidity levels to keep items safe. Sensitive items such as wood furniture, electronics, arts, liquids or instruments need to be kept at a certain temperature to prevent damage from extreme cold. If storage units are not climate-controlled, items could get damaged.
At The Box Co., we offer affordable climate-controlled storage units so that your items can be kept at the optimum temperature all year round. Contact us today to discuss your specific storage needs and we’ll find the right solution for you.
What Self-Storage Unit Should I Use In Winter?
When deciding which self-storage unit to use during winter, there are different types of storage units to suit different needs:
Climate-Controlled Units
Climate-controlled units ensure that the temperature and humidity are controlled at all times of the year. They maintain a steady, moderate temperature so that items are protected from any damage resulting from either extreme heat or extreme cold. Climate-control is a good idea if you’re keeping any sensitive items in storage.
Heated Units
If you’re in an area where there are particularly harsh winters, heated units ensure that the temperature is always above freezing so that none of your items suffer from freezing and thawing damage.
Standard Units
If not specified, your storage unit may be unheated as a standard. These units do not offer any type of temperature control, meaning that they could drop to freezing or below during winter and other cold periods. If you have items that are particularly sensitive to the cold, you should seek out a climate-controlled or heated storage facility to protect your items.
When Should You Choose Self-Storage Units That Are Heated In Winter?
You should choose climate-controlled storage or storage units that are heated in winter if you are storing items such as:
Electronics
Any electronics, like TVs, computers or stereos, must be protected from extreme cold during winter.
Documents And Photos
Documents and photos, as well as other paper goods like books, magazines or comics, should be kept at an optimum temperature during winter to prevent damage from the cold.
Items Made Of Wood
Any items made of wood, such as wooden furniture, can crack in the cold so needs to be stored at a certain heat.
Leather Items
If the storage unit is too hot or too cold, it can damage leather goods so leather must be stored in climate-controlled facilities. The wrong temperature can also result in damage from mould.
Certain Fabrics
Many fabrics suffer from extreme temperatures while in storage including vintage clothes, antique fabrics or upholstered items which could cause fading.
Musical Instruments
Storing musical instruments must be done as carefully as possible in order to protect from damage.
Keeping your items in climate-controlled or heated storage units during winter helps protect items from extreme temperatures and means that you can rest easy knowing that your belongings remain in perfect condition.
Why Should You Use Self-Storage Units That Are Heated In Winter?
Opting for heated or climate-controlled self-storage is key for:
Protecting Against Extreme Temperatures
The main reason for using heated or climate-controlled storage units is to protect items from extreme temperatures which could lead to warping, cracking or other damage to certain items.
Controlling Humidity
When units are climate-controlled, the humidity level is carefully monitored to avoid extreme dryness as well as too much moisture which could cause mould, rust or mildew.
Preserving Valuable Items
If you have valuable items in storage, you’ll want to keep them safe from deterioration, damage or discolouration whether it’s family photos, art, sentimental documents or even vintage clothing.
Extending Item Lifecycle
When items are kept at the optimum temperature and humidity levels, they can maintain a good condition and last much longer.
Which Items Don’t Require Heated Storage In Winter?
Not all items need heated storage during the winter. For example, any items that are non-sensitive and durable may be able to resist damage from extreme cold or other temperature shifts.
Some items that don’t require heated storage during winter include any basic kitchenware, metal tools or equipment and outdoor gear that is designed for cold weather.
For these types of items, standard, non-heated storage units are usually fine - even in locations with cold winters.
It should be noted that in unheated storage units, the temperature inside the unit is around the same as the outside temperature so bear that in mind when choosing what items are durable enough to store.
What Is The Difference Between Heated And Climate-Controlled Storage Units?
Heated storage refers to keeping a stable temperature and ensuring that the temperature does not drop below a certain point - especially during winter and periods of extreme cold.
Climate-controlled storage takes into account both the temperature and the humidity level so it is good for stopping items from either drying out or becoming too moist, as well as maintaining a steady temperature throughout the year.
Are Heated Self-Storage Units More Expensive?
Heated or climate-controlled self-storage units are usually more expensive than non-heated units as they require special systems to maintain the temperature and humidity levels and have higher operating costs.
However, some storage facilities, such as The Box Co., offer the option of climate-controlled storage so that your items can be properly protected all year round at affordable prices.
Affordable Climate-Controlled Storage For Winter With The Box Co.
At The Box Co., we offer the option of climate-controlled storage during winter and all year round. We can carefully maintain the optimum temperature and humidity levels to keep your items protected - even the more sensitive ones. If you’re looking to keep your belongings safe and secure during the winter months, talk to our team today about our affordable, climate-controlled storage solutions.
