Climate-controlled storage facilities are in high demand nowadays. When you type ‘storage solutions’ on Google, many companies offering the services will appear. Individuals looking for storage units probably have valuable possessions that they need to keep away from their houses. However, they may have items that may get ruined if they are not stored in climate-controlled units. People want to rent storage units that will ensure the safety and security of their belongings.
What is HVAC Storage?
HVAC refers to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. The technology allows for indoor comfort by providing thermal comfort and acceptable air quality. HVAC system design works on thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics principles.
HVAC systems control the ambient environment like temperature, humidity, and airflow. HVAC-storage units allow potential renters to keep items like furniture and antiques which are sensitive to the environment. The units are specially designed to guarantee that your possessions will not be ruined by mildew, mold, or other elements common in rooms without temperature and humidity regulation.
The two most crucial climate control elements in a room are temperature and humidity since they work to create moisture. When a space experiences more heat and humidity, it results in high levels of humidity. Higher humidity also means the air has more heat and less humidity means less heat.
So, controlling the temperature and humidity in a room will prevent moisture formation and ensure your items are well-protected. Climate-controlled units are more expensive than regular units. In addition, they may have limited size requirements, and they have a lot of utility if you wish to store specific items or need storage services for an extended period. What’s more, the storage units are also ideal if you are keeping your belongings in regions with extreme heat, humidity, or cold.
How to Know What Items to be Stored This Way
Several factors will indicate your belongings need climate-controlled storage. You should ask yourself if the items can:
- Get mold or mildew.
- Crack, discolor, warp or deteriorate when they interact with moisture.
- Expand or contract when exposed to high temperatures.
- Need to be stored at particular temperatures.
- They are susceptible to heat and cold.
- They are valuable and rare.
Moreover, the need for HVAC storage can be fuelled by factors other than the items to be stored. Some of the reasons you should consider renting a controlled climate unit are:
- If you need long-term storage services. If you are planning to hold items for several months or more than a year, you should consider the temperature and humidity variations that may occur.
- If the area has high heat and humidity. If the place you wish to keep your possessions is prone to extreme climate conditions, there is a chance they may get inside the storage and damage your belongings.
- If you need to store irreplaceable items, collectibles, and valuables. When it comes to your precious items with sentimental value, keeping them in HVAC units is better.
Everyday Items To Be Stored
All your belongings may benefit from temperature and humidity control, but particular items need it. Some of these include:
Furniture
All pieces of furniture are made from wood, upholstery, metal, leather, and wicker. These include wooden tables, bed frames, entertainment consoles, chairs, or décor. When wood is exposed to too much moisture, it can warp, crack or rot. Shifts in hot and cold temperatures can cause leather material to crack. Moreover, water can discolor leather furniture or make it moldy. So, if you own costly leather furniture and reside in regions with drastic climate changes, you should store them in HVAC units.
Wine
Temperature fluctuations can degrade wine by accelerating its aging pace. Therefore, wine can develop a metallic and oxidized taste if you store it incorrectly. Climate-controlled units will prevent spoilage of your wine and ensure it ages properly. The units provide cool temperatures to support proper aging.
Household Appliances
The mechanical and electronic components of appliances are sensitive to heat and cold. These elements can cause the parts to rust or crack, causing permanent damage. High moisture content leads to the growth of mold and mildew inside the household appliances. If you live in an area with hot and cold temperatures and high humidity, you should consider renting an HVAC-storage unit for your microwave, refrigerators, dishwashers, and ovens.
Artwork
Artwork needs optimum temperatures and humidity found in climate-controlled units to preserve them. Besides, your crafts also need proper care. Extreme temperatures can ruin the belts on your sewing machine and other craft tools. Your craft fabrics are also susceptible to dust and ultra-violet rays; therefore, you need climate-controlled units.
Collectibles
Collectibles like comic books, currencies, stamps, and coins are best preserved in HVAC-storage units. Most individuals collect these objects to protect their quality for several years. Therefore, you need to store them in temperature-controlled rooms to protect them from damage. If you have a collection of coins inside your house or standard storage, they will oxidize, tarnish or turn dark. But specially designed storage facilities have consistent temperatures that offer the protection your coins needs.
Musical Instruments
It would be best if you stored excellent-quality musical instruments in spaces with controlled climate. Temperature and humidity can damage piano keys and strings. What’s more, the adhesives holding strings of a guitar can be damaged by heat, and wrong climate conditions can cause the lines to snap.
Clothes
Clothing should be stored in HVAC-storage units, especially if they are laced, leather material, or in bags. It is hard and expensive to buy clothes for specific seasons each year. To ensure your winter sweaters last longer, you can store them under a controlled climate. You can also keep your heirloom clothing like wedding gowns in HVAC storage. Remember to clean and dry out your clothes thoroughly before storing them. For additional protection against moisture, put your pieces of clothing in plastic bins instead of boxes. Another benefit of climate-controlled units is that they will free up your closet.
Electronics
Electronic devices are vulnerable to temperature variations and moisture. Plasma television’s internal parts and screens are damage easily due to heat and cold. In addition, moisture can also cause audio equipment to break down. Ensure you store your recording equipment, televisions and computers in climate-controlled storage to prevent rust and breakdown of wiring.
Photographs
It is necessary to control the climate of the surrounding environment when storing your photographs. Heat can result in deterioration and fusion of stacks of pictures. You should also buy an appropriate album to prevent damage. Also, keep your photos facing away from each other to preserve your memories.
Important Documents
Organizations with large paperwork can rent HVAC storage to store business documents and inventory. Proper storage will prevent the documents from fading, rotting, getting discolored or dissolved.
In conclusion, it is critical to rent an HVAC storage to store any above items to protect them from damage. It would help if you talked to a climate-controlled storage attendant to know the most important possessions that need climate control. In addition, you should search and compare different facilities to determine the one that will fit your needs and budget. Also, some items may require a crane to move, so inquire about crane rental services as well.
