Temperature-controlled vs. climate-controlled storage: What’s the difference, and which should you choose?

We can help you decide if temperature-controlled or climate-controlled storage is better for your items.

Cale Hunt
·Contributing writer
·8 min read
Row of yellow indoor storage units
Row of yellow indoor storage units (Credit: Aga Adameck via Unsplash)

Choosing the proper storage for your belongings is crucial, especially if you live in an area with a harsh climate where inclement weather can pose a threat. There are plenty of items – furniture, electronics, books, keepsakes, and instruments – that can benefit from something more than a plain storage unit with four walls and a rolling door. After all, you want to be sure your goods are protected properly at all times.

Temperature-controlled and climate-controlled are two common terms you’ll likely come across when searching for information on storage options. They’re terms often used interchangeably, but they are two different types of storage.

Whether you’re storing items to save space in a house or apartment, setting things aside for safekeeping during an extended stay away from home or a cross-country move, or you just want to be sure valuable items are kept safe, opting for the right type of storage can make all the difference when you return to collect your belongings.

Temperature-controlled storage

Climate-controlled storage

Temperature-controlled storage is a step up from basic storage, yet it generally remains more affordable than climate-controlled alternatives. As the name suggests, it will only protect your goods against extreme temperature changes. That will be enough for some people, but those with items sensitive to too much or too little humidity, for example, may want to ensure they’re storing goods in a climate-controlled environment.

Climate-controlled storage takes temperature-controlled storage and adds dehumidification or humidification systems to ensure humidity remains within a certain preset range (usually around 50%). This makes climate-controlled storage ideal for sensitive items like furniture, clothes, books, and musical instruments but it’s often pricier due to higher overhead for the storage facility.

Pros:

  • Generally more affordable than climate-controlled storage.

  • Keeps items at a controlled temperature (usually within 55 to 80°) to prevent cold or heat damage.

  • Often part of a larger facility with improved security and other perks compared to basic storage.

Con:

  • Doesn’t protect sensitive items against moisture or dryness beyond an AC’s regular abilities.

Pros:

  • Has a system separate from HVAC to control humidity levels no matter the season.

  • Keeps your sensitive items safe from mold, cracking, or other damage.

  • Usually part of a larger indoor facility with extra perks and security.

Con:

  • Expect to pay more for climate-controlled storage due to the higher overhead for extra systems.

It quickly becomes apparent when shopping for self-storage that there is no standard when differentiating temperature control and climate control. You might ask one self-storage company if it offers climate control, only to find out – too late, in the worst case – that it only offers temperature control.

The Self Storage Association (SSA) is one of the storage industry’s leading authorities, and its website is an excellent resource when searching out information about self-storage. Even the SSA quotes Merriam-Webster’s definition of the term, noting that climate control encompasses air movement, temperature, and humidity.

Storage units with bonafide climate control will thus feature insulated units – or units within a much larger insulated facility – with dehumidification or humidification systems and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) to keep conditions within a preset range.

You can store your items with the expectation that they will live in conditions similar to a home or apartment, which is crucial for certain sensitive items. It will vary by storage company, but most climate-controlled self-storage aims to keep humidity within the range of 50%.

Temperature-controlled storage, as the name suggests, generally offers a reliable temperature no matter the time of year. Most temperature-controlled storage units attempt to keep the range within about 55° and 80° Fahrenheit (F). Humidity is usually not considered beyond the HVAC system’s capabilities (which are not as robust as a separate system for controlling humidity), and it can pose problems for some items.

Humidity also works both ways: Too much and you might see your books or clothes begin to mold; too little, and you might find your instruments or wooden furniture drying out to the point of cracking or separating.

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Is there a price difference between temperature- and climate-controlled storage?

Storage units vary in size, and you’ll commonly see compact spaces measuring 25 square feet up to much larger spaces measuring 300 square feet. They’re usually rented monthly, with prices varying between storage companies, locations, and seasons.

Looking at a bunch of storage locations from various companies, basic storage unit prices roughly average out to about $1.20 per square foot for small units, $1 per square foot for medium units, and about $0.80 per square foot for large units.

You can expect to pay anywhere from about $10 to $20 more per month for climate-controlled storage compared to basic storage. Temperature-controlled storage also costs more than basic storage, but not to the same extreme as full climate control.

These numbers do not include extras like insurance, taxes, and admin fees for new customers. Also, keep in mind that storage is not immune to sales and promotions, and you might be able to snag a great rate as a first-time renter.

Climate-controlled storage is the most comprehensive way to store your goods because it protects against changes in temperature and humidity. Climate-controlled storage containers are usually part of a much larger facility that often comes with extra perks like improved security, restrooms, and proper lighting.

Climate-controlled storage is important if you live in a climate where temperatures swing to the extremes in different seasons. In my region, for example, winter temperatures can dip into the -20° F range, and in the summer the temperature can climb beyond 90° F. Humidity also ranges widely, with summers feeling damp and winters bone dry.

Not everyone needs climate-controlled storage, and sticking with an alternative should, in most cases, save you some money. The cost to operate HVAC and humidification systems isn’t cheap, and you can be sure that the extra overhead will show up on the customer’s tab.

Whether you should opt for climate-controlled storage depends on the items you’re storing.

As mentioned, wooden furniture and musical instruments are particularly sensitive to dry air. Paper is also sensitive to both low and high humidity, and clothes made from natural fibers might mold if they’re left in a damp space for too long. Electronics, too, can begin to corrode if they’re left in a humid area.

Anything fragile or valuable should usually be placed in climate-controlled storage. Paintings, stamp collections, photographs, and records can all spoil due to improper storage.

Temperature-controlled storage is generally a cheaper alternative to climate-controlled storage, as the extra cost of operating dehumidification or humidification systems doesn’t apply. You’ll still pay more compared to a run-of-the-mill outdoor storage unit without heating or cooling, but it may be worth it for anyone in an extreme climate.

Because temperature-controlled storage units are usually contained within a larger facility, the dust and detritus that make their way into your section are reduced. As with climate-controlled storage, this usually also comes with extra perks like improved security and proper lighting.

Those living in a climate with relatively stable humidity should be able to get away with temperature-controlled storage for all but the most sensitive items. Even if you don’t have deep, cold winters that suck all the moisture out of the air, you can rest assured your items won’t get too hot or too cold.

Even if you do live in an extreme climate, you might not need to store anything particularly valuable or prone to damage from humidity. Raw materials, steel furniture, and plastic items come to mind, as they’re not particularly prone to damage from too much or too little humidity.

Because temperature control and climate control are terms used interchangeably in the storage industry, it’s crucial to determine what type of storage is offered at each location. Here are some questions you should ask when shopping for self-storage.

  • What is the temperature range of the storage units? Whether you’re searching for temperature-controlled or climate-controlled storage, you should ask this question because not all storage companies offer the same heat and cooling options.

  • What is the humidity level of the storage units? For those searching out quality climate-controlled storage, this is a required question. For reference, I like to keep my house from dipping below 40% humidity to remain comfortable. You can also ask for temperature-controlled units to get a good idea of whether or not it’s suitable for your goods.

  • Does the facility have a separate system to control humidity? Asking this question can ensure the storage facility has something beyond a standard HVAC for controlling humidity.

  • What sort of security is available? Storage units with temperature or climate control are usually part of a larger facility, and you can often expect better security compared to standard outdoor units.

  • Can you access items at any time of day? Most storage facilities offer round-the-clock access, but it never hurts to ask.

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