Climate-controlled storage — used for both warehouses and transport — offers a variety of benefits over conventional, nonregulated storage. This is especially true in areas with high heat and humidity. Florida is a great example, but so is the southwest region of the U.S.
It’s a common misconception that climate-controlled units and warehouses are meant for perishable goods, like food and beverages. While the technology is certainly ideal for such commodities, it is also incredibly useful for other items. Electronics and hard drives must also be kept within a reasonable temperature range. The same is true for many other products, such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, furniture, photos and paper goods, and even appliances.
The time of year, length of the trip, type of freight or transport, and weather conditions can all play a role in the temperature variability of a storage area. Storms can cool down the outside air, but also make things more humid inside nonclimate-controlled storage spaces.
Even a warehouse that is not located in a warm region can experience overheating. During a time of the year when the sun has clear access, it may overheat the inside of a storage facility, destroying anything within.
What Can Climate-Controlled Storage Offer?
There are many benefits that go hand-in-hand with climate-controlled storage units or buildings.
1. Personal Comfort and Convenience
Ever step inside a storage unit, facility or container that is not cooled or climate-controlled? During the winter it’s probably not so bad, but in warmer times the experience can be downright unbearable. Outdoor-facing containers and units especially can build up heat within, sometimes even to dangerous levels.
A climate-controlled space is much more pleasant and can improve satisfaction, comfort levels and productivity.
2. Pest-Free Spaces
By nature, climate-controlled units and facilities are better insulated to keep the cool air in and the outside air out. This also means they are not just protected from the elements, but also from unwanted pests. That includes ants and similar insects, rodents and even bigger animals.
This is particularly important when you’re dealing with goods that need to remain fresh and untouched. You don’t want rodents rifling around inside apparel containers or units, for instance.
Climate-controlled spaces can help prevent such a thing from occurring.
3. Moisture Is Eliminated
Warm temperatures and humid climates breed moisture, which is a big problem for certain products and items, especially electronics. Having a climate-controlled warehouse or storage location can prevent moisture from coming into contact with said goods. More importantly, it can keep those items properly packaged until they are ready to ship out to the customer.
Ever see a plastic-wrapped item in a moist or humid environment? That moisture can build up inside the packaging, ruining not just a product’s box or label but also the item within.
4. Monetize the Space
Beyond the inherent benefits to your own products, goods and services, a climate-controlled space can be monetized much better when demand is low. This allows you to recuperate some of the business costs associated with off-season periods.
Turning your storage location or facility into a remote storage center — allowing other companies to rent it out as a distribution center for temperature-sensitive goods — can net serious returns.
5. It Prevents Yellowing
When stored in warm or humid areas, paper goods and packaging tends to yellow over time. It experiences a nasty discoloration and fading that can detract from the overall appearance of the item.
No business wants to ship their goods to a customer in packaging or containers that look dirty, old and decrepit. It can harm the reputation of the brand.
6. Extreme Protection
While not always the case, the insulation used to protect climate-controlled storage and facilities doubles as a barrier between outside moisture and flooding. In many cases, the barrier can be used to protect against outside elements, even extreme conditions like floods or strong winds.
Climate-Control Storage Is More Efficient
The bottom line is that climate-controlled storage — containers and facilities alike — offer a variety of benefits that improve operational efficiency. If you have a lot of workers spending time within those storage areas, they will certainly appreciate the more comfortable, cooled space. This can boost productivity, but it also helps protect and preserve the goods stored within.