4 Everyday Things That Need Climate-Controlled Storage
Posted on: 27 October 2017
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Most people think that climate controlled storage is only useful for exotic things such as expensive artworks and important papers, but this isn't the case at all. There are numerous everyday items that can easily be damaged by weather elements. Here are some examples of household items that can benefit from climate-controlled storage units:
Household Appliances That Use Electricity
Household appliances such as dishwashers and dryers don't look that fragile as far as weather is concerned, and this is largely true. The metallic parts, for example, can withstand different temperature ranges or moisture (after all most of these appliances handle water every day). However, the electrical and electronic parts are usually shielded from water and extreme temperature ranges, and they should remain so in storage. Moisture in the electronic controls can cause rusting or short circuits, and extreme temperatures can damage electrical insulation. Storing such appliances in climate control will prevent them from suffering electrical malfunctions.
Wooden Furniture
Your wooden furniture may look tough sitting year after year in your house, but they do need protection from different weather elements. You don't let water splash on your wooden dresser, do you? The expansions and contractions occasioned by temperature fluctuations can cause your wooden furniture to crack or split. High humidity can cause wood to swell and deform and freezing temperatures can also damage wood by freezing the moisture in it. Therefore, you need climate control or your wooden furniture.
Leather Products
Leather comes from animals, and most animals spend most or all of their time outside. Some people think this is enough reason not to bother storing leather items in climate controlled storage, but it isn't. The leather on your items has been treated with different products for aesthetics and durability, and the treatment products can easily be damaged by high temperatures and high humidity. For example, moisture can cause mildew on your leather items and high temperatures can easily discolor them.
Clothes
Clothing is another class of items that don't look as if they need climate control, but they do. Moisture and temperature fluctuations affect clothes in different ways depending on their exact materials and how they are made, but shrinkage and discolorations are some of the effects of storing clothes without climate control. Therefore, store your clothes in climate controlled places if you want to find them in the same condition after long-term storage.
In addition to climate control, don't forget to confirm that your chosen storage place is secure, easily accessible and priced right. Talk to the facility's manager for more information on these.