Electronics, sensitive clothing, old books, and many other fragile or easily-damaged objects need more than a basic storage room. Even a household without proper climate control and air filtration is a hazard, so the requirements you look for in a storage room may be more strict than what many people are used to. A sealed, climate controlled storage unit fits many of the assumed requirements by name, but you'll need to know how to verify quality without the guiding hand of a storage facility representative to be sure of your storage services. Here are a few features and inspection points to consider before selecting a storage unit for sensitive objects.

Air Conditioning Features, Benefits, And Failure Points

Air conditioning is one of the most basic forms of climate control. A regulated temperature can reduce humidity and keep materials at stable temperatures that are less likely to deteriorate. Especially in hotter climates, this can reduce heat damage and/or melting.

Maintaining airflow also reduces the amount of dust that can settle onto objects as long as the filter is clean. Air conditioning filters need to be changed regularly, so be sure to inspect the facility's filter placement and check every few months to make sure that filter changes happen. Clogged filters lead to lower airflow, poor climate control, and damage to the filter that could allow built up dust to flow into storage units unregulated.

For electronics that generate a lot of heat, such as computers and video game consoles, additional dust is more than a chore to clean up. Lacking expertise in computer troubleshooting or electronics skill can result in permanent damage if cleaning isn't handled properly, so reduce the need to clean in the first place.

Structural And Functional Integrity

Be sure to inspect every storage unit for cracks, gaps, holes, and any broken features that can jeopardize how well-sealed the storage unit could be. This means more than just looking for cracks and holes with the naked eye.

Visit storage facilities with a friend and enter the storage unit. Close the door, turn off the lights, and look for any areas where light enters the room. These areas need to be repaired or otherwise prepared to make sure leaks and infestation are not simple, everyday occurrences. 

The storage units doesn't need to be airtight, but wide gaps can be filled with caulk, cement, or repaired more permanently. If the gaps are at windows and doors, weather strips should be added to fill in the gaps and confirm a seal. Gaps in the door can compromise security as well as climate control, since a wide enough gap can give thieves a lot more room to work with when breaking in.

Contact a climate controlled storage facility representative to discuss other features that may be beneficial to your belongings.