What is Climate-Controlled Storage?

Climate-controlled storage is a type of storage unit that maintains temperatures between 50°F and 82°F through an air system that activates when conditions become extreme. This temperature range helps shield stored items from damage like warping, mold, and deterioration caused by heat or cold. 

Public Storage first offered indoor climate-controlled units two decades ago to meet customer demand. That commitment has not wavered, said Tom Miller, a company vice president.

In fact, 40% of Public Storage’s indoor options are climate-controlled storage units.

“The idea is to regulate the temperature in the building as best as we can,” Miller said. “It really takes some of the edge off, and it’s the best option for your items being stored with us.”

Key Takeaways 

• Temperature range: 50°F to 82°F 

• 40% of Public Storage indoor units are climate controlled 

• Cost: Typically 10–30% more than standard units 

• Best for: Temperature-sensitive items like electronics, wooden furniture, and artwork 

• Availability varies by region (cooling in hot climates, heating in cold climates)

Benefits of Climate Controlled Storage 

• Temperature stability: Keeps units between 50°F and 82°F to prevent extreme heat or cold damage 

• Humidity control: Reduces moisture that can cause mold, mildew, and warping 

• Shelter from extreme weather: Shields belongings from seasonal temperature swings 

• Cleaner environment: Air filtration systems help reduce dust and allergens 

• Comfortable access: Makes visiting your unit more pleasant year-round 

Is Climate-Controlled Storage Necessary?

Climate controlled storage is an option that some customers say they can’t live without.

We work to keep the temperature behind the orange doors of a Public Storage climate control storage facility warmer or colder than unpleasant weather outside.

Even though climate control units come at a premium, they may be considered necessary by someone who is storing the stuff they love and worried about prolonged extreme temperatures.

“It is pricier, but if you need it, then it’s worth it,” said Lisa Zepeda, who manages a property in the San Gabriel Valley near downtown L.A., where temperatures during the summer months can exceed 100 degrees.

Her facility has more than 1,100 indoor storage units, of that 27% are climate controlled storage. Some of Zepeda’s business customers use their spaces to store extra inventory.

It is worth noting that not all facilities with climate controlled storage offer both heating and cooling. What you get depends on the area. In other words, if you’re in So Cal, climate control is most likely set up to cool things down. In Minnesota, we work to keep people warm.

But Miller wants to make one thing clear: climate control isn’t the same as turning up the air conditioning or heater in your living room.

In a climate controlled Public Storage facility on any given day, doors repeatedly open, letting in outside temps. And windows and drafts also contribute.

“There’s no way we can guarantee it would be 50 to 82 degrees,” he said. “If 40 to 50 people come in and out, it’s hard to maintain that range.”

But we do try. It is not uncommon, Miller said, for the monthly electricity bill at a climate control storage facility to be anywhere between $10,000 and $15,000.

Items That Benefit Most from Climate-Controlled Storage

The following items are best stored in climate controlled units: 

• Wooden furniture 

• Electronics 

• Vinyl records 

• Photographs and documents 

• Wine 

• Musical instruments 

• Artwork and antiques 

• Leather goods 

• Clothing and textiles 

• Appliances with electronic components 

Climate Controlled Storage Options

Anytime Zepeda has a new client, she makes sure to offer them the option of climate controlled units if available.

“In our non-climate control units, the heat can reach higher temperatures,” she added.

She warns all her customers who initially pass on a climate control unit there’s no guarantee she’ll have space if they change their minds.

Have customers had a change of heart once the heatwave hits?

“All the time,” says Zepeda.

While walking along a row of third-floor climate control units, Zepeda shares that she, too, has a climate control unit. She’s been renting her first-floor unit for the last year and finds it is convenient to access, especially since she isn’t dealing with heat during the long summer days.

“You’re not going to feel cold, but you are likely going to feel comfortable,” she said.

Overall, providing climate control also makes the experience bearable for the customers, said Tracy Johns, a Public Storage vice president who oversees all operations in Oklahoma, Colorado, Texas, and Missouri.

As Johns notes, facilities with climate control can tend to be cleaner because there is also often an air filtration system.

“It’s become the expectation of the customers,” Johns said.