A standard storage shed will typically not come with heating or cooling. However, many homeowners may want this feature, as it can provide additional benefits that you usually only find with public storage. If you have a storage shed or are considering purchasing one, you may be wondering about climate control options. This article outlines the pros and cons of a climate controlled shed vs a regular shed to help you decide which is right for you. Do you still have questions? For more information about high-quality storage sheds, contact the experts at Dutch Country now!
Do I Need a Climate Controlled Storage Shed?
If you have an existing storage shed or want to purchase a new one, it’s a good idea to ask if you need climate control or air conditioning. If you are looking for climate control or A/C options, it’s important to note that most sheds do not come with these features or have the required ventilation. You will need to do it yourself or buy a product and have someone else install it for you. If you’re not sure what’s right for you see below for a comparison chart between the three options.
What Is Climate Control?
First, it’s important to establish what climate control exactly is. People often use ‘climate control’ and ‘air conditioning’ interchangeably. Some sources do not differentiate between these two terms.
However, climate control is usually used to describe a system that automatically heats and cools an indoor space to a certain fixed temperature.
For example, if you always want your shed to stay at 70F, a climate controlled system will heat your shed if it dips below 70, and cool your shed if the temperature rises above 70.
For the purpose of this article, we will differentiate between cooling systems (air conditioning) and climate control systems.
Shed Cooling & Heating Options
See below for more information about climate control, air conditioning, or no heating/cooling system for your shed.
Is Climate Control Right For Me?
Climate control is, of course, the most extreme of the three options. Climate control systems require both a heating and a cooling component. This means your shed will require more maintenance than a simple AC system and significantly more maintenance than a regular shed. Setting up a climate control system can be quite a challenge, especially for the inexperienced handyman. If you do not have experience with wiring or heating/cooling systems, you will want to hire a professional to ensure the job is done right.
Though a climate-controlled shed will cost you more upfront and require more maintenance, for some, it is worth it. Many storage units are climate controlled. If your shed is used exclusively for storage and you do not want to rent a storage unit, then climate control may be right for you. If you have a very large shed or need to store sensitive items for long periods of time, climate control may be a great option. Climate control should be used when storing the following items:
- Electronics such as TVs, computers, or CDs
- Paintings or paper items
- Photographs and books
- Documents
- Mattresses or clothes
- Musical instruments
- And more!
If you plan to store these kinds of items in your storage shed for longer than a few months, it is best you install a climate control system. If you do not, you risk significant damage to your possessions due to extreme heat, cold, and moisture. As soon as moisture begins to set in, mold and mildew can quickly spread, damaging clothes and mattresses or completely destroying paper documents, paintings, and photographs.
Is Air Conditioning Right For Me?
Air conditioning is a good way to keep your shed from overheating. Installing an air conditioner will likely cost less than an entire climate control system. This is especially true if you choose a portable AC unit, which simply needs a plug and electricity – no installation required!
Unlike climate control, AC will only cool your shed down. This is great if you live in a hot climate. However, if you live in an area with long winters and only a few months of very hot summer weather, then AC may not be worth it. Of course, the decision to purchase AC is completely up to you and your preferences. If you can’t stand the heat and decide that the three months of summer working outside in your tool shed is unbearable without AC, then it will definitely be worth it for you!
Keep in mind that although AC can help stop the growth of mold and mildew by keeping your shed at a stable temperature and reducing the chance of warm, moist liquid collecting, it cannot protect your items as much as a climate control system. This is because your AC won’t be of much help during cooler months! Still, it is a good idea if you store more items in your shed over the summer or live in a very hot climate all year.
Is A Regular shed Right For Me?
If you need a place to store more traditional “outdoor items” like outdoor furniture, gardening tools and equipment like watering cans and hoses, pool equipment, ATVs or other outdoor vehicles, than you may be completely fine with just a regular shed!
Not every homeowner has the need for climate control or AC. It can be a lot of unnecessary work and maintenance to install a climate control system if all you need is a tool shed.
It’s important to remember that extreme heat and cold can damage items in a shed without any temperature controls.
Because extreme temperatures can affect your items, you should always think before you store! Here are some items that will do well in any regular backyard shed:
- Gasoline and propane tanks
- Lawnmowers and leaf blowers
- Lawn or garden chemicals (fertilizers, liquid chemicals, etc.)
- Garden tools & equipment like wheelbarrows, hoses, trimmers, etc.
- ATVs, bikes, and other outdoor vehicles
If you choose a regular shed without any temperature controls, you can still do a few simple things to keep your items safer. For example, store your leaf blower on hooks instead of the floor. Raise up your lawnmower and bikes off the floor too – this can prevent water damage and excessive moisture from building up. Cover ATVs or bikes with the right material during winter. Install shelves and keep tin and metal containers high above the ground. It is possible to have a safe and secure storage shed for many items without climate control or AC!
Ready For Your Own Storage Shed?
Dutch Country Sheds’ high-quality wooden sheds are great on their own, or with AC or climate control! If you are ready to purchase a premium portable storage building, or have any questions about finding the right building for you, contact Dutch Country Sheds now to learn more! A storage shed can be the solution you’ve been looking for.
We even have a Rent-To-Own option to make it easy for you to own your very own shed today! Dutch Country Sheds is committed to both affordability and high-quality structures.
We take the time to listen to our customers and help them choose the best design for their particular needs and budget. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have.
We are so confident in the high quality of our product that we offer a 5-year blanket warranty.
Our 5-year blanket warranty covers any defect in workmanship, lumber, and products, including the function of the product. Dutch Country Sheds are made to last – we guarantee it with our 5-year warranty!
“I appreciate being treated as if I were your only customer,
allowing as much time as needed to reach a decision.”
– Russell J. Murrary, a Classic Buildings Customer – More Testimonials Here!
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