March 10, 2010

Commercial Self Storage and Warehousing

Controlling Humidity for the Self-Storage Industry
Preventing Moisture-Induced Damage to Customer's Stored Possessions and Materials.
Logis-Tech, inc(LTi) has completed 70 self-storage facility humidity control installations (over 1.5M ft2)in 11 states by utilizing our patented ESS® with typical temperature control HVAC machinery.

Click the link to get answers to the following questions:
What Damage Can Humidity Cause?
How Does Humidity Cost Me Money?
Why is an ESS® with Temperature Control better than just Climate Control?
How can I protect my Self Storage operation from humidity?
What are the Solutions?

What damage can humidity cause?

Promotes growth of mold, mildew, corrosion and rust
Creates condensation on walls, ceiling and floors
Moisture causes musty smell
Pests like the moist conditions

How does Humidity cost me money?

Un-rented spaces due to condensation
Complaints from customers about mold and mildew on their items
Complaints about mold and mildew smells
Additional insurance costs for mold and mildew claims
Attorney fees for litigation
Remediation costs

Why is ESS® temperature control better?

To accurately control climate, you must also control humidity. Most "Temperature Controlled" self-storage sites are only controlling temperature by utilizing typical heating & air conditioning equipment and therefore only marginally affecting the humidity conditions at their site.
Typical refrigerant type air conditioners cannot dry the atmosphere to below 60% humidity during peak ambient conditions.
Mold and mildew begin to grow at 60% humidity. As the humidity rises, growth rates increase exponentially.
Air conditioning systems do not operate during the evening and morning hours when it is cooler and when the humidity is the highest. Although the humidity may have been 30% or lower during the heat of the day, it could rise well into the 70-80% range during cooler nights when climate control system runs less often.
By cooling drier air, the air conditioning system does not work as hard. It can concentrate on lowering the sensible load (temperature) and not the latent load (moisture). The system will not run as long, increasing it's life and reducing the monthly electricity bill.
By maintaining 50% humidity, the inside temperature can actually be raised and provide the same comfort level for customers as before. 80°F at 50% humidity feels as good as 72°F at 65-70% humidity.

How can I protect my self storage operations from humidity?

ESS® Only for Internal-access Spaces - This provides a 50% relative humidity environment for inside spaces that do not require temperature control.
ESS® Only for External-access Spaces - LTi's unique design provides protection for items stored in outside spaces with rollup doors. This is the only fulltime protection for outside facilities!
ESS® with Temperature Control for Internal-access Spaces - Provides 50% humidity and 80°F temperature for customer comfort and protection of customer's items.
ESS® with Temperature Control for External-access Spaces - The ultimate for outside spaces..never before has outside spaces been capable of cooled and dry conditions!
Single Unit Protection - LTi has developed a small unit that is perfect for RV's, boats, basements, and small storage spaces.

Solutions to humidity problems:

(a) ESS® Only for Interior-access Spaces

For inside spaces with hallways.
Requires a mechanical room for ESS® equipment.
Air distribution ductwork located in hallways.
Controlled by sensors placed in trap doors to monitor space conditions.

(b) ESS® Only for Exterior-access Spaces

The only way to positively protect customer's items in outside spaces!
Can be installed as part of new construction or as a retrofit.
Requires a mechanical room for ESS® equipment.
Design does not require customers to move for installation.
Maintains 50% RH inside spaces.
Great revenue generator for these spaces.

(c) ESS® with Temperature Control for Interior-access Spaces

The ultimate in customer comfort and protection of stored items.
ESS® can be integrated into a current temperature control system or provided as part of a new system.
Maintains 80°F temperature and 50% humidity.
ESS® reduces wear and tear on temperature control system and saves utility costs.

(d) ESS® with Temperature Control for External-access Spaces

New concept!
Cool and dry conditions in an outside space!
Requires ceiling and wall insulation and insulated garage doors.
Maintains 80°F temperature and 50% humidity.
Highest premium gained from outside entrance customers.
Can be installed in conjunction with inside ESS® with temperature control spaces.

(e) Single Unit Protection

Small, low cost, energy efficient ESS®.
Ideal for RV's, boats, basements, and small storage spaces.
Uses 110V electrical current (12 amps).
Adapter kit with remote humidistat.
Can dry over 180 sq/feet of storage area.
L 23.5"x W 17"x H 12.3" Weighs only 37lbs