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The sun’s power can quickly heat the air. Consider the last moment you were for the day, parked outside in the scorching sun. As you opened the door to go inside, the blast of hot, humid air was likely overwhelming.
You may have burnt your hands when you touched your steering wheel or the seat belt or scorched your leg while sitting on the hot seat.
If they are not specifically designed to refrigerate, shipping containers are like your car. External conditions determine the temperature inside.
The containers used for shipping are generally constructed of steel that conducts heat extremely efficiently.
The ability to control temperature is essential for those living in the shipping container or making it an office space, or storing things that are particularly vulnerable to humidity and heat.
As you’d imagine, there are numerous advantages to having access to a climate-controlled space. When it’s hot, especially during the summer months, shipping containers can easily get to 100 degrees.
To keep your container cool and your items safe, it is essential to prepare for the future. There are many inexpensive and effective ways to keep your container cool. This blog will provide some options to consider when purchasing your shipping container.
INSTALL VENTING OR AIR UNITS
If you can afford it think about installing venting or other equipment that will improve airflow and ensure the air inside your container. There are a variety of options available here that you can consider, such as:
Exhaust fans:
It is possible to add exhaust fans, usually offered in sizes between 10 and 36 inches. The majority of exhaust fans come with fan guards as well as gravity shutters. Some come with variable speed control.
Air conditioning:
AC is certainly a good option. If you’re planning to use your shipping container to house an office or workshop and are powered by a source, you can think of HVAC as a simple windows air conditioner. The unit’s cooling capacity will differ depending on the size of the container or the area inside the shipping container. A unit that has 12,000 BTU can adequately cool a room of up to 400 sq ft. If you live in a more harsh environment, you might want to consider a more robust HVAC system for commercial use.
Dehumidifier:
If you have power in your container for shipping, A dehumidifier could be a viable alternative. They pull water from the air to regulate the humidity. You could consider the possibility of a discharge line to remove the condensed water that is accumulating within the tank. This will make the dehumidifier more efficient.
Storage container vents:
Adding two shipping vents to the container at the ends will ensure sufficient airflow to keep contents dry. Cross-ventilation is also known as. Vent types include louvered, fixed, and rooftop turbines. Fixed vents are easy and efficient; they don’t alter airflow. Louvered vents are more costly and offer some flexibility in the airflow. Roof turbine vents that aren’t powered and can be put in the roofing are well-known and efficient (but expensive) ventilation options. They ensure that there is sufficient airflow to keep the contents dry.
HEATPROOF THE ROOF
The roofing of shipping containers soaks up sunlight’s heat which is then absorbed by the interior. Most of the time, based on the container you buy, it will feature the roof color: green, blue, red, and more. The darker shades would attract the sun, similar to the case if you wore the black color rather than a white one out on a scorching day in summer.
Another way to preserve at the very top of your container cool could be the option to apply white roof paint, light gray, or any other light hue. It is even better to choose a white reflective paint that blocks sunlight’s rays instead of absorption. This technique works. Check for yourself in this clip.
If you’re using your shipping container as a home or business, another way to keep it cooler in the summer is to purchase a larger-than-necessary roof to extend the structure. This will shade the window and container against the direct sun.
DO NOT Wait and INSULATE
Like a home’s roof or basement or its main structure, it is important to regulate the temperature and humidity. Maintaining the appropriate interior environment is essential if the container is used to store various types of things or transformed into a business or home.
There are many types of insulation for your shipping containers, and each has its advantages and drawbacks. A common insulation method is to use spray foam. Spray insulation is an effective, long-term enhancement that can be implemented quickly without hassle. This can help prevent energy loss and shield it from excessive humidity and the sun’s glare.
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Wait, there’s more!
Here are some other strategies in attempting to maintain your air quality under control within your shipping container in the summer or throughout the year, especially if you’re located in a harsh climate:
- Place your container of shipping in the shade, away from direct sunlight.
- Sort the items into containers in a manner that will allow for more airflow. Place them on the floor on clean pallets or shelves and try not to store items close together.
- Always check the humidity in your container for shipping with a moisture gauge or temperature gun. This way, you’ll know whether you have to take action to control air quality before containers are damaged.
- Set up an open bag of cat litter on each corner of the shipping container to take in water. It’s cheap but needs regular inspection and maintenance according to the humidity.
- Place the shipping container on gravel or pressure-treated blocks of 6 inches to allow for more air circulation.
- Ensure the shipping container is high to prevent flooding and standing water.
- Be sure to keep the roof free of moss and leaves since they are a source of moisture.
- Divide containers into 6 feet to allow for greater airflow.
- Keep air vents unblocked.
- Do not store anything in a room with the highest moisture content.
- Install windows with cross-ventilation.
- Install extractor fan fans to eliminate hot air.
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