Top 3 Options for Climate Controlled Shipping Containers

What’s a handy extra space without the proper climate controls in place?

Impractical and downright dangerous.

This is especially true when you store things that need careful preservation—food, electronics, medications, art, documents, and chemicals—basically anything that you may possibly store in a shipping container, whether for storage, transport, or propping it to be a livable environment.

That being said, learning how to climate control a shipping container is incredibly important in order to safeguard the different types of items you would store inside it.

Now, without further ado, let’s take a look at the top three climate-control options for your storage container.

Explore Climate Controlled Shipping Container Options

1. AC Unit or Heat Pumps

With an AC unit, you get to work your way around the storage unit a lot more comfortably. What this does is it extracts the heat from the container’s interior and lowers the temperature to the desired level—a great feat for the stored perishable goods that require a cool environment. This may also help in removing excess moisture from the air, bidding goodbye to condensation and mold growth, which is damaging to certain goods and can create health hazards.

Moreover, AC units are typically designed to be energy-efficient, minimizing power consumption during transit.

Heat pumps, on the other hand, are also effective options, especially when you’re living in a milder climate. They often require less maintenance compared to ACs but can still both provide heating and cooling options—suitable for a wide range of goods, particularly for those that need a warmer temperature.

Do keep in mind, though, that the size and power of a heat pump should be in accordance with your container’s dimensions and the specific needs of your load.

2. Vents

Vents are a holy grail when it comes to regulating the internal environment of shipping containers, as they have an important role in maintaining the optimal temperature, moisture, and humidity levels of the unit. It allows for the circulation of air within the container, distributing temperature and humidity evenly—and, in a way, prevents hot or cold spots and reduces the risk of condensation.

They are also typically opened and closed for ventilation—a handy feature for when there is a need for natural air flow to maintain a comfortable temperature. 

Types of Vents

There are typically several types of vents that you can use when considering how to climate control a shipping container, but we highly recommend the following:

Louver Vents

Typically sized at 12″ x 12″, louver vents can be installed in various locations on the container: the door, side, or end, and are usually installed in corrugated panels with a sturdy tube steel mounting frame. They’re ideal for residential living spaces or commercial storage facilities, as they are effective in fresh air circulation, which in turn reduces the buildup of moisture and odors.

Powered Roof Vent

Compared to traditional turbine vents, powered roof vents provide superior airflow and performance. However, they do require an external source to operate as they utilize a fan to actively draw air out of the container, so there must be access to electricity within the unit (alternative options like solar panels would work as well). They are typically equipped with a water-resistant hood to protect the fan and other internal components from the elements.

Turbine Vents

Turbine vents are a great option for when you need a significant amount of airflow to remove heat, stale air, or moisture—and they are a more affordable choice compared to powered roof vents as they require no external power source. They are essentially a natural ventilation solution since they make use of the wind to operate, so do keep in mind that you need to be in a windy area for this to effectively work.

Attic Fans

For practicality and power, attic fans provide a high-performance ventilation option for shipping containers as they provide a strong airflow. Go for fans that have advanced control features, such as activation based on temperature and humidity set points for more precise ventilation.

3. Insulation

Insulation is usually applied to all surfaces of the container, including walls, ceiling, and floor, to ensure maximum effectiveness. It helps keep warm air inside for colder temperatures and prevent outside heat from infiltrating the unit during warmer weather. With the temperature stability that it provides, you can reduce your energy consumption, as it’s a more cost-effective option compared to other climate control systems that require external power to operate.

However, do note that your chosen insulation material should be compatible with the container’s materials—as well as its intended use. Here are the options that what we recommend:

Fiberglass

Perfect for tiny home constructions, fiberglass is a great insulation material option because of its lightweight and flexible nature. It is generally more affordable compared to other insulation materials without giving you the need to compromise thermal performance. Fiberglass is easy to install and more forgiving, so there is more freedom in the routing of power and water lines as well as when you’re remodeling—which is beneficial for container homes and containerized workspaces.

Closed Cell Foam

If you want something more premium, go for a closed-cell spray foam. This provides superior insulation properties and durability compared to what fiberglass offers, and they have a higher R-value per inch than the latter, so it’s guaranteed to provide a better thermal performance due to its thickness (which can be customized to meet specific insulation needs). Closed cell foams can be applied to all surfaces, including hard-to-reach areas so there’s a higher chance of complete coverage. It may be more costly, but if you want the best possible insulation possible, then this one is a worthwhile investment.

Insulation Foam Board

Again on the more affordable side, insulation foam boards provide a durable solution with excellent thermal performance that requires no additional framing for installation. This one is ideal for cold storage applications as it manages low temperatures quite well.

Rock Wool/Mineral Wool

One edge of rock/mineral wool insulation against all the other options is that it has sound-deadening properties—just the right option for residential and commercial spaces that have demanding requirements. This type of material offers excellent thermal regulation even in high temperatures, suitable for industrial applications and fire-training containers. It’s also non-combustible, so you don’t generally need to worry about its capability to withstand heat.

Pro Tip: Mix and Match Insulation

If you want to achieve the ultimate climate controlled shipping container, consider combining these insulation materials in accordance with your specific needs. Pair closed-cell foam with fiberglass for enhanced thermal performance and soundproofing, or add rock wool in high-risk areas for added fire resistance—don’t be afraid to mix and match!  

Conclusion

And there you have it—figuring out how to climate control a shipping container doesn’t have to feel like rocket science. Whether you’re cooling it down with an AC unit, keeping it fresh with smart vents, or wrapping it up in cozy insulation, the goal is simple: protect what’s inside and keep things running smoothly. 

Your shipping container can go from a basic metal box to a perfectly controlled space that’s ready for anything—whether it’s storing your prized possessions or creating a cool little hangout. So, pick your options, mix and match if you have to, and turn that container into a climate-controlled haven!

Upgrade Your Container with Dry Box

At Dry Box, we make it easy to customize your shipping container with the best climate controlled shipping container options available. Whether it’s our expert-installed insulation packages, venting solutions, or HVAC systems, we have everything you need to turn your container into a secure, climate-controlled space.

We provide services across Washington, Oregon, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Nevada, Montana and Idaho, and we’re here to help you get the most out of your container, no matter the conditions.

Ready to take the next step? Contact Dry Box today to explore our range of climate controlled shipping containers and customization options, and see how we can help make your container work harder for you.