Trouble keeping humidity constant

[Sigolo VI]

Ron:

I have a small, cabinet-style humidor, 2 feet tall, 19" wide, 20" deep. It is obviously high-quality construction, though I don't know the manufacturer. Bought it from a guy who had WAY too much money. Anyway, the cabinet came with an electric humidification system. I set the humidity level on the top of the unit, and it is supposed to stay there.

Problem is, in the summer, the % varies wildly. Right now, it's supposed to be at 65%. The readout says 69 and change. I'm sure the temp change has something to do with it, but I wouldn't expect it to vary that much.

I have been saving for an Accumonitor (honest!!); would that solve or minimize the problem in your opinion? If not, can you offer any advice?

Thanks.

John

 

[njstone]

I switched to Heartfelt beads a little while ago, and have gone from checking my levels DAILY to only checking when I "breathe" my bins weekly...seriously, those Heartfelt beads keep things ROCK STEADY, it's insane. I actually just bought some for my smoking buddy who is setting up his first tupperdor

 

[Danilo]

summer months are generally a bit more humid. so when you open your humidor, humidity will sneak in there...
I will suggest you add a pound of heartfelt 65% beads to aid in removing excess humidity, as no electric system removes, just adds.
Just my 02.c Hope I am not stepping on any feet... just trying to help.

 

[twenty5]

Like everyone else said, Just get a bag of beads and everything will be A-O-K

 

[gibbleguts]

Just move up to northern Canada. We have to heat and humidify our houses so you can keep the Temp rock steady and gettting humidity in is much easier then getting it out. If it's not floating too quickly I wouldn't worry too much about it. 4% swing over a week won't be the worst thing most cigars will see. If it is for real long term aging temp control will help as much as humidity. But thats just my .02

 

[smokemifugotem]

I am with everyone else when I say get the beads...also not sure if you have done this or not...but fill it with boxes. I had the same problem until I packed her with some good wood boxes and it took a week to adjust...but holds steady now. Just my .02...

 

[RonC]

Ron:

I have a small, cabinet-style humidor, 2 feet tall, 19" wide, 20" deep. It is obviously high-quality construction, though I don't know the manufacturer. Bought it from a guy who had WAY too much money. Anyway, the cabinet came with an electric humidification system. I set the humidity level on the top of the unit, and it is supposed to stay there.

Problem is, in the summer, the % varies wildly. Right now, it's supposed to be at 65%. The readout says 69 and change. I'm sure the temp change has something to do with it, but I wouldn't expect it to vary that much.

I have been saving for an Accumonitor (honest!!); would that solve or minimize the problem in your opinion? If not, can you offer any advice?

Thanks.

John

before i give the correct answer, I need to know what brand of active humidification that you are using. There has to be a name on it, or post a picture. Second, Tell me about the temperature swings in the room.

 

[Sigolo VI]

before i give the correct answer, I need to know what brand of active humidification that you are using. There has to be a name on it, or post a picture. Second, Tell me about the temperature swings in the room.

Ron:

Trust me when I tell you there is no name anywhere on the unit. I just tried to upload a pic, but the upload failed. If you are comfortable sending me an email addy, I'll attach to an email and get it to you.

The unit is made of thick, black plastic. It's about 7 inches high, by 12 inches wide, by 4 inches deep. On the left side is a very small digital readout; there are three green buttons which are used to raise or lower the setting. I have never figured out what the third button is used for. In the middle of the top of the unit is a fan, no more than 2 inches square. To the right of the fan is a series of holes in the top of the unit. There is also a rectangular opening on the rear of the unit. I spent a lot of time trying to find something that looked like this online after I bought it; I had no success.

The temperature in the location of the humidor will fluctuate a bit. My wife placed it in an alcove off of our second floor landing. It is completely protected from the sun, however. I can't imagine that the temp changes any more than 5-10 degrees as the seasons change.

Any help you can offer would be appreciated. I do intend to add the beads that other brothers have suggested.

 

[RonC]

send a pic to cigarsolutions@gmail.com.

if the temp in your room fluctuates a lot in a 1 day period, you can see some big swings in humidity readings.


also, send a pic of the interior of the cabinet, and where the humidifier is located.

 

[Sigolo VI]

The pic is on its way to your email addy, Ron. I appreciate the help.

John

 

[RonC]

got the pics.

first, dont pay attention to the reading on the unit. why? because we dont know if it is accurate. also, the humidity sensor is attached to the side of the humidity canister. poor design. it is taking readings for the bottom of your cabinet which is the driest location in your cabinet.

here is what i would do. it looks like there is some spare wire on the sensor. if you can detach the sensor from the humidifier, velcro the sensor as high as you can on the rear or side wall of the cabinet. that will give a better reading.

next, you will need a recalibratable hygrometer. us that to measure your humidity, dont pay attention to what your humidifier says.