How Key is Humidor Temperature?

[Boobar]

I just recently got a Heartfelt Industries digital hygrometer and after salt testing it a couple of times I got it calibrated. My humidor holds a RH of 65% to 68% but the temperature fluctuates between 70 & 78 drgrees and never really stabalizes. How key is the 70 degree mark? I have checked the seal using a flashlight and the seal appears to be good. I am using 3 ounces of Viper beads for 1100 cubic inches of internal space. My humidor contains about 100 sticks which is about 2/3 of the total capacity.

Any thoughts you guys might have would be appreciated.

Thanks

[floydpink]

Mine never leaves the range of 76 degrees, as my house never does living in Florida. Never had a beetle problem, although some of my cheap credos have had a little mold and gone right in the garbage to the point I use only beads. I'll be interested to see the responses for this one.

[BigBasMan]

I had this same problem. Check out this thread:

http://www.clubstogie.com/vb/showthread.php?t=81561

I noticed a significant difference after I got my temp down to the high 60s low 70s range.

[floydpink]

I'm having a hard time accepting that 76 degrees is reason for panic.

If this is the case, there would be a lot of people getting really nervous in the Dominican Republic, where I have walked into many stores and can't remember one with very good airconditioning.

I'd imagine those folks in Cuba aren't buying many Trane units either. I do understand the beetle issue though.

[BigBasMan]

Very true floydpink. My improvement might also have been caused by the beads regulating my humidity. It's hard to tell. All I know is that I'm happy with 65% @ 70 degrees.

[LeafHog]

You definitely want to keep an eye on your sticks with temperatures that high. All the rationalization in the world won't help if you open your humi up to this one day:


"small beetle problem"

[floydpink]

Trying to figure out which is worse; beetles in a humi of cigars that has taken a while to collect and some hard earned money, or the utility bill from an a/c that never shuts off and a wife complaing it's too cold in the house.

[BigBasMan]

Originally Posted by LeafHog

You definitely want to keep an eye on your sticks with temperatures that high. All the rationalization in the world won't help if you open your humi up to this one day:


"small beetle problem"

You just ruined my day.

The most disturbing thing I've seen in quite some time.....

[LeafHog]

Originally Posted by floydpink

Trying to figure out which is worse; beetles in a humi of cigars that has taken a while to collect and some hard earned money, or the utility bill from an a/c that never shuts off and a wife complaing it's too cold in the house.

Might be time for a frigidor or similar unit that can keep your cigars a few degrees cooler than the rest of the house. There are several threads regarding the construction of an "Edison-a-dor", frigidor or similar. Basically you start with a wine cooler and make a few modifications and add a fan. It's a relatively small investment compared to the value of the cigars it can protect.

The are also several humidor manufacturers that sell small and medium cabinets with "set and forget" type temp/humi controls.

[Boobar]

Thanks for all the great information guys, I will look into a few things and see what I can do about bringing the temp down a little.

[Boobar]

Well last night was a cooler night and I had a fan running in the window of the room where my humidor is. I checked the temp this morning and it is @ 67 degrees. Because this varies so much with the outside temperature, does this mean that the seal is no good or is this a fairly normal thing. My %RH has remained at or near 67%.

[Ozone89]

Yesterday, I just had to put my humidor in the basement, cause it's still a tad early to put the A/C on in the house. My temps were hovering around 75-77 in the temp department...with a 73 humidity.

For you guys that live on concrete slabs my suggestion is a closet or cabinet if possible. For those of you who have attic fans, don't forget to turn them on...it definitely helps with getting the high humidity out of the house. If you do have an attic fan, my suggestion is..you turn it on..and crack the attic steps open with a board(2X4) to help suck out the rest of the house. For those who don't have steps..crack the trap door to your attic.

I agree with the one poster who said.." it gets hot down in South America where these cigars are made" so..we all should be ok.

I like my cigars in the 70/70 range..cause I like the softer feel to them..but we are going through a little heat wave right now in Pa. and I'm worried about my cigars taking a turn for the worse, while I'm at work (Plmbg&Htg) cause..I have a nice little investment of cigars.

[avo_addict]

Originally Posted by LeafHog

You definitely want to keep an eye on your sticks with temperatures that high. All the rationalization in the world won't help if you open your humi up to this one day:


"small beetle problem"

NOOOOOO, not that Padron pics again. Leafhog, you're an evil man.

[Boston_Dude05]

Yep, generally keep below 75 degrees or beetles might hatch.