Expert: James Yee - 11/16/2008

Question
Hi James,

First,Thanks for your answers in the past, been a big help.

I have couple of questions.

As I mentioned before I have a thermoelectrical wine cooler that I use as a humidor.Got 70% humidity beads in it to keep my cigars healthy.

Now, the humidity level never been consistent -it keeps jumping between 65-73%.
OK, I understand that every time I open the door of the humi there is a change in humidity and takes a while to adjust again.
If the temperature rises above the set level the fan cuts in  and it seems to disturb the humidity because it drops a few percent but still between 65-73% which is OK.
My first question is:
If the humidity keeps changing but always stays between the recommended values - does it harm my cigars or interfere with their taste or texture or any other way - over prolonged time?

My second question is:

I use the same beads for about 4 months now and topping them up with distilled/deionized water.
Got 2 little jars and 2 little vaporous bags full of them, more then enough for the size of my humi.

The humidity level is dropping for the last couple weeks and yesterday got down to 59-60% eventhough the beads are moistened as they should be.

Do you think it is possible that the beads are clogged up and don't work properly anymore?
I don't understand this because I only use distilled water to make them wet.
Some of the beads in the vaporous bags are even dicoloured sort of yellowish colour that maybe they got from the cedar sheets they are sitting on?

Today I put couple of extra jars in my humi with fresh never used before beads so we'll see what happens.

So what is your opinion on this?

Thanks,
Jan  

Answer
Hi Jan,

Even though your humidity level fluctuates in your wine cooler, it's still within the tolerable humidity "safe range" so there won't be a negative impact on your cigars.  Cigars will change negatively if there is either too much humidity (75-100%) or not enough humidity (0-65%).  Humidity level fluctuations is normal and can naturally shift during the course of a day (due to human and/or environment factors) but as long as the humidity stays within the reasonable levels, your cigars will be fine.

In regards to the beads, it's very possible that the beads are clogged and have lost their effectiveness.  The beads turning yellow is actually very common and may even turn darker the longer you use them.  Many people will replace the beads when this happens.  Try replacing the beads and see it the humidity improves.  The beads should also be placed in open locations inside your humidor and not be obstructed by humidor trays, drawers, compartments or even cigars themselves.  Doing so will assist the humidity flow.

Also, just to be safe, double check that your hygrometer is properly calibrated and 100% accurate.  If it is a digital hygrometer, make sure that the battery is not weak and that the hygrometer display is configured properly.  Analog hygrometers should also be tested periodically as they can slowly lose their accuracy over time.  (Analog hygrometers for example, can lose accuracy if they are mounted under the lid and the humidor is constantly opened and closed.  Doing so will sometimes bump the hygrometer needle and cause it to be inaccurate.)

Hopes this helps.  As always, if you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask and I will be happy to help.

Regards,
James