Expert: James Yee - 6/4/2007

Question
QUESTION: I wrote about 2 weeks ago inquiring how to bring down my humidity and temp levels.  I originally charged my humidity device with distilled water only and had trouble getting the Fahrenheit and temperature levels down.  I was told to add more PG solution and that it should bring it down. I find that since i have done this the Humidity level is staying steady at about %74-%76 which is starting to alarm me since I have some nice cigars in there. Also the temperature has actually gone up a few degrees since adding more PG solution as well. Please help, I cant let my cigars go bad!

ANSWER: Tony,

First, check your digital hygrometer's instruction manual to see if it requires calibration.  Some hygrometers may require calibration.  If the hygrometer is fine, then you still have more water than PG in your humidor right now and you'll need to counter balance the distilled water with just the right amount of PG.  Because I don't know your humidor size and size of humidification device that you're using, what you'll have to do is add a bit more PG, a little bit at a time, and slowly fine-tune the PG/water ratio till the humidity reaches 70%.  Remember the initial PG/water dosage should be 50/50 so figure out how much liquid the humidification device holds and then divide that by half.  Since you already added PG to the humidification device, you'll have to figure out (guess if you have to) how much you've already added and add a bit more PG so it adds up to 50%.  The PG dosage is now 50% and that's the starting point. If the humidity is still high after this (because all humidors are different, humidity can still vary after you've added the 50/50 mixture), you'll have to add a tiny bit more PG and fine tune the ratio.

PG actually doesn't affect temperature but humidor temperature can be affected by the temperature inside your home; especially during the warmer seasons so try relocating your humidor to a cooler room and away from a major light source such as a window or indoor light as that can actually warm up your humidor.

If you have any more problems, just let me know.

Regards,
James

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the prompt reply, its much appreciated.
Here is some extra info that may help. I have a 150 ct with a digital Hygrometer.  The cigar dealer i bought it from said that it did not need calibration and could be used right away. I took my analog one out since it did not seem every accurate.
In terms of storage though, it could be the location..I am on the 11 floor of an apartment building and its pretty warm up here. I tired putting it on a shelf or on the floor but it didn't change, I'm going to see if putting it in a cooler room helps.

Thanks, Tony

Answer
Hi Tony,

Yes, definitely move your humidor to a cooler room; away from a window or direct indoor light source such as a lamp.  This should effectively lower the temperature inside your humidor to a more reasonable level.  (Adjust the thermostat in your apartment if you have to.)  As for the humidity, balance out the PG dosage first so that it's 50% and see if it lowers your humidity to around 70% (allow at least a week for the humidity to stabilize.)  If the humidity is still high, fine tune by adding a tiny bit more PG.  If the humidity is too low, add a bit more water.

The humidity may be extremely erratic while you calibrate the PG dosage.  If this happens, temporarily move your cigars to a brand new tupperware container lined with spanish cedar or another humidor to avoid any possible damage that your cigars might receive.  (You can also purchase a disposable humi-pouch which will temporarily keep your cigars humidified for 3 months straight.)

Regards,
James.