This might help some brothers out, so I tought I'd post it as an FYI. The short story; The Cigar Oasis is great for HUMIDIFYING a storage unit, but it may contribute to an over-humidified environment simply by being in the unit regardless of on/off status. Beads seem better for REGULATING the humidity levels in a storage unit.
Scotts' long winded diatribe:
Been having a little trouble lately keeping the level in my coolerdor below 70%. BFD, as some might say, but I find the cigars seem better at 65%, maybe a little lower. Using a Cigar Oasis for humidification since I started the unit in February, (when the household humidity levels are low).
Since the begining of June, the RH has held pretty steady at 70%. Since I wanted the RH lower, I tuned the CO down all the way. No change in the RH reading. I then unplugged the unit...no change either. Added some loose cedar sticks...nada. The CO's a great tool, but it only brings the levels up to a certain point...it doesn't remove humidity from the environment, so I added some dry 65% Heartfelt beads thinking they would bring the humidity level down and maintain the desired 65%. Nothing. Rock solid 70%.
I then read on another forum that simply having the CO in the coolerdor will create a himidified environment, (since it basically has an open water source in contact with the environment like a bowl of DW), and the environment will continue at a stable RH until the source of the humidity has been removed, (the CO and its' water source), and even after in a well sealed storage unit.
Contrary to popular opinion, I'm smart enought to recognize a good idea. After removing the CO, (but not the now-charged beads), the coolerdor has held a stable 65% level for the last two days.
Since it's summer, those of us in places with higher ambient humidity levels may experience higher levels in coolers/humidors. If you're using a Cigar Oasis and have humidity levels that are too high, you may want to remove it from your unit if all else fails.
Just a thought. Hope it helps.
S.
I've used the term RH to imply the humidity level inside the humidor/coolerdor. It's not entirely accurate, but it gets my point across.
Scotts' long winded diatribe:
Been having a little trouble lately keeping the level in my coolerdor below 70%. BFD, as some might say, but I find the cigars seem better at 65%, maybe a little lower. Using a Cigar Oasis for humidification since I started the unit in February, (when the household humidity levels are low).
Since the begining of June, the RH has held pretty steady at 70%. Since I wanted the RH lower, I tuned the CO down all the way. No change in the RH reading. I then unplugged the unit...no change either. Added some loose cedar sticks...nada. The CO's a great tool, but it only brings the levels up to a certain point...it doesn't remove humidity from the environment, so I added some dry 65% Heartfelt beads thinking they would bring the humidity level down and maintain the desired 65%. Nothing. Rock solid 70%.
I then read on another forum that simply having the CO in the coolerdor will create a himidified environment, (since it basically has an open water source in contact with the environment like a bowl of DW), and the environment will continue at a stable RH until the source of the humidity has been removed, (the CO and its' water source), and even after in a well sealed storage unit.
Contrary to popular opinion, I'm smart enought to recognize a good idea. After removing the CO, (but not the now-charged beads), the coolerdor has held a stable 65% level for the last two days.
Since it's summer, those of us in places with higher ambient humidity levels may experience higher levels in coolers/humidors. If you're using a Cigar Oasis and have humidity levels that are too high, you may want to remove it from your unit if all else fails.
Just a thought. Hope it helps.
S.
I've used the term RH to imply the humidity level inside the humidor/coolerdor. It's not entirely accurate, but it gets my point across.
