Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)

[Route 66]

The digital thermometer in my humidor still reads around 73 degrees. Is this a problem?

BTW, the RH is at 69-71%.

[pnoon]

Originally Posted by Route 66

The digital thermometer in my humidor still reads around 73 degrees. Is this a problem?

BTW, the RH is at 69-71%.

Most folks would be thrilled with 73 degrees.
If your RH is 69-71% and you are happy with the way your cigars smoke, that's fine, too. However, most people I know prefer their RH in the 60-65% range. But as long as you are happy with the way your sticks are smoking, that's all that matters.

[Route 66]

Originally Posted by pnoon

Most folks would be thrilled with 73 degrees.
If your RH is 69-71% and you are happy with the way your cigars smoke, that's fine, too. However, most people I know prefer their RH in the 60-65% range. But as long as you are happy with the way your sticks are smoking, that's all that matters.

Thanks for the reply. I don't feel that I know enough about it to know if I would prefer 70% or if I should try to get it down to 60-65%.

I was concerned that beetles may appear at 73 degrees and that would freak me out.

[pnoon]

Originally Posted by Route 66

Thanks for the reply. I don't feel that I know enough about it to know if I would prefer 70% or if I should try to get it down to 60-65%.

I was concerned that beetles may appear at 73 degrees and that would freak me out.

Some folks experience burn issues with RH at higher levels. If your cigars seem to you to be smoking fine, then don't sweat the RH. My concern would be that if your RH goes up even slightly, you will very likely experience burn problems. I prefer low to mid-60s RH not only for how they smoke but it provides a comfortable margin should the RH rise.

There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to beetles appearing. From what I have read (and I believe) is that sustained temps above 80 are where you really need to be concerned. Think of the climates in the DR, Cuba and Central America. A lot warmer than 73.

I live in San Diego, have no temp control in my humidor and only use the central AC sporadically when needed.

[Route 66]

Originally Posted by pnoon

Some folks experience burn issues with RH at higher levels. If your cigars seem to you to be smoking fine, then don't sweat the RH. My concern would be that if your RH goes up even slightly, you will very likely experience burn problems. I prefer low to mid-60s RH not only for how they smoke but it provides a comfortable margin should the RH rise.

There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to beetles appearing. From what I have read (and I believe) is that sustained temps above 80 are where you really need to be concerned. Think of the climates in the DR, Cuba and Central America. A lot warmer than 73.

I live in San Diego, have no temp control in my humidor and only use the central AC sporadically when needed.

Thanks. It sounds as if I can stop worrying about beetles because I have my central A/C set to come on at 76 degrees.

[pnoon]

Originally Posted by Route 66

Thanks. It sounds as if I can stop worrying about beetles because I have my central A/C set to come on at 76 degrees.

Glad to have helped.
As with anything in life, there are no guarantees. But if I were in your situation, I wouldn't be worrying.

[Route 66]

I have another couple of questions...

Is there a good place to buy cigars online?

Should I just buy them locally?