Humidity Fluctuation ~ how to solve

[smschulz]

Hello, gents ~ this being my first post and all.

I built a wine cooler humidor early in the summer.
I live in Texas and the heat gets to the inside a bit.

I used a Haier 16 bottle thermoelectric wine cooler and set the temp to the max of 65 degrees.
I used XICAR 250ct bead module with their liquid.

It has been running perfect for the last 4-5 months.
67-68 degrees and 67-69 % humidity. (+/- 1-2)

Recently I have been getting fluctuations of humidity ~ 55 > 75+.

The unit did run out of fluid so I used just distilled water for about two weeks>
I have the new XICAR solution now but haven't refilled yet.

Just checked and humidity was 78% ~ (I check daily).

I aired out the humidor and now it is low (58) but I will it will climb back up again.

Is the main problem the solution ?
or is the ambient outside temp/humidity affecting?

I just got in the solution ~ should the bead run dry before filling or should I use a different product.

thanks

Steve

PS Long Ashes as CD says.

 

[Chemyst]

rh varies most during the change of seasons, in the spring and fall.
Cold, dry air replacing warm moist air, and vice versa.

Since rh was steady for 4-5 months, I doubt you have a big problem.
I use 1.25 lbs. of beads in my 28 btl Vinotemp, and need to add water
in the winter, but never in the summer.
It's always better to have more beads than needed, as a buffer.

I'm not sure what the Xikar humidifier has in it. Once the humidity drops
4-5% lower, add a little water in a bottle cap. No need to overdo it. If
it needs more, then add more in small increments until it stabilizes.

Chemyst