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Forum nameOff-Topic Lounge
Topic subjectUnderstanding Indoor Humidity
Topic URLhttp://www.pcqanda.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=4&topic_id=218270
218270, Understanding Indoor Humidity
Posted by VanGuard, Thu Nov-29-18 12:50 AM
I hope this isn't too far off topic for the Off Topic Lounge..

I think my home is too dry in these winter months. I have two types of humidity gauges; one is the type you use in a cigar humidor, the other is part of an indoor-outdoor weather station.

The humidor type reads 44% (absolute?), while the weather station one reads 33% (relative?). What are they telling me in regard to comfort? Thanks.
218271, RE: Understanding Indoor Humidity
Posted by dtellier, Thu Nov-29-18 03:15 AM
Quote:
QUOTE:
I hope this isn't too far off topic for the Off Topic Lounge..

I think my home is too dry in these winter months. I have two types of humidity gauges; one is the type you use in a cigar humidor, the other is part of an indoor-outdoor weather station.

The humidor type reads 44% (absolute?), while the weather station one reads 33% (relative?). What are they telling me in regard to comfort? Thanks.


First of all, I doubt there is ANY topic too far off for the Off Topic Lounge. That is the purpose for the lounge.

Now, on to your question. Try reading through this Wikipedia listing to explain the terms. I can't determine what the two gauges you refer to are displaying as you would need to go to the manufacturer for information regarding what they were intending to show. The relationship between absolute humidity levels and the current temperature will affect your comfort level, and is the reason for relative humidity levels to be listed in weather information charts, etc. Hope the link shown helps in your quest.

Dave

Edited to correct link.
218272, RE: Understanding Indoor Humidity
Posted by dtellier, Thu Nov-29-18 03:15 AM
Quote:
QUOTE:
I hope this isn't too far off topic for the Off Topic Lounge..

I think my home is too dry in these winter months. I have two types of humidity gauges; one is the type you use in a cigar humidor, the other is part of an indoor-outdoor weather station.

The humidor type reads 44% (absolute?), while the weather station one reads 33% (relative?). What are they telling me in regard to comfort? Thanks.


First of all, I doubt there is ANY topic too far off for the Off Topic Lounge. That is the purpose for the lounge.

Now, on to your question. Try reading through this Wikipedia listing to explain the terms. I can't determine what the two gauges you refer to are displaying as you would need to go to the manufacturer for information regarding what they were intending to show. The relationship between absolute humidity levels and the current temperature will affect your comfort level, and is the reason for relative humidity levels to be listed in weather information charts, etc. Hope the link shown helps in your quest.

Dave
218273, RE: Understanding Indoor Humidity
Posted by VanGuard, Sat Dec-01-18 01:53 PM
Thank you for the reply. I'm just wondering which hygrometer to believe.

This is the on that always reads way higher than the digital one
https://www.amazon.com/Cigar-Oasis-Hygrometer-Western-Humidor/dp/B00JXOKPT0/ref=pd_bxgy_201_img_3?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00JXOKPT0&pd_rd_r=752a15ad-f56e-11e8-a28e-8b2b3716acbc&pd_rd_w=JFuv9&pd_rd_wg=ZEqGG&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=6725dbd6-9917-451d-beba-16af7874e407&pf_rd_r=5HH72J32XVCPMGPCT075&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=5HH72J32XVCPMGPCT075

(I tried using the link insert option above, but it doesn't seem to work for me)
218274, RE: Understanding Indoor Humidity
Posted by KJT, Sat Dec-01-18 04:09 PM
Your link worked for me.

The device promises "accuracy to +/- 1%" but is "User recalibrate-able" - (in case it isn't?)

What more could ever be needed for only $9.99 with free shipping?

I have an "hygrometer" as part of a set. I never look at it anymore.

It can't tell me if I'm comfortable or if it's too dry - which it almost always is in the winter heating season.

I'd let your skin be your guide - or use the device that indicates a humidity closest to what your skin is telling you.

Just my .02¢

Jim.
218275, RE: Understanding Indoor Humidity
Posted by VanGuard, Sat Dec-01-18 04:36 PM
Thanks Jim,
The thing came with a calibration kit. Tear open a salt bag (?) and put the hydrometer in it for 12-24 hours. When you take it out it should read 75% (if memory serves me correctly) If adjustment is needed, there's a tiny screw on the back. Mine was right on. Both of them (I bought two). But I don't know if it is reading relative humidity, absolute humidity, or specific humidity. I've always assumed it was RH.
218276, RE: Understanding Indoor Humidity
Posted by KJT, Sat Dec-01-18 04:40 PM
The one pictured in your link indicates "Relative humidity" right on its face. I didn't read any of the review comments/questions to see if this was disputed by anyone who had bought one.

Jim.
218277, RE: Understanding Indoor Humidity
Posted by VanGuard, Sat Dec-01-18 06:23 PM
Quote:
QUOTE:
The one pictured in your link indicates "Relative humidity" right on its face. I didn't read any of the review comments/questions to see if this was disputed by anyone who had bought one.

Jim.

LOL. I'll be darned. The two I have are identical except that area just says certified. I guess then it is safe to assume mine is also RH. Thanks for pointing that out. I never paid any attention to the link picture, just that it was the model I had.

How do I give you Kudos or best answer?
218278, RE: Understanding Indoor Humidity
Posted by KJT, Sat Dec-01-18 08:04 PM
:7

Jim.