How Do I Keep My Electric Humidor at 70 Percent Humidity?

Maintaining the right humidity inside an electric humidor is supposed to be simple. That is the whole point of buying one. But when your humidor will not stay at 70 percent humidity or keeps drifting too high or too low, it becomes frustrating fast. The good news is that electric humidors are predictable machines. When humidity levels slip, there is always a specific cause and a specific fix.

This guide walks you through every major issue cigar owners run into, the real solutions that actually work, and how to know when it is time to lean on your warranty or upgrade to a more reliable unit. If you bought your electric cigar humidor from Refined Traditions, remember that we stand behind every model we sell. If you are having humidity issues or need replacement parts, just reach out and we will take care of you.

Why Electric Humidors May Struggle to Hold Humidity

Every electric humidor is designed to reach a stable humidity range, usually between 65 and 72 percent. When the numbers are off, the problem almost always comes down to one of six things: seasoning, airflow, water supply, temperature variance, faulty parts, or the limitations of lower-quality units. Understanding these makes troubleshooting fast and reliable.

How to Raise Humidity in Your Electric Humidor

When humidity is low, cigars begin to feel lighter, brittle, or sharp during a cold draw. If your electric humidor will not reach 65 to 70 percent humidity, here is what actually works.

Make Sure the Humidor Was Properly Seasoned

An unseasoned interior is the number one cause of low humidity. Electric humidors still need initial seasoning, especially if cedar shelves or drawers are present.
Two easy fixes:

• Add a Boveda 84 percent seasoning pack for 10 to 14 days
• Or use a clean sponge with distilled water and let the wood absorb moisture before loading cigars

You cannot skip this. If the wood is dry, it will steal humidity every minute your unit runs.

Refill or Replace the Water Reservoir

Many electric humidors rely on a built-in reservoir. If it is empty or the pad is dried out, humidity cannot climb. Refill with distilled water only. Tap water causes minerals to build up and reduce performance.

Avoid Overcrowding Your Cigars

Too many boxes or bundles block airflow. Electric humidors regulate humidity by circulation, so if the air cannot move, humidity stays low. Leave at least a half-inch gap between cigars and shelves.

Check for Air Leaks

A door seal that is loose or dented will make it impossible to raise humidity. If you bought from Refined Traditions and notice a warped seal, contact us. We will send you a replacement part.

How to Lower Humidity in Your Electric Humidor

High humidity is just as damaging. Cigars can taste harsh, burn unevenly, or even mold if the RH creeps above 75 for too long.

Open the Humidor Briefly to Release Moisture

Electric humidors recover quickly. Opening the door for 30 to 60 seconds lets excess moisture escape without hurting your cigars. This simple reset often brings the RH back into range without needing to adjust anything internally.

Reduce the Amount of Water in the Reservoir

If your unit has adjustable output or a removable sponge pad, lower the moisture level. Do not let water pool. A saturated pad produces too much vapor. Reducing the water supply gives the humidor a chance to regulate itself more gradually.

Add Dry Air Packs Temporarily

A 62 percent Boveda pack or small desiccant pouch can pull humidity down safely. Remove it once the RH stabilizes. This temporary assist helps your humidor regain control without permanently lowering moisture levels.

Avoid Crowding the Reservoir Area

If your cigars or boxes touch the humidification vents, they can trap moisture. Keep that zone clear. Proper airflow around the humidification system ensures humidity disperses evenly throughout the cabinet.

Why Your Electric Humidor Won’t Keep Humidity Steady

If humidity swings up and down or refuses to stay stable, one of these issues is usually the reason. Identifying the specific cause makes it much easier to correct the problem quickly.

The External Temperature Is Too High

Humidity rises as temperature rises. If your humidor sits near a sunny window, heating vent, or warm appliance, the internal system has to work harder than designed. Moving the unit to a cooler, more stable environment often restores consistent performance.

Ideal temperature range: 64 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Your Hygrometer Needs Calibration

Digital hygrometers drift over time. Use a salt test or Boveda calibration kit once every few months to keep readings accurate. When a hygrometer is off, your humidor may appear unstable even when the internal environment is actually fine.

Faulty Fans or Sensors

If airflow components malfunction, humidity will spike or drop for no clear reason.
If you bought your unit from Refined Traditions, let us know. We can help diagnose the issue and provide replacement parts when needed.

Your Humidor Has Outgrown Its Capacity

When you exceed the recommended cigar count, airflow collapses. A larger humidor immediately solves chronic instability issues, especially models with forced air circulation like the Raching series.

If you’re comparing models or have outgrown your capacity, our best electric humidor guide breaks down the top units and what each one offers.

When It’s Time to Upgrade Your Electric Humidor

Some humidity problems come down to the limitations of cheaper units. Entry-level electric humidors often lack:

• Adjustable humidity output
• Stable fans
• Reliable sensors
• Proper insulation
• Tight seals

If your RH is constantly drifting, you have done all the right troubleshooting, and the unit still cannot maintain a steady 65 to 70 percent humidity, upgrading may save you more cigars in the long run.

High-quality brands such as Raching, Prestige Import Group, Yohtron, and Humidor Supreme (all available at Refined Traditions) are engineered to maintain humidity with minimal effort. When properly seasoned and used, these units regulate themselves so you do not have to.

If you're coming to terms with your own humidor not living up to your standards, don't worry, there are other electric cigar humidors in the sea! Or however the saying goes...

Electric Humidor Quick Troubleshooting Chart

Problem	Likely Cause	Fix
Humidity too low	Dry wood, empty reservoir, air leak, overcrowding	Season the humidor, refill reservoir, check seal, reduce inventory
Humidity too high	Overfilled reservoir, poor airflow, high temp	Reduce water, open door briefly, lower temperature
Humidity fluctuates	Bad hygrometer, faulty fan, wrong placement	Calibrate hygrometer, inspect fan, move away from heat
Humidor won’t hold humidity	Undersized or low-quality unit	Replace parts or upgrade to a high-quality electric humidor
New humidor not stabilizing	Wood still absorbing moisture	Allow two weeks for full seasoning

Final Thoughts: Maintaining Perfect Humidity Shouldn’t Be Complicated

Electric humidors are at their best when they run quietly in the background, keeping your cigars ready to enjoy with no extra maintenance. When humidity problems show up, the fixes are usually simple. Season properly, maintain airflow, use distilled water, calibrate your hygrometer, and check your seals. If the issues continue, your unit may just be outmatched or in need of service.

If you own a humidor from Refined Traditions and something isn’t working as expected, let us know. We will guide you through the fix or help you secure replacement parts. If you are browsing because your current humidor is giving you headaches, consider exploring a higher-quality unit that maintains perfect humidity without constant adjustment.

A great cigar deserves great storage. And a great electric humidor should make your cigar life easier, never harder.