Well, add one more to the list! I can't count the times I've shown up at a new customer's house and found this scenario. The previous tech installed a heater bar with no humidistat and not even any instructions to the customer to unplug it in the winter. It even has a label stating not to use without the control. I'm not a big fan of these systems and I believe that Dampp-Chaser, et.al., can be held liable for damage to pianos caused by misuse of their products. I'm aware that there is a DC muckity-muck who subscribes to this list so, I put these questions out there: 1) Why don't they manufacture heater bars with keyed plugs that will only plug into a humidistat - not an electrical outlet? The warning label obviously doesn't cut it. 2) Is there any INDEPENDENT study published that backs up the claims that are made regarding these system's supposed beneficial effects on pianos? When I say independent, I don't mean a study paid for by Dampp-chaser. The company has a vested interest in the results and would not publish a contrary report. I also don't mean a study performed by techs who are proponents of the equipment. They has a similar vested interest as well. Any takers? Matt Wynne
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