Hi list Let me preface my question by informing the list that I live in Indiana. Our humidity (in home) usually cycles from 65% in the summer to 30% in the winter. Again these are averages of "in home" readings. I have been of the understanding that the heater bars used by Dampp-chaser are used to decrease humidity. This is done by heating up the air around the heater bar. Warm air holds more moisture than cold air. So, moisture is drawn out of the piano and into the air... right? The question is: in the absence of a humidistat should the heater bar be unpluged in the winter? The piano in question resides in a church. Note: The temperature regularly falls to 60 degrees during the week and back up to room temperature during services. Also, I have not serviced this instrument and have no humidity readings from the site. I don't believe the heater bar should be used as a substitute for heat. I contend that the heater bar will compound the lower humidity (its' intended purpose). Without installing a humidistat or complete Dampp-chaser system, should the partial system be unplugged in drier seasons? Deeply pondering in Indiana Mike Bratcher
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