Different question about heater bars

[Dennis Benson]

Add the humidistat at least. Churches that I service here is Mn that lower
their heat to 60 in the winter can be helped a lot by adding a 50Wrod with
Humidistat (for verticals, grands need more)). A whole system is better but
it must be maintained by someone responsible. Check out the Dampp Chaser web
site. It's good and informative. http://www.dampp-chaser.com

Dennis


----- Original Message -----
From: <MBrat70179@AOL.COM>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2000 10:06 PM
Subject: Different question about heater bars


> 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
>