Different question about heater bars

[Clyde Hollinger]

Mike,

Yes, it should be unplugged in the winter.  I agree with the other responses that
a humidistat is highly advisable at the least.  It will sense whenever the
humidity is too high and snap on  and off automatically.  Without the humidistat
there is no control.  What happens if you have low humidity for a week in the
summer?  It adds to the piano's stress by lowering it more than it should.  And
during fall and winter months there can be a warm wet spell, but the unplugged
heat bar can't help correct that.

Another problem is that people forget when they are to pull the plug, or they get
things switched in their minds and pull the plug in the summer and plug it in for
the winter, which exaggerates the humidity swings in the piano.

In my mind, especially critical is the strength of the heat bar.  I find pianos
with little 15-watt bars from time to time.  I doubt they can do as much good, or
damage, as the current 50-watt bars.  I'm pretty sure I heard a Dampp-Chaser
representative say getting enough dehumidifying power is a challenge as it is.

Regards,
Clyde Hollinger


MBrat70179@AOL.COM wrote:

> 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