Different question about heater bars

[Farrell]

Oops, I stand corrected by Gina and Ron N. The Dampp-Chaser without the
humidistat will work better in the original box rather than simply unplugged
(because some well-intentioned individual will inevitably plug the destructo
bar in.

Terry Farrell
Piano Tuning & Service
Tampa, Florida
mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com

----- Original Message -----
From: "Farrell" <mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2000 7:51 AM
Subject: Re: Different question about heater bars


> ----- Original Message -----
> From: <MBrat70179@AOL.COM>
> To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2000 11:06 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?
>
> Yes it should be unplugged in winter. BUT, it should also be unplugged in
> summer because it is not controlled by a humidistat.
>
> > 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).
>
> You are absolutely correct.
>
> > Without installing a humidistat or complete Dampp-chaser system, should
> the
> > partial system be unplugged in drier seasons?
>
> Without a humidistat, the Dampp-Chaser system (although system implies
more
> than one part!) works best unplugged. Unplugged will prevent damage to the
> piano from overdrying due to use on a non-humidistat controlled
Dampp-Chaser
> heat rod.
>
>  > Deeply pondering in Indiana
>
> > Mike Bratcher
>
> Ponder how to convince the church to buy a $50 humidistat. :-)  Good Luck!
>
> Terry Farrell
> Piano Tuning & Service
> Tampa, Florida
> mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com
>
>
>