Different question about heater bars

[Farrell]

----- 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