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 > > >
This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC