Managing Humidity for Piano Stability

In a recent post we discussed the effects humidity has on your piano. If you have not read this post, you can revisit it here. Today we will touch on piano placement, hygrometers, room humidification, and Piano Life Saver systems.

When choosing your pianos placement, keep in mind where humidity might fluctuate in your space. Windows, exterior doors, and outside walls can be drafty. Kitchens areas can have large swings in humidity. While fireplaces, air intakes, vents, and heaters can dry out the air. The best location is on inside wall away from windows and doors, not too near a fireplace, vent, or air intake.

As a piano owner it is also a good idea to have a hygrometer nearby. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to obtain. The hygrometer does not need to be extremely precise. The goal here is to observe humidity swings and extremes. The ideal humidity for a piano is 43%. It is unrealistic to keep our homes maintained at this level all the time. Therefore, we like to set a goal of 40-60% with consistency being the key. On a daily basis, ideally the humidity should not vary more than 5%. If you are having trouble controlling the humidity in the room you may need to use a humidifier or a dehumidifier. 

If your humidity level gets below 40%, we suggest using a humidifier. When using a humidifier to add moisture to a room during the winter, make sure it is not too close to your piano. It should not be closer than 3 feet. Moisture can cause damage to the metal components so it’s best to keep it on a low setting as well. When you are first starting out, use your hygrometer to help you figure out the best setting. It’s best to observe the humidity regularly to make sure the room is not getting too humid.

A dehumidifier is used in a room to remove moisture from the air in the summer months. If your humidity is above 55-60% you should consider using a dehumidifier. One of the challenges of using a dehumidifier is the need to empty the bucket when it becomes full. Again, monitor your humidity regularly to make sure the room is not becoming too dry.

Another way to control the humidity is to hire a certified technician to install a Piano Life Saver system. These systems use both dehumidifier and humidifier implements to keep a microclimate inside your piano. It is important that the correct system for your piano is installed properly. These systems do require maintenance such as adding water when the piano needs it and having the pads changes annually. 

Some piano owners with challenging environments and needs may consider using all of the methods mentioned above to achieve the highest level of stability. If you have any questions about piano placement, room humidification, or Piano Life Saver systems just reach out and we will be glad to help. If you are interested in having a PLS system installed on your instrument, contact Ashley (our certified PLS installer) and we will find the best solution for your needs.

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ducharmespianoservice@gmail.com Book Now 984-356-9477