Dampp-Chaser

Why do we recommend Dampp-chaser systems?
Essentially, there are two things that cause pianos to
deteriorate. One is wear and tear, and the other is
excessive summer dampness and winter dryness. Since
pianos are made mostly of wood, they are subject to
shrinking and swelling with changes in relative humidity.
Generally, your piano should be safe within the limits of
about 30% to 60% RH, but here in New England we
regularly see homes well below 20% in the dry heating
season and over 70% in the wet summer months.
Dryness causes loose tuning pins, cracked soundboards
and bridges, and loose action parts, among other things.
Excessive moisture causes rusting strings, sticking keys,
and compression ridges in soundboards (which is often
where cracks subsequently appear during the dry season.
Whole-house humidity control is extremely difficult to
achieve, but a properly installed complete Dampp-Chaser
system will maintain the important components of your
piano much closer to the ideal 42% RH.