Installing a piano climate control system ensures a stable humidity level all year round.


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Piano Climate Control Systems
In moderate climates, you may not need climate control. The first thing to do is to get some type of hygrometer or humidity gauge and put it on or near the piano. If the humidity stays fairly steady, and is not too damp or too dry you may not need it.

There are some caveats to using climate control devices. Usually they are supplied with both a humidifier and a dehumidifier, and a humidistat which turns either one or the other on, or both off when the humidity in the piano's vicinity reaches the objective of around 42%. Sometimes, depending on the particular area of the country and the local humidity conditions, a technician will install only the humidifier or the dehumidifier. The humidistat, however, should always be installed along with one or the other.

In order for the dehumidifier or the humidifier to work, they have to be plugged in continuously to a source of AC power (wall outlet). If you have a humidifier, it also has to be refilled regularly with water. If you don't feel you can meet these requirements consistently, it would probably be better not to have the climate control.

The most popular climate control system made for pianos today (and also probably the most complete) is the Dampp-Chaser™ System. Included in their climate control systems are features such as warning lights to let you know when the water is low, and special refill tools to make it convenient for you to fill the humidifier with the right amount of water, as the device is usually located inside a vertical piano or up under a grand where it is sometimes difficult to refill the tank by ordinary means. The climate control device can be purchased from, and installed by your piano technician, or Dampp-Chaser™ has available a list of installers in your area, at their website.

The general consensus is that pianos with a humidity control system stay in tune longer and hold up better, if the device is properly installed and maintained. If you have a moderately or more expensive instrument that you want to preserve for a long time, a climate control system would certainly be worth your consideration, even if you do live in a moderate climate. If you live in the tropics, or in areas of either extreme dampness or dryness, or severe humidity swings, climate control is strongly recommended.