Service Details

SERVICE DETAILS

The Dampp-Chaser Piano Life Saver System is designed specifically for pianos to control the humidity inside the instrument. Unlike a room dehumidifier, the Piano Life Saver System both humidifies and dehumidifies, using a humidistat to monitor conditions inside the piano and automatically regulate the internal environment. 

Maintaining stable humidity is important because the wooden components of a piano continually respond to changes in moisture. Seasonal humidity changes can contribute to tuning instability, changes in touch and action regulation, rust on strings and metal components, glue failure, and damage to the soundboard and bridges. 

DAMPP-CHASER PIANO LIFE SAVER SYSTEM

Professional installation and service of Dampp-Chaser Piano Life Saver Systems for grand and upright pianos.

WHY INSTALL A DAMPP-CHASER?

Improved tuning stability
Reduced expansion and contraction of action components
More consistent touch and keyboard control
Protection against excessive moisture and dryness
Reduced risk of rust and corrosion on strings and metal components
Reduced deterioration of felt
Reduced stress on glue joints
Protection of the soundboard and bridges
Improved long-term stability and protection of the piano 

SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

A Dampp-Chaser system requires regular maintenance to continue operating properly. The manufacturer’s maintenance instructions call for the humidifier pads to be changed at least twice a year, with the humidifier cleaned annually. The system should also be inspected to make sure the humidifier, dehumidifier, humidistat, watering system, and associated components are operating correctly. 

The Piano Life Saver System is installed inside the piano and creates a controlled environment around the instrument’s wooden components. The humidistat senses the condition near the soundboard and automatically controls the humidifier and dehumidifier as needed. 

Dampp-Chaser Piano Life Saver installation, inspection, and maintenance are available as part of professional piano service.

How do you know if your piano needs this system?

Pianos are made primarily from wood and other materials that respond to changes in humidity. Seasonal changes in humidity can cause the wooden components of a piano to expand and contract, affecting tuning stability, action regulation, touch, and the overall condition of the instrument.

A piano may benefit from a Dampp-Chaser Piano Life Saver System when it is located in an environment where humidity changes significantly, particularly when the piano repeatedly goes through periods of excessive dryness or moisture. The Piano Life Saver System is specifically designed for pianos and uses a controller to both humidify and dehumidify the interior environment around the piano’s sensitive wooden components. 

SIGNS YOUR PIANO MAY NEED HUMIDITY CONTROL

Frequent changes in tuning

Difficulty keeping the piano in tune

Seasonal changes in touch or key response

Changes in action regulation

Wood components that expand or contract noticeably with the seasons

Soundboard movement or cracking

Loose or changing bridge conditions

Rust or corrosion on strings and other metal components

A piano located in a home with substantial heating or air-conditioning

A piano located near a radiator, heating vent, fireplace, exterior door, or other source of environmental change

A piano in a room where humidity regularly becomes very dry or excessively damp

WHY HUMIDITY CONTROL MATTERS

A Dampp-Chaser system provides a controlled environment inside the piano itself, rather than attempting to control the humidity of the entire room. The system automatically responds to changing conditions by humidifying or dehumidifying as necessary. 

For a piano that has difficulty maintaining stable tuning or is exposed to significant seasonal humidity changes, properly installed humidity control can be an important part of long-term piano maintenance.

PROFESSIONAL EVALUATION

Not every piano requires a Dampp-Chaser system. The piano’s location, construction, condition, history, and surrounding environment should all be considered before installation.

During a piano service appointment, the instrument can be evaluated to determine whether humidity control would be appropriate and which system is suitable for the piano.