Most people take their piano for granted. You keep it in your living room for years and years. It looks pretty and sounds great, yet one never seems to even consider how weather and lack of maintenance can affect its appearance and overall performance. Then again, why would you? It’s a giant instrument made of wood and strings, and the idea that it might be impacted by temperature and humidity often goes unnoticed.
The truth of the matter, however, is that temperature and humidity can be detrimental to the sound and the appearance of your piano, and that is something every piano owner should keep in mind especially when moving or storing it.
How Temperature and Humidity Affect Pianos
The way in which temperature affects your piano is especially risky when your instrument is regularly subjected temperature fluctuations —from very high to low and vice versa. These fluctuations are the culprit behind your piano going through a vicious cycle of alternating expansion and shrinkage, expansion and shrinkage, etc., creating an unhealthy environment for the instrument.
When it comes to piano storage, humidity is also a top concern. It is responsible for a lot of damage that can render your piano unusable. Keeping your piano in a humid place for a long time can cause the wood to crack and the coating to peel. In addition, very high levels of humidity can even affect piano strings due to condensation, which ultimately results in them rusting and breaking down.
Ideal Piano Storage Conditions
- Store your piano in a dry place in order to minimize the effects of moisture
- 30% to 50% is considered the acceptable range for piano storage humidity
- A suitable piano storage temperature that should not harm your instrument is room temperature
- Keep your piano away from heat vents and out of the sun
- Check your piano for damages on a regular basis
- Make sure you open the piano’s lid every once in a while to let some air in and prevent mold from growing
- Consider installing an in-piano humidity control system
Protect Your Piano before It’s Too Late
By following a few easy steps, you can easily guarantee your piano stays in top shape. If you plan on moving or storing your piano, it is essential to keep in mind the effects of temperature and humidity have over it. It is also important to regularly inspect your piano so that you can detect early warning signs of damage, prevent further harm from happening to your instrument, and avoid costly repairs in the future.