Pianos are huge investments. The craftsmanship and time that goes into creating one beautiful instrument require a premium price tag. Maintaining your instrument is a big part of helping it last for years to come.
In the cold winter months, there are changes both inside and outside your home or office. Take the following precautions to keep your piano running at its highest level during the winter and holiday season.
Constant Humidity Level
When outside temperatures drop, people turn the heat up in their homes. The furnace tends to eat up the humidity in the house making the air drier. This dryness that makes your skin and lips crack have a similar effect on your piano. The wood can dry out, and the strings can lose tension.
To combat the effects of a dry winter, add a humidifier to your piano room. There are also humidity gauges available to check how dry your room is.
The Right Spot for Your Piano
Pianos need the Goldilocks of locations. They need a spot that is not too hot or cold and not too dry or humid. You will want to find a place for your piano that stays around 70 degrees and about 50% humidity.
Here are some areas to avoid including:
- Near the front door (and its bursts of cold)
- Near a heater
- Near a window
- Right next to a humidifier
- In the path of direct sunlight
Ongoing Piano Maintenance Tips
Some standard maintenance can fall off in the winter months with classes to prepare for and family gatherings to attend or host. There are some easy steps you can take to keep up your piano in every season:
- Dust weekly
- Cover the keys
- Play regularly
- Keep liquids away
- Tune your piano about twice per year
Evola Music has been in the industry since 1931. For more tips on maintaining your piano or setting up music lessons, contact us today.