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Pianos That Live in Florida

destroyed piano

Pianos that spend their life in Florida for the most part end up falling victim to the higher humidity of the Florida climate. Homes in Florida generally have average humidity levels at or above 50% RH. In winter months it can get below 35% RH on occasion but generally is moderate compared to colder climates with indoor heating that drives the humidity level way down to a level that can be destructive to wooden musical instruments like a piano.

Sunlight can also damage a pianos finish and should be a concern when placing a piano near a window.

Other concerns would be tornados, hurricanes, lightening (player pianos), dust, and sinkholes. Obviously these things are of concern to all of us in general, however, a piano can sometimes be quite a large financial investment and some planning for financial recoup is a wise move.

Below is a list of potential problems for Florida based pianos and the possible solutions.

Humidity.....Keep piano room at a humidity level between 35% to 55% RH. Have technician install humidity control, and string cover. Keep windows and doors to piano room closed during rain or if you live on a body of water. Do not place piano under window A/C unit. Do not place piano on outside wall if you are not running the A/C in the summer months. See "Humidity Control" page and links.
Dust....Have piano cleaned on a regular basis. Install string cover. Use the correct cleaning products. Place piano away from A/C intake .Ask your technician about it.
Sunlight.... Use UV protection on windows. Use curtains that will block direct sunlight. Cover the piano. Move piano out of sunlight.
Termites... Use good pest control measures.
Lightening.....Unplug your piano player system when not in use. Install good surge protection. Talk to your player piano technician about it.
Natural disasters....Have insurance to cover replacement cost. Talk to your insurance agent. He may suggest having your piano appraised. If leaving home, cover piano with moving blankets and plastic to protect from water and falling objects. If water intrusion occurs in home, dry the piano as quickly as possible and move it to a dry environment. Call your technician right away, he may be able to save your piano if it recieves immediate attention.