How Summer Humidity Affects Your Piano and What You Can Do About It
- Dale Dahlberg
- Jun 13
- 3 min read
Warm, sticky air can cause real problems for your piano.
In Minnesota, summer humidity can be relentless. And while we’re all adjusting our thermostats and switching on the air conditioner, it’s worth remembering that your piano is adjusting, too. The warm, moist air we get in the Twin Cities this time of year can have a noticeable impact on how your piano sounds, feels, and holds its tuning.
Here’s a quick guide to how humidity affects your piano, and what you can do to keep it in great shape all summer long.
Why Humidity Matters for Your Piano
Your piano is made mostly of wood, felt, and metal. These materials all react to the moisture in the air
The soundboard, the large wooden panel beneath the strings (or behind the strings in an upright piano), expands in high humidity and contracts when it’s dry. Even small changes in the soundboard can shift the tension on the strings and throw the piano out of tune. Over time, this expansion and contraction of the soundboard affects the bridges and the structure of soundboard itself leading to cracks and loose ribs.
Wooden action parts, such as hammer shanks and key sticks, can swell in the summer, causing sluggish key response or a heavier touch.
Felt bushings can absorb moisture and swell, affecting the action’s regulation and making the keys feel sluggish.
Glue joints may loosen and fail if the humidity gets too high for too long.
All of this means it's not just your imagination if it seems like your piano doesn't sound or play like it did a few weeks ago.
Common Summer Symptoms
Here are a few signs your piano may be reacting to summer humidity:
It’s gone out of tune sooner than expected
Keys are sticking, sluggish, or uneven
You’re noticing new buzzing, knocking, or other unusual sounds
The case lid or fallboard (the cover over the keys) feels tighter than usual
If you notice any of these issues, it doesn’t necessarily mean something is broken. It could just be due to the change of season. But it’s a good idea to keep an eye on it.
How to Protect Your Piano in the Summer
A stable environment goes a long way toward helping your piano stay in tune and responsive.
Keep the Humidity in Check
If possible, try to keep your home’s relative humidity between 40% and 50%. Keeping the humidity as stable as possible helps prevent swelling in the summer and shrinking in the winter.
Use air conditioning or a room dehumidifier in the space where your piano lives
Keep an inexpensive digital hygrometer nearby so you can monitor changes
If your home tends to be especially humid, consider a whole-home dehumidifier.
Place Your Piano Wisely
Avoid placing your piano near:
Exterior doors or windows
Air vents or radiators
Damp or humid rooms like basements
A good rule of thumb is that if you would not be comfortable in that spot every day, year-round, your piano won't be comfortable there either.
Ask About a Humidity Control System
For year-round protection, I often recommend (and I am certified to install) Dampp-Chaser Piano Life Saver Systems. These systems help stabilize humidity inside the piano itself and are especially helpful in our Minnesota climate.
Summer Maintenance Matters
Summer is an ideal time for a check-in—especially if your piano hasn’t been tuned since winter or early spring. If your piano has gone out of tune, the keys have started sticking, or the tone has changed, a seasonal service can help keep small problems from becoming big repairs.
My Five Point Piano Tune Up is a comprehensive service designed to address all the regular maintenance a piano needs so you can relax knowing your piano is well cared for. It includes a fine tuning, touch-up regulation and voicing, light cleaning, and attention to the most common seasonal maintenance needs.
Need a Summer Check-Up? I’m Happy to Help.
If your piano doesn’t sound quite right, or you’d just like to keep it in great shape, I’d be glad to help. I’m based in Eden Prairie and serve the western and southwestern Twin Cities, including Minnetonka, Chanhassen, Chaska, Wayzata, Minneapolis, Maple Grove, and nearby areas.
Or feel free to get in touch if you have questions. I’m always happy to help!
