Most homes in Northern Virginia rely upon
forced air heat in winter. Forced air heating systems tend to dry
out the air. The colder it is outside, the lower the humidity is
inside. During cold spells, your household humidity can
plummet below 10%!
Extremely dry air is the mortal enemy of stringed
instruments. Humidity in the 40-80% range is ideal. Cracks
may form when the humidity drops below 30%.
An in-room humidifier
provides the best protection. Humidifiers placed in the case or
instrument are usually not as effective and risk dripping water onto the
instrument.
