Attention Aprilaire humidifier owners! First of all, congratulations on making it through a grueling winter. It was cold, snowy and nasty outside, with record-breaking low temperatures and record breaking snowfalls. But thanks to your insight, Aprilaire protected your family and your home from the potential devastation of dry air.
Time to call it a season
With the end of the humidifier season comes a couple of simple tasks to perform. First, be sure you are confident you will no longer require humidification, then follow these easy end-of-season tasks. If you have a bypass-style humidifier, you need to close the bypass damper. Simply turn the handle from the "winter" to the "summer" position. If you have a fan-powered Aprilaire humidifier, no adjustments are required.
Next, if you have an automatic control that is operating in the manual mode, or if you have the Aprilaire manual control, you need to turn the control knob to the "Off" position. This will ensure your humidifier will not turn on during the summer months (when you already have more than enough humidity). If you have an automatic control that is operating in the "Automatic" mode, there is no adjustment required. The outdoor temperature sensor will prevent your humidifier from coming on whenever the outdoor temperature is 60 degrees or higher.
Also, don't forget to call your Aprilaire dealer this fall to perform the annual humidifier maintenance. Your dealer will change your water panel, inspect the water delivery system, and replace any components that are fouled or worn. This indoor air quality (IAQ) expert is trained to keep your Aprilaire humidifier operating at peak performance.
Aprilaire - fresh ideas for indoor air!
Consumer question submitted to Aprilaire:
It is time to change the pad on my model 400 which I purchased in November 2009. I followed the instructions on the replacement pad box and from the owner’s manual on your web site. Both instruct in step 4 to tip the Water Panel evaporation assembly forward and lift it out of the humidifier. I tried to do this but the assembly appears to be attached at the top on both sides to the housing and I can not see or figure out how you remove it to get the assembly to tip forward.
Would you please instruct me on how to do so?
Aprilaires' response:
The internal components of the model 400 will require that they be removed from the humidifier in order to replace the water panel successfully. To remove the internal case from the base of the humidifier, you will need to pull it out from the top where the distribution tray is located. When pulling the internal case from the top you will need to tilt it towards you to remove the components. Once the internal parts are removed the water panel can be replaced at that time by removing the tray on top. After removing the distribution tray from the "U" shaped frame, pull out the used water panel and place the new water panel in the "U" shaped holder. We have also included the owners manual that references the proper process for replacing the water panel for the model 400 humidifier.
It is time to change the pad on my model 400 which I purchased in November 2009. I followed the instructions on the replacement pad box and from the owner’s manual on your web site. Both instruct in step 4 to tip the Water Panel evaporation assembly forward and lift it out of the humidifier. I tried to do this but the assembly appears to be attached at the top on both sides to the housing and I can not see or figure out how you remove it to get the assembly to tip forward.
Would you please instruct me on how to do so?
Aprilaires' response:
The internal components of the model 400 will require that they be removed from the humidifier in order to replace the water panel successfully. To remove the internal case from the base of the humidifier, you will need to pull it out from the top where the distribution tray is located. When pulling the internal case from the top you will need to tilt it towards you to remove the components. Once the internal parts are removed the water panel can be replaced at that time by removing the tray on top. After removing the distribution tray from the "U" shaped frame, pull out the used water panel and place the new water panel in the "U" shaped holder. We have also included the owners manual that references the proper process for replacing the water panel for the model 400 humidifier.
Consumer question submitted to Aprilaire:
My Aprilaire 550 is running every time the furnace comes on and we are not getting an improvement on the low humidity. Our house is about 1200 square feet. Any suggestions? We have installed an energy efficient furnace recently.
Aprilaires' response:
Thank you for contacting us with regards to your model 550 Humidifier. The energy efficient furnace may be running less than the previous model. By limiting the run time of the 550, it's performance over an hour will drop. Is your humidifier fed by hot water or cold water? The 550 will perform better with water temperature as close to 140°F as possible. This will also give you the added benefit of being able to run the humidifier with just your furnace fan. You may need to speak to your contractor to ensure it's properly wired to run with the heat and with the fan, but if it is, you can turn your thermostat's fan switch to the On position, the water provides the heat, and you can get humidity 24 hrs/day or until your desired set point is reached.
My Aprilaire 550 is running every time the furnace comes on and we are not getting an improvement on the low humidity. Our house is about 1200 square feet. Any suggestions? We have installed an energy efficient furnace recently.
Aprilaires' response:
Thank you for contacting us with regards to your model 550 Humidifier. The energy efficient furnace may be running less than the previous model. By limiting the run time of the 550, it's performance over an hour will drop. Is your humidifier fed by hot water or cold water? The 550 will perform better with water temperature as close to 140°F as possible. This will also give you the added benefit of being able to run the humidifier with just your furnace fan. You may need to speak to your contractor to ensure it's properly wired to run with the heat and with the fan, but if it is, you can turn your thermostat's fan switch to the On position, the water provides the heat, and you can get humidity 24 hrs/day or until your desired set point is reached.
Consumer question submitted to Aprilaire:
The water flow to my model 760 continues even when the unit stops (when the HVAC heater and fan stop). Does this mean the solenoid is faulty?
Aprilaires' response:
Thank you for contacting us with regards to your model 760 Humidifier. The water valve should close at the same time the humidifier's fan stops. They both receive their power from the same point inside. If the fan stops and the valve stays open, try unplugging the 760. If the valve continues to allow water through, the valve is stuck open. Without any source of power its internal plunger should spring closed. Please let us know if we can be of further assistance.
The water flow to my model 760 continues even when the unit stops (when the HVAC heater and fan stop). Does this mean the solenoid is faulty?
Aprilaires' response:
Thank you for contacting us with regards to your model 760 Humidifier. The water valve should close at the same time the humidifier's fan stops. They both receive their power from the same point inside. If the fan stops and the valve stays open, try unplugging the 760. If the valve continues to allow water through, the valve is stuck open. Without any source of power its internal plunger should spring closed. Please let us know if we can be of further assistance.
Consumer question submitted to Aprilaire:
I recently installed the humidifer and it worked fine for a few days. Now it is leaking water out the bottom and not through the drain hole. Could the filter be defective?
Aprilaires' response:
Thank you for contacting Aprilaire. Humidifiers can leak for several common reasons,
1) Is the unit level?
2) Inspect the feed tube for cracks.
3) Is the water panel in upside down?
4) Is the scale control insert cracked?
5) Does the drain line plugged or restricted?
6) Erosion of the water panel do to reverse osmosis (RO) or deionized (DI) water.
7) Heat registers in the house that are closed?
Closing heat registers can cause high pressure in your ducts which can blow water off of the water panel. If the static pressure in the duct is more than .4" of W.C. water will be sprayed off of the water panel.
I hope this helps. If you still can't stop the unit from leaking you will need to contact your local HVAC contractor or you can call our technical support department for more trouble shooting assistance. You can reach us at 1-800-334-6011 Monday - Friday from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM central time.
I recently installed the humidifer and it worked fine for a few days. Now it is leaking water out the bottom and not through the drain hole. Could the filter be defective?
Aprilaires' response:
Thank you for contacting Aprilaire. Humidifiers can leak for several common reasons,
1) Is the unit level?
2) Inspect the feed tube for cracks.
3) Is the water panel in upside down?
4) Is the scale control insert cracked?
5) Does the drain line plugged or restricted?
6) Erosion of the water panel do to reverse osmosis (RO) or deionized (DI) water.
7) Heat registers in the house that are closed?
Closing heat registers can cause high pressure in your ducts which can blow water off of the water panel. If the static pressure in the duct is more than .4" of W.C. water will be sprayed off of the water panel.
I hope this helps. If you still can't stop the unit from leaking you will need to contact your local HVAC contractor or you can call our technical support department for more trouble shooting assistance. You can reach us at 1-800-334-6011 Monday - Friday from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM central time.
Did you suffer from the ill-effects of dry air this winter because you don't have a whole- house humidifier? Did you have dry, itchy skin or get jolted by static shocks? Did the woodwork in your home shrink and crack? One more question; do you have a tax return coming this year?
Spend your tax return wisely
If you're tired of suffering every winter and you have a tax return coming your way, suffer no longer. Aprilaire is the industry leader in residential indoor air quality (IAQ). Not only do we have products that ensure proper levels of relative humidity (RH) throughout your entire home, we offer the best in whole-house air cleaners, thermostats, ventilation, and zoning. Aprilaire is also viewed as the best IAQ value in the industry. So much so that after you've paid for your Aprilaire humidifier, you'll probably have enough tax return dollars left over to buy that techno-gadget you've had your eye on.
Call your local Aprilaire dealer and schedule the installation of your whole-house humidifier today. Getting your Aprilaire whole-house humidifier installed now will give you peace of mind going into next year’s heating season.
Aprilaire - protecting you and your family, and providing peace of mind, for over 50 years!
Consumer question submitted to Aprilaire:
How much water (gal/min or ltr/min) should unit use while working "On"? Water connected to valve and looks like I can ajust it.
Aprilaires' response:
Thank you for contacting us with regards to your model 700 Humidifier. As this unit runs, it uses 6 gal/hr, or about .1 gal/min (.378 litres/min). No adjustment to the valve is needed. There is an orifice inside the plastic feed tube that creates the proper flow rate. Neither the solenoid valve nor the saddle valve should restrict the water to a level below your normal house pressure.
How much water (gal/min or ltr/min) should unit use while working "On"? Water connected to valve and looks like I can ajust it.
Aprilaires' response:
Thank you for contacting us with regards to your model 700 Humidifier. As this unit runs, it uses 6 gal/hr, or about .1 gal/min (.378 litres/min). No adjustment to the valve is needed. There is an orifice inside the plastic feed tube that creates the proper flow rate. Neither the solenoid valve nor the saddle valve should restrict the water to a level below your normal house pressure.
Consumer question submitted to Aprilaire:
I have a condominium of approx. 2000 sq. ft. Is there a unit I can attach to auto water feed and which can be mounted on a wall?
What are the requirements, i.e. weight, drainage facility, etc.
Aprilaires' response:
Aprilaire offers two humidifiers (Models 350 and 360) that can run independently from any HVAC system.
These systems require a 120 VAC outlet, a drain line for the excess water and they need to be connected to the hot water line. Review the literature and installation instructions.
I have a condominium of approx. 2000 sq. ft. Is there a unit I can attach to auto water feed and which can be mounted on a wall?
What are the requirements, i.e. weight, drainage facility, etc.
Aprilaires' response:
Aprilaire offers two humidifiers (Models 350 and 360) that can run independently from any HVAC system.
These systems require a 120 VAC outlet, a drain line for the excess water and they need to be connected to the hot water line. Review the literature and installation instructions.
Consumer questions submitted to Aprilaire:
My humidifier is not sending water to the panel. Water is flowing to the valve but it seems to be shutting off the flow.
Aprilaires' response:
There are three components that govern the valve. The humidistat sends the activation signal to the valve when the furnace is running. The second part is the transformer or power source that the humidistat uses. The third would be the solenoid valve itself. If it has a signal to open and voltage and it doesn't, the issue is the valve. You may need to call your installer to have them check over the system. They can verify which part, if any, needs to be replaced.
My humidifier is not sending water to the panel. Water is flowing to the valve but it seems to be shutting off the flow.
Aprilaires' response:
There are three components that govern the valve. The humidistat sends the activation signal to the valve when the furnace is running. The second part is the transformer or power source that the humidistat uses. The third would be the solenoid valve itself. If it has a signal to open and voltage and it doesn't, the issue is the valve. You may need to call your installer to have them check over the system. They can verify which part, if any, needs to be replaced.
Consumer question submitted to Aprilaire:
Water is not getting into the distribution tray. It is in the water line. Can you tell me possible reasons for it and how to fix the problem?
Aprilaires' response:
There are a few reasons that water would not be getting into the distribution tray. Here is a small list:
1. Perhaps the solenoid valve is not opening. That could be due to no voltage getting to the solenoid, or just a solenoid gone bad.
2. If there is no voltage getting to the solenoid, you would need to determine the cause of that.
3. The inline strainer may be clogged. This is in the solenoid. If you remove the copper feed from the main water source, then use a Philips screwdriver and put that into the opening where the copper line just came out of and use a scrapping motion to pull out the strainer. You may clean it and put it back. It is about an inch long and shaped like a pen cap.
4. The orifice may be blocked. The orifice is located in the feed tube that comes out of the solenoid and puts the water into the humidifier. If you remove that feed tube from the solenoid, and tried to look into the tube you would not be able to because the orifice is right there at the end of the tube. Make sure that there is a small hole in the center, and that is not blocked. If it is blocked, use a small pin or needle to clear the hole. Do not stretch the hole any bigger.
Water is not getting into the distribution tray. It is in the water line. Can you tell me possible reasons for it and how to fix the problem?
Aprilaires' response:
There are a few reasons that water would not be getting into the distribution tray. Here is a small list:
1. Perhaps the solenoid valve is not opening. That could be due to no voltage getting to the solenoid, or just a solenoid gone bad.
2. If there is no voltage getting to the solenoid, you would need to determine the cause of that.
3. The inline strainer may be clogged. This is in the solenoid. If you remove the copper feed from the main water source, then use a Philips screwdriver and put that into the opening where the copper line just came out of and use a scrapping motion to pull out the strainer. You may clean it and put it back. It is about an inch long and shaped like a pen cap.
4. The orifice may be blocked. The orifice is located in the feed tube that comes out of the solenoid and puts the water into the humidifier. If you remove that feed tube from the solenoid, and tried to look into the tube you would not be able to because the orifice is right there at the end of the tube. Make sure that there is a small hole in the center, and that is not blocked. If it is blocked, use a small pin or needle to clear the hole. Do not stretch the hole any bigger.
Comment:
I have the same issue. I installed 600A last week. For some reason, the humidifier does not increase the RH above 30% even on the highest setting (7). Our home is 40 years old and only 1500 sq ft. It was installed for automatic operation with the outside air sensor. Any comment to fix this problem
Aprilaires' Response:
One of the most common reason for lack of humidity is lack of humidifier run time do to lack of runtime of the furnace. Another reason is the homes ability to hold the moisture. No matter how well a house is built it breaths. As air escapes from the house so does the humidity. The older a home gets the leaker it gets. So the trick is adding the humidity faster than it is escaping. In most homes the humidifier gets enough run time, but older leaky homes or new homes that are so well insulated that the furnace hardly runs, you will need to extend the humidifiers run time.
If the Model 600 humidifier runs every time the furnace comes on, runs whole time the furnace is on, and gets forced to turn off when the furnace goes off, it is added as much humidity as the furnace is allowing it to. If the humidifier could run longer it would. So if the humidifier is wired to run with the furnace fan, connected to hot water (140 Max), and if you run your furnace fan continually, the humidifier can add up to 16 gallons of water to the air per day.
Some people don't want to run their fan continuously, so another option would be to use the Aprilaire 4851 Blower Activation Relay. This relay will turn on the furnace fan and let the humidifier run as many hours a day as it need to without the fan running continuously.
I have the same issue. I installed 600A last week. For some reason, the humidifier does not increase the RH above 30% even on the highest setting (7). Our home is 40 years old and only 1500 sq ft. It was installed for automatic operation with the outside air sensor. Any comment to fix this problem
Aprilaires' Response:
One of the most common reason for lack of humidity is lack of humidifier run time do to lack of runtime of the furnace. Another reason is the homes ability to hold the moisture. No matter how well a house is built it breaths. As air escapes from the house so does the humidity. The older a home gets the leaker it gets. So the trick is adding the humidity faster than it is escaping. In most homes the humidifier gets enough run time, but older leaky homes or new homes that are so well insulated that the furnace hardly runs, you will need to extend the humidifiers run time.
If the Model 600 humidifier runs every time the furnace comes on, runs whole time the furnace is on, and gets forced to turn off when the furnace goes off, it is added as much humidity as the furnace is allowing it to. If the humidifier could run longer it would. So if the humidifier is wired to run with the furnace fan, connected to hot water (140 Max), and if you run your furnace fan continually, the humidifier can add up to 16 gallons of water to the air per day.
Some people don't want to run their fan continuously, so another option would be to use the Aprilaire 4851 Blower Activation Relay. This relay will turn on the furnace fan and let the humidifier run as many hours a day as it need to without the fan running continuously.
Comment to an earlier post:
I am having a similar problem. I just installed a 600A humidifier and the control is set at 7. The 600A humidistat says that the air is at 42% RH, but I have two other humidity meters in the living area that read 33%. Does the 600A humidistat need calibration?
Aprilaires' Response:
Thank you for contacting us with regards to your model 600A Humidifier. The humidistat for this unit does not require calibration. It does, however, only update its display when it detects activity in the furnace, typically the heating mode. If the display constantly shows 42%, regardless of humidity changes in the home, the control may not be wired correctly. If the control does change its display, but stays around 9% apart from the other gauge, then the issue is just a discrepancy between devices. Most gauges will be accurate within 5% to 10% of actual humidity. With the humidity reading at 42% on the humidistat and the control setting at 7, we would expect that the humidifier will be running with each heat cycle of your furnace as long as outdoor temperature is 20°F or higher. If this unit is operating in the manual mode, it should run under these same conditions regardless of outdoor temperature.
I am having a similar problem. I just installed a 600A humidifier and the control is set at 7. The 600A humidistat says that the air is at 42% RH, but I have two other humidity meters in the living area that read 33%. Does the 600A humidistat need calibration?
Aprilaires' Response:
Thank you for contacting us with regards to your model 600A Humidifier. The humidistat for this unit does not require calibration. It does, however, only update its display when it detects activity in the furnace, typically the heating mode. If the display constantly shows 42%, regardless of humidity changes in the home, the control may not be wired correctly. If the control does change its display, but stays around 9% apart from the other gauge, then the issue is just a discrepancy between devices. Most gauges will be accurate within 5% to 10% of actual humidity. With the humidity reading at 42% on the humidistat and the control setting at 7, we would expect that the humidifier will be running with each heat cycle of your furnace as long as outdoor temperature is 20°F or higher. If this unit is operating in the manual mode, it should run under these same conditions regardless of outdoor temperature.
Question submitted to Aprilaire:
We are a contractor operating in Toronto, Ontario Canada. We recently
installed an Aprilaire 700 Humidifier for a customer. Our customer prefers
the model model 700A. Can his 700M !!! be upgraded to 700A, without having
to replace the whole unit?
Aprilaires' Repsonse:
The 700M may be converted to the 700A by replacing the manual humidistat (part #4655) with our automatic digital humidifier control (part #58). The only difference between the 700M and 700A is the control. Since they are one in the same it will also use the same Aprilaire water panel number 35, also refered to as a replacement humidifier filter.
We are a contractor operating in Toronto, Ontario Canada. We recently
installed an Aprilaire 700 Humidifier for a customer. Our customer prefers
the model model 700A. Can his 700M !!! be upgraded to 700A, without having
to replace the whole unit?
Aprilaires' Repsonse:
The 700M may be converted to the 700A by replacing the manual humidistat (part #4655) with our automatic digital humidifier control (part #58). The only difference between the 700M and 700A is the control. Since they are one in the same it will also use the same Aprilaire water panel number 35, also refered to as a replacement humidifier filter.
Question submitted to Aprilaire:
I am looking at replacing my model #760 Aprilaire Humidifier with a model #700 Aprlaire Humidifier. Are the cutout openings the same size? I would like to remove and replace with out any plenium modification.
Aprilaires' response:
The 700 Aprilaire Humidifier and the 760 Aprilaire Humidifier are very similar and can be swapped with minimal modification to the plenum. Here are the differences:
760-14 7/8"W x 14 3/16"H
700-14 3/4"W x 14 5/16"H
Don't worry if you have left over humidifier filters (water panels) as both humidifiers use the model 35 water panel.
Please let us know if you have further questions.
I am looking at replacing my model #760 Aprilaire Humidifier with a model #700 Aprlaire Humidifier. Are the cutout openings the same size? I would like to remove and replace with out any plenium modification.
Aprilaires' response:
The 700 Aprilaire Humidifier and the 760 Aprilaire Humidifier are very similar and can be swapped with minimal modification to the plenum. Here are the differences:
760-14 7/8"W x 14 3/16"H
700-14 3/4"W x 14 5/16"H
Don't worry if you have left over humidifier filters (water panels) as both humidifiers use the model 35 water panel.
Please let us know if you have further questions.
Question submitted to Aprilaire:
A green light is lit. The green light is next to it is the text change filter. I checked online for the manual, there were only references for 600m and 600a. Please advise if this green light means I need to change the filter.
Aprilaire's response:
The green light simply means the humidifier is on and running. The "Change Water Panel" light is amber in color. The "Call Dealer" light is red. Similar to a stop light.
Please feel free to ask about any other issues or observations you see. We would be happy to help.
A green light is lit. The green light is next to it is the text change filter. I checked online for the manual, there were only references for 600m and 600a. Please advise if this green light means I need to change the filter.
Aprilaire's response:
The green light simply means the humidifier is on and running. The "Change Water Panel" light is amber in color. The "Call Dealer" light is red. Similar to a stop light.
Please feel free to ask about any other issues or observations you see. We would be happy to help.
Question submitted to Aprilaire:
The humidifier is installed such that when the humidistat calls for humidity, it turns on the furnace blower, even though the furnace is not calling for heat. As a result, during dry weather, the furnace blower runs almost continuously in response to the humidifier. This results in cool air coming from the vents, except when the furnace is on. Since we keep the temperature low, this is most of the time. Is this the correct setup, or should the humidifier only run when the furnace is calling for heat? Hope this explanation is clear....thanks
Aprilaires' Response:
Thank you for contacting us with regards to our Model 600 Humidifier. The behavior you describe indicates that your unit was installed using a Blower Activation Relay. This relay allows the humidifier to activate the furnace fan whenever humidity is low. For this to work properly, the humidifier should also be fed by hot water, up to 140°F. All of this is not to say that your installation was correct or incorrect, but this is one set-up option to provide you with the most humidifier run time. If you would prefer that it run only with your heat, you can speak to your contractor about that option as well. Keep in mind that this may mean that with less humidifier run time, the humidity will not rise as quickly in your home. Once your home reaches the set point on your humidistat, the humidifier should turn off. It would only turn on as much as is needed to maintain that level.
Question submitted to Aprilaire:
Last season, the humidifier worked great, no problems. This season, the water just runs through the water panel without distributing out and wicking throughout the whole panel. I've replaced the panel, replaced the distribution tray and still the same thing. Is there something else that can be done? Please advise.
Aprilaires' Response:
The way the humidifier works is; when the furnace comes on, the humidistat calls for humidity and the humidifier turns on. The water solenoid valve opens, water comes up the plastic feed tube and falls into the water distribution tray. Then if the humidifier is level the water will fill up in the distribution tray and will go down the six holes in the tray equally. Then water goes down through the center of the water panel and any water that wasn't evaporated goes down the drain.
The water panels are made out of multiple sheets of slit and expand aluminum. The slits in the aluminum are angled to funnel the water to the center of the water panel. So the water panel should be wet in the center and almost dry on the outside layers.
If you have lack of humidity you may need to increase the humidifiers runtime. The most common reason for lack of humidity is lack of run time. If the humidifier runs every time the furnace comes on, runs whole time the furnace is on, and gets forced to turn off when the furnace goes off, it is added as much humidity as the furnace is allowing it to. If the humidifier could run longer it would. So if the humidifier is wired to run with the furnace fan, and if the humidifier is connected to hot water (140 Max) it can add up to 18 gallons of water to the air per day. You can turn your furnace fan on at the thermostat, let run your furnace fan continually and let the humidifier run as many hours a day as it needs to.
I hope this helps, please let us know if you or your HVAC contractor need any other assistance.
Last season, the humidifier worked great, no problems. This season, the water just runs through the water panel without distributing out and wicking throughout the whole panel. I've replaced the panel, replaced the distribution tray and still the same thing. Is there something else that can be done? Please advise.
Aprilaires' Response:
The way the humidifier works is; when the furnace comes on, the humidistat calls for humidity and the humidifier turns on. The water solenoid valve opens, water comes up the plastic feed tube and falls into the water distribution tray. Then if the humidifier is level the water will fill up in the distribution tray and will go down the six holes in the tray equally. Then water goes down through the center of the water panel and any water that wasn't evaporated goes down the drain.
The water panels are made out of multiple sheets of slit and expand aluminum. The slits in the aluminum are angled to funnel the water to the center of the water panel. So the water panel should be wet in the center and almost dry on the outside layers.
If you have lack of humidity you may need to increase the humidifiers runtime. The most common reason for lack of humidity is lack of run time. If the humidifier runs every time the furnace comes on, runs whole time the furnace is on, and gets forced to turn off when the furnace goes off, it is added as much humidity as the furnace is allowing it to. If the humidifier could run longer it would. So if the humidifier is wired to run with the furnace fan, and if the humidifier is connected to hot water (140 Max) it can add up to 18 gallons of water to the air per day. You can turn your furnace fan on at the thermostat, let run your furnace fan continually and let the humidifier run as many hours a day as it needs to.
I hope this helps, please let us know if you or your HVAC contractor need any other assistance.
Question submitted to Aprilaire:
Outside temperature sensor was not installed because the required wiring was not installed. Will 600A unit still operate correctly? What do I need to do because the sensor is not installed?
For normal operation in Winter?
For shut off in Summer?
Response from Aprilaire:
Your 600 should be operating in manual mode. To know this there should be a blue "Manual Mode" clip hanging below the humidistat. When in manual mode, the unit will operate to the setting it is set at until changed. There is a reference guide to show what humidity should be present at a certain temp.. (you will want to look at pages 6-7)
Please review the guide as it will be helpful. When you use the manual mode, all adjustments will be done by you. If you ever decide to change it to automatic mode, the sensor adjusts the indoor humidity in accordance to the outside temperature.
In the summer, simply turn the damper to the "summer" position on the unit to close off air flow.
Outside temperature sensor was not installed because the required wiring was not installed. Will 600A unit still operate correctly? What do I need to do because the sensor is not installed?
For normal operation in Winter?
For shut off in Summer?
Response from Aprilaire:
Your 600 should be operating in manual mode. To know this there should be a blue "Manual Mode" clip hanging below the humidistat. When in manual mode, the unit will operate to the setting it is set at until changed. There is a reference guide to show what humidity should be present at a certain temp.. (you will want to look at pages 6-7)
Please review the guide as it will be helpful. When you use the manual mode, all adjustments will be done by you. If you ever decide to change it to automatic mode, the sensor adjusts the indoor humidity in accordance to the outside temperature.
In the summer, simply turn the damper to the "summer" position on the unit to close off air flow.
Question submitted to Aprilaire:
HRV or ERV and why?
Aprilaires' Response:
Aprilaire believes that ERV's are a better choice than HRV's.
HRV's only transfer heat energy so in the winter the moisture in the air that is exiting your house will all go outside. This can dry out your house too much. In the summer the moisture in the air that is entering your house can over humidify house. Too much humidity can cause mold and other problems.
ERV's transfer heat energy and moisture. In the winter 77% of the heat energy and 50% of the moisture from the air that is exiting the house will be transferred back into the house. In the summer 77% of the heat energy and 50% of the moisture from the air that is entering the house will be transferred back outside. This allows the ERV to run year around with out drying it out or over humidifying.
HRV or ERV and why?
Aprilaires' Response:
Aprilaire believes that ERV's are a better choice than HRV's.
HRV's only transfer heat energy so in the winter the moisture in the air that is exiting your house will all go outside. This can dry out your house too much. In the summer the moisture in the air that is entering your house can over humidify house. Too much humidity can cause mold and other problems.
ERV's transfer heat energy and moisture. In the winter 77% of the heat energy and 50% of the moisture from the air that is exiting the house will be transferred back into the house. In the summer 77% of the heat energy and 50% of the moisture from the air that is entering the house will be transferred back outside. This allows the ERV to run year around with out drying it out or over humidifying.
Question submitted to Aprilaire:
This unit was installed and worked great for two years. Then I turned it off in the summer and forgot to turn it back on for the last two years. Now, I changed the filter and cleaned everything out. However, it doesn't seem to work. The humidity in my house is 10.
I hear the water turn on for a few minutes at the beginning of the heat cycle. Then it turns off. When I look at the filter, it is only wet at the bottom 1 inch. The rest is dry. The water seems to go into the first float chamber, but doesn't go into the second chamber. I don't see what is preventing the water from moving over.
I had the technician, who installed it, come and look at it. He suggested changing the filter and isn't sure what is wrong. He hasn't been doing this humidifiers for a while. He thought that it might be the water level sensor assembly. However, no one seems to have this part in stock. I will have to order it and get it installed. Then, I might find out that is not what is wrong, and I will have paid more money to have the wrong thing fixed. I already spent $85 for the technician and $45 for the filters. I really want to get it fixed. Can you make some recommendations?
Aprilaires' Response:
Thank you for contacting us with regards to your model 400 Humidifier. Based on the information you provided, the humidifier is working properly. The water should fill from the top, trickle down across the water panel. Verify that you are using a Genuine Aprilaire Stock #45 Water Panel. The water will only raise the float in the right-hand chamber. The left float is an emergency overflow. Water should not fill that chamber unless the first fails to shut off the water. The fact that the water does shut off indicates that the sensor is working properly. The water panel should then wick water up from the reservoir and it will evaporate as it rises.
Water shouldn't rise very far before it evaporates, but most of the water will rise up through the center of the pad, as opposed to the outer layer of material. As long as the humidifier refills at the beginning of, or during, each heat cycle, the humidifier is working. For a test of how well it's working, please do an Evaporative Test. This can be done using a measuring container and a timer.
The evaporative rate of the Model 400 is based entirely on the temperature of the heated air and the amount of run time of your furnace. The performance values are based on 120°F air and 50% run time. This should give 0.70 gal/hr.
It's not clear from the information you provided how long the humidifier has been running with your home at 10% RH. Did it start at 10% and it hasn't changed, or was it higher and has since fallen, or was it lower and has since risen? Humidity can take a while to change, so we would look at the trend of the humidity over time, if it's going up, down, or staying the same. At this time, it doesn't make sense to replace the water level sensor from a troubleshooting standpoint.
This unit was installed and worked great for two years. Then I turned it off in the summer and forgot to turn it back on for the last two years. Now, I changed the filter and cleaned everything out. However, it doesn't seem to work. The humidity in my house is 10.
I hear the water turn on for a few minutes at the beginning of the heat cycle. Then it turns off. When I look at the filter, it is only wet at the bottom 1 inch. The rest is dry. The water seems to go into the first float chamber, but doesn't go into the second chamber. I don't see what is preventing the water from moving over.
I had the technician, who installed it, come and look at it. He suggested changing the filter and isn't sure what is wrong. He hasn't been doing this humidifiers for a while. He thought that it might be the water level sensor assembly. However, no one seems to have this part in stock. I will have to order it and get it installed. Then, I might find out that is not what is wrong, and I will have paid more money to have the wrong thing fixed. I already spent $85 for the technician and $45 for the filters. I really want to get it fixed. Can you make some recommendations?
Aprilaires' Response:
Thank you for contacting us with regards to your model 400 Humidifier. Based on the information you provided, the humidifier is working properly. The water should fill from the top, trickle down across the water panel. Verify that you are using a Genuine Aprilaire Stock #45 Water Panel. The water will only raise the float in the right-hand chamber. The left float is an emergency overflow. Water should not fill that chamber unless the first fails to shut off the water. The fact that the water does shut off indicates that the sensor is working properly. The water panel should then wick water up from the reservoir and it will evaporate as it rises.
Water shouldn't rise very far before it evaporates, but most of the water will rise up through the center of the pad, as opposed to the outer layer of material. As long as the humidifier refills at the beginning of, or during, each heat cycle, the humidifier is working. For a test of how well it's working, please do an Evaporative Test. This can be done using a measuring container and a timer.
The evaporative rate of the Model 400 is based entirely on the temperature of the heated air and the amount of run time of your furnace. The performance values are based on 120°F air and 50% run time. This should give 0.70 gal/hr.
It's not clear from the information you provided how long the humidifier has been running with your home at 10% RH. Did it start at 10% and it hasn't changed, or was it higher and has since fallen, or was it lower and has since risen? Humidity can take a while to change, so we would look at the trend of the humidity over time, if it's going up, down, or staying the same. At this time, it doesn't make sense to replace the water level sensor from a troubleshooting standpoint.
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