Aprilaire Central Dehumidifier & Steam Humidifier Help Preserve Maryland’s first synagogue
The challenge for John Lederer, principal owner of Frosty Refrigeration, Inc. in Baltimore, Maryland, was to control the level of humidity in the museum of the nation’s 3rd oldest remaining synagogue. Built in 1845, the Loyd Street Synagogue museum is located in the lower level of the Greek Revival structure. Humidity control was required to help preserve the historical artifacts, exhibits as well as the structure itself. Adding to the challenge was the requirement to maintain a constant humidity level of 40% to 50% all year round, to “...a historical building, not weatherized and with high infiltration.” With the help of Aprilaire’s Partner Website, John was able to calculate how much moisture would be required to add during the heating season and removed during non-heating seasons. “ The Aprilaire website software was helpful and intuitive.” Since there was no existing forced air duct system in the museum area, Frosty Refrigeration designed a stand alone system that included: an Aprilaire 1770A Central Dehumidifier; model 1160 Steam Humidifier; and a forced air system with duct work and dedicated blower. A commercial humidistat was used with high and low limits to control the 1160 and 1170A operation. According John, “... the designed system and Aprilaire equipment have outperformed expectations.”
Submitted by: Marc Cassel 5/21/10
Museum display area >>>
John Leder, principal owner of Frosty Refrigeration, Inc., standing next to an Aprilaire 1770A dehumidifier and 1160 steam humidifier with a dedicated duct system. >>>
Wall vent to museum area dishcarging humidity controlled air back to the museum space.
Just wondering what kind of price we were talking about? and how much it is for installation? my roomate is deathly allergic 2 my cats and i really need a sloution she also has xtrem sinus issues and uses a humidifier like almost every nite. what would you reccomend?
Aprilaires' response:
Unfortunately we do not sell our products on a direct basis. All of our products are sold through professional heating & cooling contractors. Therefore, we would not be able to quote any type of pricing. All contractors control their own pricing structure. We would recommend contacting at least 3 contractors in your local area for pricing.
To determine which humidifier and/or air cleaner would work best with your application, we would need to know:
* age of the home
* do you have a floor drain accessible
* square footage of home
* is your heating system vertical standing or horizontal
We can make suggestions as to which model or models would best suit your needs, but a heating and cooling contractor will need to make the final decision based on your application. If you do not have a regular heating and cooling contractor, we would recommend visiting our website at www.aprilaire.com for our dealer locator. If you type your zip code, a list of Aprilaire approved contractors that have been trained by us will be listed. Please contact our Customer Service Department if we may be of further assistance.
We have an aprilaire model 700 attached to our furnace. Is there any there anyway to prevent the cold air from the air conditioner from escaping from through the aprilaire humidifier?
Aprilaires' response:
Your model 700 has vents in the cover to keep the motor from over heating during the humidifier season. The air exiting through the vents on your model 700 is approximately 20 cfm. This should not affect the performance of your HVAC system.
I have a conventional two story house in Houston, TX, with one upstairs and one downstairs A/C (both likely oversized). Separate ducting and return, but there is a large open stairway connecting up and down floors.
Question: Can one Aprilaire de-humidifier serve as a whole-house unit, ducted into one unit or the other? My house is about 3000 SF total.
Aprilaires' response:
Depending upon the tightness of your home you may only need one dehumidifier. The Model 1770A will dehumidify 2500 -5000 sq ft. with 8' ceilings depending upon the tightness. With a home of your size the best recommendation would be to install a 2 - 1750A, one each of your systems. If you decide to put in a single unit we would suggest installing the 1770A on your downstairs system.
I want to replace the Desert Spring I have with a new one, but I'm not sure which one will cover the hole that is now there.
Aprilaires' response:
Typically, when installing a new humidifier, an installer will cover over the existing opening with sheet metal, and then cut an opening to match the dimensions of the new unit. Without knowing the current opening dimensions, we can't make a specific recommendation. Please see the attached spec sheet for our Aprilaire humidifiers. The Plenum Opening is listed for each. Ultimately, your installer may make a recommendation based on installation space available and performance as well as the existing opening.
My home is 2800 sq ft. Whats the difference between the 500,500A and 500M. I have a forced hot air system with central air.
Aprilaires' response:
The Model 500 is available with our automatic control or with a manual control, The unit packaged with the automatic control was the model 500A and is now the model 500. The 500M is packaged with the manual control. The actual humidifier is the same for all three model numbers.
Is my model 600A automatically set to turn off in the summer months or do I have to manually set it to shut it off for those months?
Aprilaires' response:
There is a typical annual shutdown that we recommend performing at the end of each humidifying season. We have listed below the steps for the shutdown and also attached the owners manual for this particular model.
Digital Humidifier Control in Automatic Mode (see Figure A in manual): No adjustment is necessary.
Digital Humidifier Control in Manual Mode (see Figure B in manual): Set the knob to the “OFF” position.
Manual Humidifier Control (see Figure C in the manual): Set the knob to the “OFF” position
As indicated above the humidifier will be shutdown bases upon the current operation being either manual or automatic. If the product currently being utilized in the automatic mode with the outdoor temperature no changes are required at the control. If the product is being utilized in a manual matter than you will need to turn the dial on the control to the off model. We would be happy to further assist you with any questions relating to the operation of your model 600A humidifier. If there are any questions or concerns please contact us at your earliest convenience.
Can you tell me what the pros and cons are for Steam vs evaporative humidification?
Aprilaires' response:
If you had a steam or an evaporative humidification that were both rated at the same capacities (example 16 gallons per day) how do you decide which one to use? We will typically tell you to use and evaporative humidifier if you have a forced hot air furnace.
Evaporative humidifiers Pros: they cost less to purchase, use very little electricity, easy maintenance, replacing the evaporative water panel annually is inexpensive. Cons: they only work on forced air systems with hot air or hot water, they use larger amounts of water.
Steam humidifiers Pros: they produce humidity without hot air or hot water, the can be used in homes without any forced air systems. Cons: they cost more to purchase and use a lot of electricity to run, increased maintenance, the steam canisters cost more to replace annually than evaporative water panels.
Can Air Humidifier Model 350 be connected by ducting to living space? What standard size ducting can be used? Does model have an integrated blower? If not, please recommend a blower or air handler.
Aprilaires' response:
Yes, the model 350 humidifier is ducted into the living space. Typically, this unit is mounted in the basement, on the ceiling, in the rafters of the basement. It has an internal fan that draws in the air to be humidified, then expels the air into the duct that sends the humidified air into the living space. Usually this is on the main floor level, through a wall.
The ducting comes out of the humidifier, goes up into the ceiling of the basement, (floor of the main floor) and goes into a wall. It will then vent out of the wall, at floor level, on the main floor, in the living space.
The duct from the humidifier that exhausts the humidified air is seven inches.
We have new home just built. Full unfinished basement. 1st and 2nd floors combined are approx 4200 sq feet. However, the 2nd floor is a 2nd zone (heat pump in attic), while 1st floor has all hardwood floors and shares zone with basement (propane gas furnace). We would like to know which Aprilaire Air Humidifier is recommended.
Aprilaires' response:
We offer a variety of humidifier that will provide the customer with an optimum level of humidification within the home. These units will allow you comfort during the driest time of the year. In order to determine which humidifier would be best for your particular application, we will need just a few questions answered. We have listed below a couple questions to assist in recommending a proper model(s) for you home:
1. The ceiling height within the home? 2. Is there access to a drain? 3. Is the attic a conditioned attic or is there the possibility of freezing?
We would be glad to further assist you regarding a recommendation for your application. Upon receiving further information regarding your application, we can determine which product would be best for your application. However, the best individual to make the final decision on a product for your application is a Licensed HVAC contractor. If you could please reply to this email at your earliest convenience, we would be delighted to assist you further.
Do you have a combination digital programmable heater control with humidity control on the same unit.
I have two lennox heaters and two 760 humidifiers and need two thermostats. I do not have air conditioning.
I would like a thermostat and humidity control built into one unit. I need two of them.
What are my options. I now have two humidity controls with knobs and two programmable thermostats.
Aprilaires' response:
Thank you for your email regarding your model 760 Aprilaire humidifier. Unfortunately we do not have a control which can control both temperature and humidity. We offer our model 8570 programable thermostat and our model 58 Aprilaire automatic humidifier control which you may consider. Please visit us at aprilaire.com to learn more about these products.
My unit is installed outside connected to my heat pump. In need it because of the dry Arizona air (summer or winter). Question: how do I set the humidistat during the summer months? The manual presumes this will be used w/ heat, not A/C. Is there any control that will automatically set the correct RH? It appears that the Model 58 does not work with the 360 humidifier.
Aprilaires' response:
Thank you for contacting us. The 58 digital control unfortunately will not operate correctly with the 360 humidifier. The 58 digital control needs to be installed to the returned duct work to sense properly and also must be wired up to the heating system. The control is designed to operate during a heat call.
We would recommend using the manual control 4655. This control can be mounted on the living space wall and is designed to work with the 360 model. If you are wanting to use the humidifier in the summer months, you can do so when connected to hot water. Please keep in mind that when you are using your air conditioning, it will work against the humidifier and dehumidify the air. The manual control 4655 will operate in the summer or the winter months as long as the humidity level in the home is lower than 45% RH. Please contact our Customer Service Department if we may be of further assistance.
What is the estimated reduction in capacity when installing in a horozontal configuration? I recall from years back that a baffle on the entering air to deflect the air up and out thus preventing blow back into the pad worked well. Is this the case with this unit?
Aprilaires response:
When the Model 700A humidifier is installed on a horizontal duct we would expect to loose 50% capacity. If you installed a baffle you would reduce the lose in capacity but I don't know by how much.
I need to replace model 220. assuming from above this is no longer available. Please advise which current model is replacement.
Aprilaires' response:
The model 220 is an obsolete model that was replaced by the model 600. The model 600 is very similar to the model 220 in regards to operation and performance. We have included two brochures that will provide you with further information on the new product, the consumer brochure and our humidifier specifications. If there are any questions relating to our product please contact us at your earliest convenience. We would be happy to further assist you with any questions or concerns.
If we are injecting up to 18 gallons of water into the air per day, is the water vaporized in the air stream. From where the water wil take the heat for vaporization. We need some additional heat from furnace or the air stream wil be cooled down?
Aprilaires' response:
Our Whole House Humidifiers are evaporative humidifiers. The water that flows through the humidifier will be evaporated into the air stream during a heat or fan call. To create humidity, we need heat, water and air. We recommend connecting hot water to most of the applications so that the humidifier is able to work to it's top capacity. The only humidifier we recommend using cold water in conjunction with is the 400 drainless unit series. This is because the 400 series can only operate with a heat call. When using hot water (max 140 degrees), our 700, 600 and 500 series humidifiers can operate when calling for fan operation only or a heat call. For further assistance, please contact our Customer Service Department at 800-334-6011, Monday-Friday from 7:00am-5:00pm CST.
We have hot water heat in our home, do you make a humidifier for the whole house that does not require connecting it to a furnace? We have a boiler. We have severe shrinkage of our hardwood floors.
Aprilaires' response:
Aprilaire manufactures two self contained humidifiers (Models 350 & 360) designed for hydronically heated homes. Aprilaire humidifiers are evaporative type humidifiers. This means our humidifiers require heat, water and air movement to add humidity. The only heat source available for hydronically heated homes is hot water. Ideally the water temperature should be as close to 140F as possible. If the water temperature is less than 140F the humidification capacity will be reduced. To learn more about our self contained models please visit our web site www.aprilaire.com.
I am interested in purchasing a portable humidifier and I am curious if you have any units that you can connect a water line to eliminate the need to continuously fill the reservoir?
Aprilaires' response: All of our humidifiers would be connected by a water line, but not portable. Our units are designed to be attached to a furnace or structure. With air, water and heat they operate to humidify a space until your desired conditions are met. Please see the attached document for more information.
The change water panel light has come on. I have changed the water panel. Where is the Test/Reset button to reset the unit?
Aprilaires' response:
If you have a change water panel light on your humidifier control, your unit would be the 700 or the 700A. To reset your control, please turn your dial clockwise to the number 7 setting. Continue to turn past 7. There should be a slight bump that you feel on the dial. Once you place the control in the test/reset position, the green humidifier on indicator light will start to flash after 5 seconds. Once this happens, you may turn the control back to your normal setting. The change water panel light will be gone. This information is also located in your owners manual on page 11. I have also attached an electronic version for you. Please contact our Customer Service Department if we may be of further assistance.
I have an Aprilaire humidifier that is installed below the furnace. There is no model number listed on it, and that is what I am trying to find out so I can order replacement parts. the filter appears to be the same size as a 360, but it is configured horizontally rather than vertically (the holes are on the long side of the plastic frame). Can you please tell me the model and where I can get a new plastic frame?
Aprilaires response:
Thank you for contacting us regarding the Aprilaire product line. We are happy to assist in determining the model number of your existing Aprilaire Humidifier. Based upon the information provided thus far regarding your humidifier we are unable to identify the exact model of your humidifier. We would like to further assist you in determining which humidifier you are currently utilizing and have listed two questions that will further assist us in identifying your product.
1.) What is the color of your existing humidifier? 2.) What is the size of your replacement water panel/filter? (looking for width, length, and thickness) 3.) How is the cover of your humidifier removed?
Once responding to the above questions we will be able to further identify the model number of your humidifier. We look forward to working with you regarding replacement parts for your Aprilaire humidifier. If there are any questions relating to our products please contact us at your earliest convenience.
I am having an Aprilaire Humidifier 600 unit installed into my home and have been reading up on your site about the unit and the controls for it. The question I have is the following. Is there a thermostat that would work with a Carrier Furnace and the Aprilaire Model 600 Humidifier to automatically control both units including the humidity settings by also taking into account the outside air temperature? If not, do you know what the formula would be to ensure the relative humidity within my home (Energy Star Compliant) is kept at a comfortable level with respect to the outside and inside temperatures?
Aprilaires' response:
Thank you for contacting us with regards to our Aprilaire Humidifiers. We do not offer thermostats that also control humidity. We do offer our 8570 thermostat that can work in conjunction with our model 58 Humidistat to allow you to read outdoor temperature and indoor Relative Humidity. But, the 58 humidistat is still controlling the humidity. For a relative humidity chart, please see pg 6 in the owner's manual. It lists our recommendations for indoor humidity with regards to outdoor temperature.
Powered by Compendium Blogware