Consumer question:
Just installed a 5000. When thermostat is in the off position and I set unit to run 30 min/hr., the blue lights on the cleaner flash and the filter indicator bars are animated on the LED control panel.
When on I place the thermostat on heat, and the heat kicks in, the blue lights on the cleaner unit do not flash but the filter indicator on display/control module is animated. Should the blue lights on the filter be flashing?
Aprilaires' response:
Thank you for contacting us. The unit is going to light up when it send a signal to the furnace fan to kick on. The 30 min/hour button will give you 30 minutes run time for the based on the total amount of run time in that hour. The run time of the heat call does count toward that 30 minutes and if toward the end of that hour the control has not reached 30 minutes it will kick on the fan to get the remaining minutes. The blue light should flash when ever the furnace does kick on and furnace fan runs. If you have any other questions please contact us at 800-334-6011. Thank you
Consumer question:
Am having a new furnace installed next week and it comes with the Aprilaire 2210 Media Air Cleaner.
Just want to know if the filter made for the 2200 model will fit this one.
Aprilaires' response:
Thanks for contacting Aprilaire in advance of your new Aprilaire air cleaner is installed.
Only the 210 or 213 media filter will fit the new 2210 model air cleaner you will be getting; you cannot use the filter made for the 2200.
If you have any other questions regarding the air cleaner, please let us know.
Thanks for being a loyal Aprilaire customer.
Consumer question:
Quick question on the install- I have a 7 year old furnace (so it\'s fairly new) and see your instructions say it's alright to install my Model 600 bypass humidifier on either the return or supply, with the bypass ductwork going to whichever side I didn't install the panel itself on. Is there any advantage to one side or the other? I would have thought it would be better to have the water panel on the supply side. Also, does it matter whether I use hot water or cold? Opinions seem to be strong both ways.
Thanks!
Aprilaires' response:
Thank you for contacting us regarding the model 600. A bypass humidifier gets its air movement through the Water Panel® by the differential pressure between the supply (hot air) plenum and the return (cold air) duct. The supply plenum is under positive pressure and the return duct is under negative pressure. One of the advantages of a bypass humidifier is that it can be installed either on the supply plenum or on the return duct with equal effectiveness. No matter which duct the unit is mounted on, the airflow always goes from the supply to the return through the humidifier.
A bypass humidifier will also have no adverse effect on any component in the furnace, air cleaner or filter. Aprilaire® Humidifiers put water vapor into the air, not raw water. This is nature's way of getting relative humidity into the air.
Additionally, the Aprilaire published capacities on our literature are based on the humidifier using cold water, but there are many cases where you may want to boost the capacities of the humidifier. There are no detrimental effects in using hot water on our humidifiers.
There is no additional cost to you when using hot water either. Heat is required to evaporate water. It doesn't matter if that heat comes from the warm air of your furnace or hot water. If hot water is used to supplement the warm air, it simply increases the capacity of the humidifier. This added capacity will satisfy the humidistat quicker, reducing the amount of time the humidifier runs. This results in less water used.
If you have any further questions regarding this or any of our products, please feel free to contact our customer service department at your earliest convenience.
Consumer question:
I just bought a model 600 Aprilaire humidifier and wanted to know which install is better.
Putting the humidifier on the supply or return side and why??
Aprilaires' response:
Thank you for contacting us regarding the model 600 humidifier. A bypass humidifier gets its air movement through the Water Panel® by the differential pressure between the supply (hot air) plenum and the return (cold air) duct. The supply plenum is under positive pressure and the return duct is under negative pressure.
One of the advantages of a bypass humidifier is that it can be installed either on the supply plenum or on the return duct with equal effectiveness. No matter which duct the unit is mounted on, the airflow always goes from the supply to the return through the humidifier.
A bypass humidifier will also have no adverse effect on any component in the furnace, air cleaner or filter. Aprilaire® Humidifiers put water vapor into the air, not raw water. This is nature's way of getting relative humidity into the air.
If you have any further questions regarding this or any of our products, please feel free to contact our customer service department at your earliest convenience.
Kind regards,
Zach Handyside
Customer Service Specialist
Aprilaire - Division of Research Products Corporation
zdh@aprilaire.com
1-800-334-6011 ext 6180
Visit www.aprilaire.com
Call center hours are M-F 7am-5pm CST
>>> Paolo
Consumer question:
The filter on my Aprilaire model 600 humidifier doesn't seem to be filling with water. Nothing has changed since the last season and the setting is at 5.
Aprilaires' response:If it is set at 5 that is equivalent to about 35% humidity. So if the current humidity level is higher than that it would not be running. An easy way to tell is to turn the unit to test reset (turn it past 7 and the humidifier on light should begin to blink with our 58-60 control) This should turn the humidifer on and it will run for approximately one minute. If this happens the unit is functioning normally and then when you turn it back to 5 it should come on , if the HVAC is running and the humidity falls below 35%.
Consumer question:
The control for the air cleaner is saying it is filtering even when it is disconnected from the unit and also when the unit is not actually filtering.
Aprilaires' response:
Thank you for contacting us with regards to your model 5000 Electronic Air Cleaner. The air cleaner control works on a negative signal logic, meaning that when it sees no connection to the furnace or thermostat, it assumes the fan is running and the air cleaner is working. The control needs to be wired in properly in order to truly see when the fan is active or not. If it still shows Filtering when the control is connected, there may be a problem with the wiring. We would recommend that you contact your installer to troubleshoot the installation further.
We appreciate the opportunity to be of assistance.
Consumer question:
Can I clean my aprilaire filter or do I need to replace it?
Aprilaires' response:
Thank you for contacting us regarding the water panel (filter) for your 600A. Because there is a special coating on the water panel that helps the water adhere to the water panel, we don't recommend cleaning the water panel. By cleaning it, you may remove some of this coating and this will affect the performance of the water panel as well as the humidifier. We recommend changing the water panel with a genuine Aprilaire water panel for maximum performance. By replacing the water panel in the beginning of the heating season, your humidifier will be ready to run at peak performance for the winter.
If you have any further questions regarding this or any of our products, please feel free to contact our customer service department at your earliest convenience.
Consumer question:
I just upgraded to your 413 filter. Was using the 401. I changed my old 401 every 18 months. Wondering if that's still a good interval. Longer? Shorter? Check it at 1 year? The 401's were dirty, not filthy by any means, when I changed them. Our house is pretty tight. Thanks.
Aprilaires' response:
Typically we have found that when moving from the 401 to the 413 that consumers will need to change the 413 at about the same interval that the 401 was changed.
Consumer question:
I just purchased a model 600 with the automatic humidity control. I do not have a return duct. I was planning on running a 6\" duct from the unit to the inside of the filter box to make the unit work. I noticed the model 60 controller says it needs to be mounted on the return duct. Why can this not be mounted on the wall near my thermostat. I would think if I used stand-offs to allow air to get to the sensor this would work the same. Does the sensor need active air flow to work or would it still register the humidity if mounted on the wall? I would rather use the automatic function rather than the manual mode for obvious reasons.
Aprilaires' Response:
Thank you for your email regarding your model 600A Aprilaire humidifier. The model 60 humidifier control requires air movement to ensure the humidity sensor on the back of the humidifier control gets an accurate reading of the humidity. When mounted to a wall it is difficult for air to get behind the humidistat. Our recommendation would be to install the manual humidistat our model 4655.
Consumer question:
We have the Aprilaire Space-Gard Air Cleaner Model 2200, using the Replacement Media #201, and we have the model which has an inner housing with the center aluminum brace down the middle.
The two end panels of the inner media housing are faced with a pink \"insulation-type\" material to seal the edges so the air flow can\'t go around the media. The outer (removable) panel also has the same pink material.
Over time this pink material has become very dusty and dirty (in the spaces where it lies between the folds of the media). I have turned each of them once, and now both sides are very dirty. I have tried vacuuming the surfaces, but the dirt is lodged so deeply that it will not come out. I want to have clean surfaces on these three panels.
1.) May I wash that pink "insulation" material?
2.) Are there other ways to clean those surfaces?
(like, what did the original engineers have in mind?)
3.) Are there replacement pink insulation pieces available?
Please advise.
Aprilaires' response:
Thank you for your email regarding the seals for your model 2200 Space-Gard Air Cleaner. The seals will get dirty over time as they are designed to catch any particles which try to avoid the 201 filtering media. Once the seals catch the particles they are permanently trapped. Since you would like to replace them you may contact your installing contractor to obtain the seal kit, our part number 4725.
Consumer question:
How do I remove the humidifier filter from the plastic housing so I can replace it with the new filter? I have reviewed the video, but it does not show how to get the plastic housing out.
Aprilaires' response:
Thank you for contacting us regarding changing the water panel on your model 600. To remove the frame that holds the water panel (filter), you must first remove the outer cover. Then remove the water feed tube from top of the frame. Once the feed tube is removed, grab the frame by the top and pull towards you, rocking the frame out of the humidifier, top first. This should allow you to remove the frame from the humidifier. Once the frame is out, remove the tray with the six holes in it from the top of the frame. This will allow you to remove the water panel.
Replace the water panel making sure the colored mark is facing up and reverse the above process to put the humidifier back together. Be sure to check that the drain on the bottom of the frame is sitting in the drain spud at the bottom of the humidifier base.
If you have any further questions regarding this or any of our products, please feel free to contact our customer service department at your earliest convenience.
Consumer questions:
Do we just turn the dial to turn on the humidifier now that the heater is on, or does the water need to be turned on as well, and, if so, how do we do that?
Aprilaires' response:
Thank you for contacting us regarding your model 600. Now that your furnace is running, you can turn your humidifier control on to your preferred range. Also, you would need to make sure that water is being supplied to the humidifier. To do this, start by making sure the saddle valve is open. The saddle valve can be found by following the water supply line from the solenoid valve back to where the saddle valve is connected to a main water supply line. Once you've confirmed the saddle valve is supplying water to the humidifier, the humidifier is ready for the winter.
We recommend replacing the water panel (filter) at the beginning of the heating season for maximum performance. Genuine Aprilaire water panels can be purchased from your installing contractor or by visiting our estore at the following link:
http://estore.aprilaire.com/catalog/humidifiers/model-600-series-parts/253 If you have any further questions regarding this or any of our products, please feel free to contact our customer service department at your earliest convenience.
Taming Your Pet Allergies
Studies indicate that more than 70% of U.S. households currently own one or more domestic animals, with an estimated 10 million owners who are allergic to them. About a third of the population that is allergic to cats, live with at least one cat in their home anyways. Whether it’s a cat, dog, hamster or other household animal, simple steps can be taken to make your pet allergies more tolerable.
Don’t Blame the Fur
Allergic reactions are caused by exposure to proteins that are normally present in secretions from the glands in the skin as well as in the animal’s saliva or urine. Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t matter whether your pet has short or long hair – it’s the pet’s dander (skin scales) that con cause some of the worst allergic reactions. Although a pet’s fur doesn’t in itself cause allergic reactions – a pet’s hair is a good carrier of pet dander and saliva as well as dust, mold spores and other allergens.
Prevention is the Best Treatment
Allergists agree that the best treatment for pet allergies, as for all types of allergies, is avoidance of the things that cause allergic reactions. But avoidance doesn’t necessarily mean living without pets, especially when a family member’s allergies are moderate in nature.
Dr. Robert A. Wood, Director of the Pediatric Allergy Clinic at Johns Hopkins, offers a simple avoidance strategy for those who have moderate animal allergies but don’t want to give up their pets including:
Avoiding Allergen Exposure – Reduce the overall allergen burden in your home by home by restricting your pet no-carpeted areas. Keeping pets out of the bedroom is a sensible strategy since you spend roughly 1/3 of your time there. If possible, remove carpeting and upholstered furniture, once allergens get into them, they may remain there as long as 6 months.
Removing Allergens from the Air – Good ventilation and a high efficiency, whole-house air cleaner can help remove allergens already in the home.
Grooming Your Pet Regularly – You can help make your pets less of an allergy source by keeping them groomed and clean. Dr. Llona Rodan, a veterinarian, cat owner and a mother of a child with allergies, recommends having non-allergic person comb the pet everyday either outside or away from the allergic person’s sleeping area.
Consumer question:
Recently I had central air conditioning installed on my hot air furnace. After installing the coil the contractor found that there was no room left to reinstall the Aprilaire 550 whole house humidifier on the supply side. He then installed it on the return side just before the Hepa air filter cartridge. He ran an aluminum circular flexible duct over to the supply side.
I have concerns about this:
1) won't this simply force water into my hepa filter and create mold /mildew in it?
2) By the contractor running the flexible circular ductwork over to the supply side - is this sufficient to force all the available water moisture coming from the Aprilaire unit into the supply ductwork?
3) Should the unit now be attached to the hot water line instead of the cold water line?
4) Considering the lack of room to install on the supply side [since the a/c coil has been installed] is there any other more preferable place to install this uni
t other than the return side - and risk soaking the Hepa cartridge air filter?
Thank you for your time and consideration on these critically important matters.
Aprilaires' response:
Thank you for contacting us about your humidifier and addressing these issues with us. I'd be happy to explain what can be done here.
1) It is ok for the humidified air to be introduced ahead of the filter. This is because our humidifier is creating a vapor. Vapor is just like the moisture already in the air. Its invisible, light and cannot condense onto anything such as the filter media or the duct work itself.
2) The beauty of our by-pass humidifier models is that the force will be equal no matter which side the unit is installed on. This is because force from the furnace is the same regardless of any new add-ons.
3) Cold water may be ok. If you have a standard furnace and only run the humidifier when the heat is on than cold water is okay. The only time cold water would be bad would be in situations where you run your fan to try and humidify (no heat source in this application).
4) Referring back to question 1, If the supply side is not available and return side is a equal alternative. Air flow will still allow the air to circulate through the air filter without harm and will continue to create and obtain the adequate humidity you are looking for.
If you have any questions please give us a call @ 1-800-334-6011.
Consumer question:
I just noticed that the model 2400 Aprilaire air cleanerunit is installed backwards according to the air flow arrow on the filter frame. How will this affect the filter and the HVAC unit performance? Do I need to change it?
Aprilaires' response:
Thank you for contacting us with regards to your model 2400 Air Cleaner. Our Aprilaire Media Air Cleaners are designed to fit with most heating/cooling equipment and duct work configurations. They attach to the outside of the heating/cooling equipment at the point where all of the air flow return ducts join together before the air passes into the heating/cooling equipment. This means that the air cleaner can be placed in an upright position, upside-down, on its side, or even standing straight up, as long as the air passes from the duct work through the air cleaner into the heating/cooling equipment. The outer housing door is universal and fits both ways.
In the past, our air cleaners had a rigid structure to the filter which required that the air flow pass in a certain direction through the cleaner. The cabinet had an arrow indicating the proper direction of the air flow through it so that its internal filter would be positioned correctly. These included our models 2200 and 2400.
Our current line of media air cleaners have a filter that can be reversed inside the cabinet. This means that the cabinet can be mounted in any direction and that the filter can be flipped around to match the direction of the air flow. This allows for a simpler installation and prevents the appearance that an air cleaner has been installed upside-down.
Air passing through the air cleaner in the wrong direction could lead to air leakage around the filter, increased air resistance, or filter collapse as the filter is structurally supported against air flow only in one direction. The efficiency of the Aprilaire air cleaner is not affected. If an older model air cleaner has been installed incorrectly, we recommend that either the original installer or another service contractor revisit the installation and reposition the cabinet so that the air flow passes through the air cleaner properly. Some sheet metal work may be required so that the return air duct can be attached to the flange on the inlet side of the outer housing when the air cleaner is turned in the proper direction. In addition, sheet metal work may also be required at the furnace so that the flat outlet side of the air cleaner can be attached to the furnace return air opening.
We appreciate the opportunity to be of assistance.
Consumer question:
On an upflow furnace without a/c (heat only) what is the preferred location of the main components of an Aprilaire 500 series? Should the main unit be mounted on the output(hot)side and the bypass on the return plenum with the controls above the bypass on the return? Thank you in advance
Aprilaires' response:
Thanks for contacting us about you Aprilaire humidifier.
The mounting of the main unit depends on the space available. Preferably the main unit would be mounted on the return duct before the air filter. The bypass duct connection should be connected to the supply plenum, about 12 inches away from the furnace. Mounting of the humidistat should be at least 6 inches upstream of the connection to the return duct.
Thank you for allowing us to assist you.
Consumer question:
Is it necessary to have the regular one inch filters in place? I have them and replace them monthly. These are the standard filters used when you don't have an Aprilaire filter.
Aprilaires' response:
Thank you for your email regarding your model 2200 Aprilaire air cleaner. Once the model 2200 was installed the 1" furnace filters should have been removed as there is no need for additional filters with the model 2200 installed. If they have not been removed, please do so. If not, the operation of your HVAC blower may be affected.
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