It's March 11, 2010 in Madison, Wisconsin. The outside temperature is a seasonal 43 degrees, with an expected high of 53 degrees. Not bad. What is bad is that the relative humidity (RH) is a whopping 93%. Wow! That's what's going on outside. How does that translate into what's going on in your home? Chances are your indoor RH is rapidly rising, leaving you very uncomfortable and putting your home at risk from the dangers of mold, mildew, bacteria, viruses and more. What can you do to eliminate these risks and concerns? Install a whole-house dehumidifier from Aprilaire.
Aprilaire is your whole-house solution
An Aprilaire whole-house dehumidifier works in conjunction with your home’s HVAC system to efficiently remove moisture from every room of your home. Also, unlike portable units that only remove moisture from the room they are sitting in, Aprilaire dehumidifiers have no messy tanks to empty and clean. Aprilaire truly is the best dehumidification solution.
Call your local Aprilaire dealer and schedule the installation of your Aprilaire whole-house dehumidifier. End the suffering; call today.
Aprilaire - protecting you and your family for over 50 years!
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.
Question submitted to Aprilaire:
The electronic water valve is that supposed to regulate the water flow or is it an on/off? It started releasing water at full rate when activated and it splashes water back on the cover and on the floor vs the drain. It's never been restricted from the saddle value and this was not touched. thanks
Aprilaires' response:
The electronic water valve is that supposed to regulate the water flow or is it an on/off? It started releasing water at full rate when activated and it splashes water back on the cover and on the floor vs the drain. It's never been restricted from the saddle value and this was not touched. thanks
Aprilaires' response:
The solenoid valve is an on and off switch. When the valve receives 24 volts, the valve opens and the water then flows through the orifice which is the water regulator. The orifice is what controls the feed rate of the water.
Water splashing on the cover of the unit is a sign of entrainment. Entrainment is caused when the static pressure inside the duct work is too high. We would recommend having an HVAC contractor come to your home to measure the static pressure
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.
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 question submitted to Aprilaire:
Is it possible to upgrade the efficiency of the pre-filter from the current MERV-8?
Aprilaires' Response:
Thank you for contacting us with regards to our Model 1750 Dehumidifier. We do not offer a high-efficiency filter for this model other than the supplied MERV 8. However, if this unit were attached to your HVAC system and its intake positioned downstream of your HVAC filter, that could potentially have a higher efficiency than MERV 8. In that situation, the internal filter would not be needed as all air it uses would be pulled through your HVAC filter. For example, our Aprilaire whole-home air cleaners begin at MERV 10 and go higher from there. The two could work together to give the 1750 cleaner air than the dehumidifier could create on its own.
We appreciate the opportunity to be of assistance.
Is it possible to upgrade the efficiency of the pre-filter from the current MERV-8?
Aprilaires' Response:
Thank you for contacting us with regards to our Model 1750 Dehumidifier. We do not offer a high-efficiency filter for this model other than the supplied MERV 8. However, if this unit were attached to your HVAC system and its intake positioned downstream of your HVAC filter, that could potentially have a higher efficiency than MERV 8. In that situation, the internal filter would not be needed as all air it uses would be pulled through your HVAC filter. For example, our Aprilaire whole-home air cleaners begin at MERV 10 and go higher from there. The two could work together to give the 1750 cleaner air than the dehumidifier could create on its own.
We appreciate the opportunity to be of assistance.
Do you remember last spring when all the snow was finally melted and it got warm enough
outside to go without a jacket? Do you also remember that it wasn't warm enough to turn on the air conditioning, but you still felt uncomfortable? This happens every spring due to the high levels of relative humidity (RH). The phrase "it's not the heat, it's the humidity" is all too true. High RH levels can make it feel like it's 5 to 10 degrees warmer than it actually is. One way to combat this is to turn on your air conditioner, as moisture removal is a natural byproduct of air conditioning. But in order to remove the excess moisture, you need to cool the air to a level that makes you too cold. 
Aprilaire to the rescue
A whole-house dehumidifier from Aprilaire works in conjunction with your home’s HVAC system to remove excess moisture from every room of your home. Unlike air conditioning that is designed primarily to cool your home, Aprilaire removes moisture when AC is not required, efficiently removing moisture and providing the comfort you deserve. Maintenance is a breeze with Aprilaire as well. Unlike portable dehumidifiers that require you to empty and clean a tank on a daily basis, Aprilaire dehumidifiers only require an annual filter cleaning. Hassle free convenience and comfort; that's what Aprilaire is all about.
Contact your Aprilaire dealer and schedule the installation of your whole-house dehumidifier today and avoid all the discomforts you felt last year. Your family will thank you for it.
Aprilaire - fresh ideas for indoor air.
Question submmited to Aprilaire:
I have a Model 5000 filter. I'd like to get an upgrade kit, but I am not sure whether there is one that would fit. I am confused between the Model 2400 and 5000 and the media for each. Are these two different models with interchangeable parts?
Aprilaires' response:
There is no upgrade at this time for the model 5000 electronic air cleaner. Because of the electronics involved, we have not yet come up with an upgrade for this unit.
The size of the 5000 is the same as the size for the 2400. Although, the 2400 is not electronic. Also the filter used in the 2400, even though the same size, is not recommended for use in the 5000, just as the filter for the 5000 is not recommended for use in the 2400. The 501 filter for the 5000 has metalic stripping on the pleats of the filter. These are necessary for the correct operation of the 5000. If you put a 401 filter into the 5000, sure it would catch dust, but you would loose all the electronic capabilities that you purchased the 5000 for in the first place.
I have a Model 5000 filter. I'd like to get an upgrade kit, but I am not sure whether there is one that would fit. I am confused between the Model 2400 and 5000 and the media for each. Are these two different models with interchangeable parts?
Aprilaires' response:
There is no upgrade at this time for the model 5000 electronic air cleaner. Because of the electronics involved, we have not yet come up with an upgrade for this unit.
The size of the 5000 is the same as the size for the 2400. Although, the 2400 is not electronic. Also the filter used in the 2400, even though the same size, is not recommended for use in the 5000, just as the filter for the 5000 is not recommended for use in the 2400. The 501 filter for the 5000 has metalic stripping on the pleats of the filter. These are necessary for the correct operation of the 5000. If you put a 401 filter into the 5000, sure it would catch dust, but you would loose all the electronic capabilities that you purchased the 5000 for in the first place.
Question submitted to Aprilaire:
This humidifier is noiser than my furnace. My father and I both had these installed on our new furnaces by the same installer. His motor/fan noise is non existent and mine is louder than a bathroom fan at 3-4 sones. They both seam to be working and pumping water, but which one is running improperly? What can I do about the noise? Do I have to go with a by-pass??
Aprilaires' response:
The fan noise from the Model 700 is typically not as loud as the fan in the HVAC system, but it is a fan and fans make noise. If you can't live with the noise a bypass humidifier would be an option.
As a test you could switch the head of your humidifier with your father's humidifier to see his is really quieter. If you find that yours is noticeably louder you could have the contractor who installed the humidifiers replace the motor.
This humidifier is noiser than my furnace. My father and I both had these installed on our new furnaces by the same installer. His motor/fan noise is non existent and mine is louder than a bathroom fan at 3-4 sones. They both seam to be working and pumping water, but which one is running improperly? What can I do about the noise? Do I have to go with a by-pass??
Aprilaires' response:
The fan noise from the Model 700 is typically not as loud as the fan in the HVAC system, but it is a fan and fans make noise. If you can't live with the noise a bypass humidifier would be an option.
As a test you could switch the head of your humidifier with your father's humidifier to see his is really quieter. If you find that yours is noticeably louder you could have the contractor who installed the humidifiers replace the motor.
Question submitted to Aprilaire:
I am interested in installing a whole house humidifier. Primary reason is to reduce crackin
Our house is 18 months old and has a conventional A/C system with ceiling mounted air vents. At the moment they are closed and covered with magnetic vent covers for the winter.
For heat we have a gas fired boiler providing hot water for an in floor radiant heat system "warm board".
Question: Would an Aprilaire system work in conjunction with this type of heat? I assume system would relay on using A/C ducts with a continuous air flow/fan to distribute moist air.
Aprilaires' response:
Thank you for contacting us regarding your interest in the Aprilaire humidifier product line. We are happy to assist you with questions relating to a humidifier recommendation for your application. Based upon the information provided it appears that your heating application consists of hot water radiant floor heat with no duct work required for that system. This type of heating application would typically require the use of one of our self contained humidifiers such as the 350 and 360 models. However, in your application it appears that you do have an air conditioning application that is currently utilizing duct work. Since you do have an air conditioning application in the home the air handler and duct work from this application could be utilized for the use of an Aprilaire whole home humidifier. When utilizing one of our duct mounted humidifiers on an air handler of an air conditioning application, it would require that the humidifier be utilized with hot water at all times and to work in conjunction with the fan operation of the air handler. This type of installation of the application will still allow the humidifier to provide optimum levels of humidification into the home during the driest time of the year. We have listed several questions below that will assist us in identifying the best humidifier for your application at this time.
1.The square footage of the home?
2.The ceiling height within the home?
3.The age of the home?
4.Any new renovations to the home such as windows, siding, and/or insulation?
5.The number of heating systems?
6.The type of heat?
7.Is there access to a drain?
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.
I am interested in installing a whole house humidifier. Primary reason is to reduce crackin
Our house is 18 months old and has a conventional A/C system with ceiling mounted air vents. At the moment they are closed and covered with magnetic vent covers for the winter.
For heat we have a gas fired boiler providing hot water for an in floor radiant heat system "warm board".
Question: Would an Aprilaire system work in conjunction with this type of heat? I assume system would relay on using A/C ducts with a continuous air flow/fan to distribute moist air.
Aprilaires' response:
Thank you for contacting us regarding your interest in the Aprilaire humidifier product line. We are happy to assist you with questions relating to a humidifier recommendation for your application. Based upon the information provided it appears that your heating application consists of hot water radiant floor heat with no duct work required for that system. This type of heating application would typically require the use of one of our self contained humidifiers such as the 350 and 360 models. However, in your application it appears that you do have an air conditioning application that is currently utilizing duct work. Since you do have an air conditioning application in the home the air handler and duct work from this application could be utilized for the use of an Aprilaire whole home humidifier. When utilizing one of our duct mounted humidifiers on an air handler of an air conditioning application, it would require that the humidifier be utilized with hot water at all times and to work in conjunction with the fan operation of the air handler. This type of installation of the application will still allow the humidifier to provide optimum levels of humidification into the home during the driest time of the year. We have listed several questions below that will assist us in identifying the best humidifier for your application at this time.
1.The square footage of the home?
2.The ceiling height within the home?
3.The age of the home?
4.Any new renovations to the home such as windows, siding, and/or insulation?
5.The number of heating systems?
6.The type of heat?
7.Is there access to a drain?
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.
It's not too late! You don't have to suffer the agonizing effects of dry air any longer. Are you tired of dry, cracked skin? Scratchy throat? Static electricity? Why have you been suffering when you could alleviate all of these problems and more by having an Aprilaire whole-house humidifier installed?
Whole-house is the key
Dry air is abundant throughout your entire home in the winter months when your heating system is operating. This dry air wreaks havoc on both your health and your home and possessions. Unlike portable units that humidify one room at a time, a whole-house humidifier from Aprilaire works in conjunction with your home's HVAC system to provide soothing moisture to every room in your home. Maintenance is a breeze with Aprilaire as well, with no cumbersome tanks to fill every day (what a hassle).
Contact your Aprilaire dealer and schedule the installation of your Aprilaire whole-house humidifier today. It's not too late to enjoy all the benefits that properly humidified air can bring to you and your family.
Aprilaire - fresh ideas for indoor air.
Question submitted to Aprilaire:
I have the Aprilaire 700 model (several years now) & we noticed our RH was very low. While the solenoid activates & water is running, I found the fan never activates now. I even tried the "test" mode & it would activate. I am thinking since the water solenoid is working the control panel should be OK and I have a fan failure. Is there some way I can verify this. And I didn't notice replacement fans here on your site. Please confirm for me.
Aprilaires' Response:
By what you are stating, when you put the controller into test mode, the fan will come on with the water flow. But, for normal operation only the water flows?
Since the fan does come on in test mode, but the level of RH is low in your home, anyone would question the fan at this point. Why wouldn't it come on for normal operation. Or, is the fan ok, and the solenoid is open too much?
As you are aware, proper operation calls for both to be working at the same time. The fan running when the solenoid is open.
We do not sell these type of parts online. You would need to get these from an HVAC technician. Also, they would best be able to determine which is the problem and would need to be replaced.
I have the Aprilaire 700 model (several years now) & we noticed our RH was very low. While the solenoid activates & water is running, I found the fan never activates now. I even tried the "test" mode & it would activate. I am thinking since the water solenoid is working the control panel should be OK and I have a fan failure. Is there some way I can verify this. And I didn't notice replacement fans here on your site. Please confirm for me.
Aprilaires' Response:
By what you are stating, when you put the controller into test mode, the fan will come on with the water flow. But, for normal operation only the water flows?
Since the fan does come on in test mode, but the level of RH is low in your home, anyone would question the fan at this point. Why wouldn't it come on for normal operation. Or, is the fan ok, and the solenoid is open too much?
As you are aware, proper operation calls for both to be working at the same time. The fan running when the solenoid is open.
We do not sell these type of parts online. You would need to get these from an HVAC technician. Also, they would best be able to determine which is the problem and would need to be replaced.
Question submitted to Aprilaire:
I have a two story house with a model 500 on the second floor and one also on the first floor. second floor is 2,000 feet and first is 3,000 feet. My humidity level on the first floor is 31%...what is wrong...I have it set at 45%.
Aprilaires' response:
Your Aprilaire Model 500 humidifier is designed to operate any time your HVAC furnace is operating. If your furnace is not operating your humidifier can not operate. As a result even though you have your control set to 45% the humidifier can not run unless the furnace is producing heat. We also design all our humidifiers to maintain an indoor relative humidity of 35% whenever the outdoor temperature is 20F or above. Some homes may be able to maintain more than 35% but not every home will be able to.
In addition if you did not have a humidifier prior to January 2010, it will take some time for the humidity level to increase in your home. Prior to the humidity staying in the air, all the wood and furnishings will soak up the humidity.
I have a two story house with a model 500 on the second floor and one also on the first floor. second floor is 2,000 feet and first is 3,000 feet. My humidity level on the first floor is 31%...what is wrong...I have it set at 45%.
Aprilaires' response:
Your Aprilaire Model 500 humidifier is designed to operate any time your HVAC furnace is operating. If your furnace is not operating your humidifier can not operate. As a result even though you have your control set to 45% the humidifier can not run unless the furnace is producing heat. We also design all our humidifiers to maintain an indoor relative humidity of 35% whenever the outdoor temperature is 20F or above. Some homes may be able to maintain more than 35% but not every home will be able to.
In addition if you did not have a humidifier prior to January 2010, it will take some time for the humidity level to increase in your home. Prior to the humidity staying in the air, all the wood and furnishings will soak up the humidity.
Question submitted to Aprilaire:
Can the inlet and outlet of the 2210 be reversed? Because of the pitch
of my roof I can only install the unit in one direction.
Aprilaires' response:
The 2210 can be installed with the inlet and outlet side reversed. The important point is that the filter media needs to be installed with the airflow arrow in the proper orientation of the air flow of your HVAC system.
Can the inlet and outlet of the 2210 be reversed? Because of the pitch
of my roof I can only install the unit in one direction.
Aprilaires' response:
The 2210 can be installed with the inlet and outlet side reversed. The important point is that the filter media needs to be installed with the airflow arrow in the proper orientation of the air flow of your HVAC system.
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:
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:
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.
Powered by Compendium Blogware