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Explains manual mode operation, including recommended RH settings based on outdoor temperature.
Step-by-step guide for inspecting and servicing Aprilaire humidifier components, including strainer and orifice.
Detailed maintenance steps for Aprilaire Humidifier Models 110-112.
Detailed maintenance steps for Aprilaire Humidifier Models 220-224.
Detailed maintenance steps for Aprilaire Humidifier Models 350-360.
Detailed maintenance steps for Aprilaire Humidifier Model 440.
Detailed maintenance steps for Aprilaire Humidifier Models 445-448.
Specific maintenance steps for reservoir and pump sections of Aprilaire Models 445-448.
Detailed maintenance steps for Aprilaire Humidifier Models 558-560-568.
Detailed maintenance steps for Aprilaire Humidifier Models 760-768.
Explains manual mode operation, including recommended RH settings based on outdoor temperature.
Step-by-step guide for inspecting and servicing Aprilaire humidifier components, including strainer and orifice.
Detailed maintenance steps for Aprilaire Humidifier Models 110-112.
Detailed maintenance steps for Aprilaire Humidifier Models 220-224.
Detailed maintenance steps for Aprilaire Humidifier Models 350-360.
Detailed maintenance steps for Aprilaire Humidifier Model 440.
Detailed maintenance steps for Aprilaire Humidifier Models 445-448.
Specific maintenance steps for reservoir and pump sections of Aprilaire Models 445-448.
Detailed maintenance steps for Aprilaire Humidifier Models 558-560-568.
Detailed maintenance steps for Aprilaire Humidifier Models 760-768.
This document is an owner's manual for Aprilaire Humidifiers, covering models 110, 112, 220, 224, 350, 360, 440, 445, 448, 558, 560, 568, 760, and 768. It provides safety and operating instructions, as well as warranty information.
The Aprilaire Humidifier operates on the evaporative principle, which is nature's way of adding moisture to the air. This method ensures proper relative humidity throughout the heating season, contributing to comfort and protecting the home from the effects of dry air. The humidifiers are designed to provide positive control, sufficient capacity, trouble-free performance, and minimal maintenance.
Most Aprilaire Humidifiers (excluding models 350 and 360) are designed to operate in conjunction with the furnace blower motor. When the humidistat or Humidifier Control calls for humidity and the blower is active, water flows to a distribution tray at the top of the unit. From there, it is uniformly distributed over a Water Panel® evaporator. Dry, hot air from the furnace passes through this moisture-laden panel, where evaporation occurs, and the now humidified air is circulated throughout the home. Models 350 and 360 utilize service hot water (up to 140°F) as their heat source for evaporation, with the flushing water to the drain remaining cold as heat is extracted during the process.
A key feature of the drain-type units is the correct water flow, regulated by an included orifice. This ensures a small, steady stream of water to the drain, which flushes away most trouble-causing minerals. This design prevents stagnant water issues and effectively disposes of minerals that would otherwise accumulate. The Water Panel evaporator is crucial for high capacity and trouble-free performance, trapping mineral deposits and preventing "white dust" from being distributed throughout the living spaces.
The humidifiers are built with non-metal housing parts where water contact occurs, preventing rust and corrosion under normal operating conditions. The Water Panel evaporator is specifically designed for uniform, high evaporation. Older distribution trays had a granular coating for even water distribution; if this coating is removed during cleaning, applying a small amount of liquid dishwashing soap can achieve similar performance. Current distribution trays feature a synthetic fabric liner for uniform water delivery. While some mineral deposits are normal, they should be removed if they block the openings.
The Aprilaire Humidifier Control offers both Automatic and Manual modes of operation. In Automatic Mode, the control, typically installed in the cold air return, automatically adjusts the indoor relative humidity (RH) by 1/2% for every 1° change in outdoor temperature. Users are advised to set the dial to "5" initially and make minor adjustments based on comfort and home requirements, especially during the coldest parts of the heating season. The manual includes an "Operation Guide" table to troubleshoot issues like condensation, lack of humidity, or operational problems. The control also has a "Test" mode to check system operation for one minute.
For Manual Mode, the humidistat, installed either in the living area or cold air return, requires users to anticipate drops in outdoor temperature and reduce the setting to avoid excessive condensation. Recommended RH settings based on outdoor temperature are provided in a table, emphasizing the balance between comfort and preventing home damage. Condensation on windows indicates excessive humidity, which may require ventilation.
To check humidifier operation, users should set the Humidifier Control above the click point, ensure the water saddle valve is open, and verify electrical power. For most models, the furnace blower motor must be operating. After several minutes of operation and water flowing to the drain, reducing the setting below the click point should shut off the unit. Fireplace dampers should be kept closed when not in use to prevent humidity escape. Indoor activities like cooking or showering can temporarily raise RH, and persistent condensation may necessitate ventilation.
The humidifier can effectively use hot, cold, hard, or mechanically softened water. While hard water may extend the life of the Water Panel evaporator, it is generally recommended to change the panel annually. Softened water tends to produce softer, fluffier mineral residue. In drain-equipped models, minerals are flushed away, but in models 448 and 445, solids accumulate in the reservoir and pump section, necessitating regular cleaning. Service hot water (140°F maximum) is recommended for drain-type units to increase capacity and for heat pump applications.
Annual maintenance is crucial for optimal performance, primarily involving the replacement of the Water Panel evaporator. Instructions are provided on how to purchase genuine Aprilaire Water Panels. Annual summer shutdown involves closing the bypass damper in the bypass pipe for models 220, 224, 440, 445, 448, 558, 560, and 568, and emptying the reservoir for models 445 and 448.
Periodic preventative maintenance is recommended for the entire heating system, including humidifier service by a heating contractor. All models, except 448 and 445, include an in-line water strainer and orifice that require periodic inspection and cleaning. Detailed instructions are provided for disconnecting power and water, removing and cleaning the strainer and orifice, inspecting feed tubes, and ensuring the drain hose is clear and properly sloped.
Specific maintenance instructions are provided for each model series:
A warning is consistently present across all maintenance sections: "120 volts may cause serious injury from electrical shock. Disconnect power and shut off water supply before servicing." Additionally, a caution advises turning the humidistat or Humidifier Control to "OFF" or the lowest setting before servicing to prevent personal injury or property damage from sudden operation.
The product comes with a limited warranty of one year from the date of installation, covering defects in the humidifier itself (excluding the disposable Water Panel). The warranty specifies that Research Products Corporation's obligation is to supply a free replacement for defective parts returned within the warranty period. It explicitly excludes labor costs and defects caused by installer workmanship or materials. Implied warranties are limited to one year, and liability for incidental or consequential damages is excluded. The warranty is void if the unit is not installed by a qualified heating and air conditioning contractor. Warranty registration can be done online or by mail.
| Type | Bypass |
|---|---|
| Voltage | 24V |
| Installation | Professional installation recommended |
| Drain Required | No |
| Output | 11.5 gallons per day |