Aprilaire 1870 - User Manual

Dehumidifer Control
ON/OFF button
used to turn
dehumidifier on
and off
Up/Down
buttons used to
change humidity
setting
MODE button
used for optional
ventilation feature
Inlet Filter Access
Door
Drain Power
Switch
Outlet
PLEASE LEAVE THIS MANUAL WITH THE HOMEOWNER
WHOLE HOME DEHUMIDIFICATION
The Aprilaire
®
Dehumidifier controls the humidity level in your entire home. A powerful blower inside the dehumidifier draws air into the cabinet,
filters the air and removes moisture, then discharges the dry air into the HVAC system or dedicated area of the home. Inside the cabinet, a
sealed refrigeration system removes moisture by moving the air through a series of tubes and fins that are kept colder than the dew point of
the incoming air. The dew point is the temperature at which moisture in the air will condense, much like what occurs on the outside of a cold
glass on a hot summer day. The condensed moisture drips into the dehumidifier drain pan to a drain tube routed to the nearest floor drain or
condensate pump. After the moisture is removed, the air moves through a second coil where it is reheated before being sent back into the home.
The air leaving the dehumidifier will be warmer and drier than the air entering the dehumidifier.
You can reduce the amount of humidity that enters the home by closing windows, doors, and fireplace flues when outdoor humidity is high,
and by drying clothes outside. Direct exhaust from kitchen vents and bath fans is the best means of controlling humidity due to cooking and
showers/baths. The dehumidifier is not designed to prevent window condensation in winter. Use ventilation to lower indoor humidity levels
in the winter.
Model 1870 & 1870W Dehumidifier
Owner’s Manual
Installed by: _________________________________ Installer Phone: _______________________ Date Installed: _______________

Summary

Whole Home Dehumidification

Setting the Desired Humidity Level

How Does the Dehumidifier Work?

Explains the hourly humidity measurement, dehumidification process, and operating conditions.

Energy Savings Tips

External Control Options

How Does the Optional Ventilation Work?

Explains the optional ventilation feature and how to adjust its run time settings.

Maintenance

Clean or Replace the Air Filter

Instructions for checking, cleaning, and resetting the air filter service reminder.

Filter Cleaning Procedure

Step-by-step guide for cleaning the air filter and its proper replacement.

Troubleshooting

Diagnostic Codes

Lists diagnostic codes and advises contacting a contractor for error resolution.

Limited Warranty

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. Usage Features
4. Maintenance Features

The Aprilaire Model 1870 & 1870W Dehumidifier is a whole-home dehumidification system designed to control humidity levels throughout an entire residence. This device operates by drawing air into its cabinet using a powerful blower, filtering the air, removing moisture, and then discharging the dry air into the home's HVAC system or a dedicated area.

Function Description:

The core function of the Aprilaire dehumidifier is to reduce and maintain desired humidity levels. Inside the cabinet, a sealed refrigeration system cools the air by moving it through a series of tubes and fins, which are kept colder than the dew point of the incoming air. As moisture in the air condenses on these cold surfaces, it drips into a drain pan and is routed to a floor drain or condensate pump via a drain tube. After moisture removal, the air passes through a second coil where it is reheated before being returned to the home, ensuring the discharged air is warmer and drier than the air that entered the unit.

The dehumidifier continuously monitors the humidity level of the air. Once per hour, it measures the humidity and compares it to the user-set target. If the home's humidity is higher than the setting, the unit will activate and dehumidify until the level drops 3%RH below the set point. When the dehumidifier turns on, the blower circulates air for 3 minutes before measuring humidity, displaying "AIR SAMPLING" on the control screen. If dehumidification is needed, the compressor activates, and the display shows "DEHUMIDIFYING."

The system also incorporates protective features to prevent unwanted energy consumption. "DEFROSTING" mode activates to prevent ice formation on the refrigeration coil, which can occur if there's insufficient airflow or if the incoming air's temperature/humidity is too low. An "E8" code indicates that the incoming air temperature is outside the optimal operating range (below 50°F or above 104°F) or if the dew point is below 40°F, as dehumidifier efficiency significantly decreases under these conditions. The unit will resume normal operation once conditions return to the acceptable range.

Important Technical Specifications:

While specific numerical technical specifications like power consumption or airflow rates are not provided in the manual, the device is designed for whole-home application, implying sufficient capacity for residential use. It features an on-board control for setting humidity levels, ranging from 40% to 80% relative humidity. The unit includes an inlet for air intake, a filter access door, a drain for condensate removal, and a power switch.

Usage Features:

• On-Board Control: The dehumidifier is equipped with an intuitive on-board control panel.
  • ON/OFF Button: Used to turn the dehumidifier on or off.
  • Up/Down Buttons: Allow users to adjust the desired humidity setting between 40% and 80% RH. The manual recommends an initial setting of 55% RH.
  • MODE Button: Used for an optional ventilation feature.
• Humidity Setting: Users can adjust the humidity setting based on comfort. Decreasing the setting makes the air drier, while increasing it makes it less dry.
• Initial Operation: When first installed, the dehumidifier may operate for an extended period to remove initial moisture from the home's materials, which act like a sponge.
• Energy Savings Tips:
  • Set the humidity as high as comfortable to reduce run time.
  • Turn the dehumidifier OFF when windows are open, similar to air conditioning.
  • For extended summer absences, set RH to 55% and thermostat to a comfortable cooling temperature to maintain humidity while minimizing cooling energy.
• Optional External Controls: The dehumidifier can be integrated with optional external controls like the Aprilaire Model 76, 8620, and 8910. These controls can be located in the living space, offering convenient remote adjustment and monitoring, especially if the dehumidifier is in a crawl space. The Model 76 is a dedicated dehumidifier control, while the 8620 and 8910 integrate dehumidification into a thermostat.
• Optional Ventilation Feature: If installed, this feature allows the dehumidifier to bring in fresh outdoor air for a set amount of time per hour. The contractor determines the necessary ventilation time based on factors like home size, occupancy, and local building codes. When ventilation operates, a damper opens, and the heating/cooling system blower runs to distribute fresh air. Users can adjust the ventilation time (0-60 minutes per hour) via the MODE button on the on-board control.
• Diagnostic Codes: The on-board control displays diagnostic codes (E1-E7, E9) if an error occurs, indicating a need for service. The E8 code, as mentioned, indicates out-of-range incoming air conditions.

Maintenance Features:

• Air Filter Cleaning/Replacement: The air filter should be checked and cleaned every 6 months. A "CLEAN FILTER" service reminder will appear on the on-board control screen.
  • Procedure:
    1. Turn the ON/OFF switch OFF.
    2. Remove the filter access door.
    3. Slide the filter out.
    4. Flush the filter with warm water and a mild detergent.
    5. Shake off excess water.
    6. Replace the filter, ensuring it's secured in the top and bottom rails.
    7. Replace the filter access door.
    8. Turn the ON/OFF switch ON.
    9. Press the UP and DOWN buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds to clear the service message.
• Drain Check: The drain system should be checked annually for blockages or air locks to ensure proper drainage. If issues are found, a qualified service professional should inspect it.
• Cleaning the Cabinet: The manual advises against using spray solvents or cleaners directly on or near the dehumidifier's inlet side. Instead, cleaner should be applied to a cloth for cabinet cleaning.

Aprilaire 1870 Specifications

General

Brand	Aprilaire
Model	1870
Category	Dehumidifier
Language	English