Aprilaire 6202 - User Manual

Owner’s
Manual

Summary

System Introduction and Functionality

Preface

Expresses appreciation for purchase and commitment to quality and performance.

Overview

Explains the system's purpose, benefits, and key components.

Model Types

Details the different Aprilaire Zone Control models and their specific capabilities.

Basic Operation

Describes how the system directs conditioned air based on thermostat settings.

System Operations and Controls

Heating Operation

Instructions for initiating and managing heating mode for all system models.

Cooling Operation

Instructions for initiating and managing cooling mode for all system models.

Emergency Heat Operation

Details how to activate Emergency Heat mode for specific models (6302 & 6303).

Damper Operation

Explains how dampers open and close based on system calls and purge cycles.

Fan Operation

Describes fan control features for different Aprilaire Zone Control models.

Turning the System Off

Provides instructions for shutting down the system and its thermostats.

System Pressure Relief

Explains the system's mechanism for managing airflow pressure and bypass air.

Warranty and Maintenance Information

Maintenance

Information regarding maintenance requirements for the Zone Control System.

Limited Warranty

Details the warranty period, coverage, and limitations for the Zone Control System.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. Usage Features
4. Maintenance Features
5. Additional Aprilaire Products for Enhanced Indoor Air Quality and Comfort

The provided document is an Owner's Manual for the Aprilaire® Zone Control System, a device designed to enhance comfort and reduce energy costs in homes by managing heating and air conditioning across different zones.

Function Description

The Aprilaire Zone Control System addresses the problem of uneven heating and cooling in homes by directing conditioned air only to the specific areas (zones) that require it. Unlike conventional systems, it intelligently identifies which zones need heating or cooling at any given time, optimizing the operation of the HVAC equipment. This leads to increased comfort throughout the home and improved energy efficiency.

The system consists of a Control Panel, air control dampers, and thermostats located in each zone. The Control Panel, typically installed on an inside wall near the heating and air conditioning equipment, serves as the central hub. The dampers are strategically placed within the air ducts to allow independent control of each zone. Thermostats in each zone are directly connected to the Control Panel, providing temperature readings and user input.

When a zone calls for heating or cooling, the Control Panel activates the appropriate HVAC equipment. Simultaneously, dampers in non-calling zones close, while those in calling zones open, ensuring that conditioned air is delivered precisely where needed until the thermostat's set point is met. The system prevents simultaneous heating and cooling operations; if one zone calls for heat and another for cooling, the heat call is satisfied first, followed by the cooling call after a minimum off-time delay.

The system is designed to direct conditioned air only to the rooms served by that zone's thermostat. However, in homes with open layouts, maintaining drastic temperature differences between zones might be challenging. Closing interior doors can help reduce air exchange and enhance temperature differentiation.

Important Technical Specifications

The manual details two main series of Aprilaire Zone Control Systems, each with different capabilities:

• Models 6202 & 6203: These models are designed for use with single-stage heat/cool equipment (e.g., a furnace and an air conditioner).

  • 6202: Supports two zones.
  • 6203: Supports three zones.
  • Fan Operation: Allows fan control from any zone. Dampers in zones not calling for the fan will close. For continuous fan operation in all zones, the fan must be turned on at each zone's thermostat.

• Models 6302 & 6303: These models are designed for use with heat pump systems. They can handle three stages of heat and two stages of cool.

  • 6302: Supports two zones.
  • 6303: Supports three zones.
  • Fan Operation: Allows fan control only through the Zone 1 thermostat (typically the main living area). Fan operation does not affect damper operation.

The system incorporates a minimum-off time delay (four minutes) for both furnace and air conditioner cycles. This feature prevents frequent cycling of the equipment, thereby extending its lifespan.

Usage Features

• Heating Operation (All Models):

  1. Set the thermostat to "Heat" mode (manual switch or digital button).
  2. Adjust the thermostat set point to a temperature higher than the displayed room temperature to initiate a heat call.
  3. The Aprilaire Zone Control Panel will start the heating equipment, respecting the minimum-off time delay.

• Cooling Operation (All Models):

  1. Set the thermostat to "Cool" mode (manual switch or digital button).
  2. Adjust the thermostat set point to a temperature lower than the displayed room temperature to initiate a cool call.
  3. The Aprilaire Zone Control Panel will start the cooling equipment, respecting the minimum-off time delay.

• Emergency Heat Operation (Models 6302 & 6303 only):

  1. Only the Zone 1 thermostat can activate Emergency Heat mode. Zone 1 is typically the main living area.
  2. Set the Zone 1 thermostat to "Emergency Heat" mode (manual switch or digital button).
  3. Adjust the thermostat set point to a temperature higher than the displayed room temperature to initiate an Emergency Heat call.
  4. Once Zone 1 successfully makes an Emergency Heat call, the control panel remains in Emergency Heat mode until Zone 1 calls for standard Heat Pump operation or a Cooling call.
  5. While in Emergency Heat mode, Zones 2 and/or 3 cannot call for cooling.
  6. Note: Emergency Heat is generally more expensive to operate than the Heat Pump and should be used only when necessary. Some equipment may not include Emergency Heat.

• Damper Operation (All Models):

  • When the Control Panel receives a call, it turns on the appropriate equipment and automatically closes dampers in non-calling zones while opening them in calling zones.
  • After all calls are satisfied, the Control Panel initiates a 1-minute purge cycle, during which dampers maintain their last position. All dampers then open.

• System Pressure Relief:

  • The system includes a pressure relief mechanism, which may involve a bypass damper or a controlled pressure relief strategy.
  • With controlled pressure relief, a predetermined small amount of air is allowed to pass through closed dampers. This "bypass air" is not enough to cause a noticeable temperature change in a non-calling zone but effectively relieves higher system pressures and prevents noise due to airflow.
  • Feeling small amounts of air in a non-calling zone is normal and indicates proper pressure relief.

• Turning the System Off (All Models):

  • To completely shut off the system and prevent equipment operation, all thermostats must be set to the "OFF" mode (manual slide switch or digital button).
  • For extended absences, especially in climates with freezing temperatures, it is recommended to set the Zone 1 thermostat to "Heat" mode and adjust the set point to a temperature that prevents freezing throughout the home, rather than turning all thermostats off.

Maintenance Features

• The manual states that once the Aprilaire Zone Control System is properly installed, no maintenance is required.

Additional Aprilaire Products for Enhanced Indoor Air Quality and Comfort

The manual also illustrates and describes other Aprilaire products that can be integrated with the Zone Control System for a comprehensive indoor environment solution:

• Aprilaire Automatic Humidifier:
  • Function: Eliminates dry nose, dry throat, itchy skin; reduces static electricity; reduces heating costs by making lower temperatures feel warmer; helps repel upper respiratory problems caused by dry air; protects homes and furnishings from damaging dryness and shrinkage.
• Aprilaire High Efficiency Air Cleaner:
  • Function: Reaches 99% efficiency on particles five microns or larger; provides allergy relief; protects heating and cooling equipment.
  • Specifications: Lifetime limited warranty; filtering media lasts one to two years; absolutely silent operation; requires no service calls; uses no electricity; produces no ozone.
• Aprilaire Fresh Air Exchanger:
  • Function: Provides a constant, controlled supply of fresh air to the home year-round; reduces unhealthy indoor air pollutants (radon, formaldehyde, smoke, odors); conserves energy by retaining energy value from indoor air; helps produce a quiet, safe, secure, healthy indoor environment.
  • Specifications: Handles homes up to 3,600 sq. ft.
• Aprilaire Electronic Thermostat:
  • Function: Saves energy and energy costs with pinpoint accuracy; provides ultimate comfort and reliability.
  • Specifications: Ultra-slim, attractive vertical design; state-of-the-art engineering; easy-to-set, easy-to-read controls.

For information on these additional products, users are advised to contact their heating and air conditioning contractor or Research Products Corporation directly.

Aprilaire 6202 Specifications

General

Brand	Aprilaire
Model	6202
Category	Controller
Language	English