GeneralAire 3200 - User Manual

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Evaporative Models: 3200, 4200, 1042LH, 1099LHS

Fan-Powered Models: 1000, 1137

How Your Humidiﬁer Works

Water is distributed through a water distribution trough resting on top of a Vapor Pad

inside the humidiﬁer. The Vapor Pad

then becomes thoroughly saturated with water. As heated air from the furnace passes through the water-soaked Vapor Pad

the water evaporates and creates humidity. The humidity is moved by the furnace blower motor through the duct system and

is distributed to the living quarters of the home. To produce humidity, the humidiﬁer runs only when the furnace blower and

heat are engaged.

Fan-powered models operate similarly to evaporative, but a fan inside the humidiﬁer pulls heated are through the Vapor Pad

to enhance humidity output.

IMPORTANT: Performing annual maintenance of your humidiﬁer is essential in achieving top performance.

The Beneﬁts of Adding Humidity With a GeneralAire

Evaporative Humidiﬁer

1. Since dry air can cause dry, itchy, cracked skin, adding humidity keeps skin feeling moist and comfortable.

2. Air that’s too dry causes dry sinuses and throat; increasing the risk of infection, colds, and ﬂu.

3. Proper moisture control (40-60% RH) in the home will reduce and suppress the amount and level of harmful particulates

in the air.

4. Dust and other particulates also stay airborne longer in dry conditions; thereby increasing allergy and asthma triggers.

Adding humidity helps those suffering with allergies and asthma.

5. Adding humidity prevents valuable woodwork, wooden instruments, and artwork from cracking and becoming damaged.

6. Proper humidity levels prevent annoying static shocks.

7. Dry air feels chillier during winter months. Even in newer, tighter homes dry air can feel chillier, again causing you to turn

up your thermostat. For example, 68°F at 40% relative humidity feels just as warm as 74°F at 20% humidity. Setting your

thermostat back by as little as three degrees can reduce annual heating bills by as much as 5%.

Introduction

Thank you for your purchase of a GeneralAire

evaporative or fan-powered humidiﬁer. We sincerely appreciate your business

and are conﬁdent you will enjoy the difference your new humidiﬁer makes in your health and comfort throughout the years.

You have purchased one of the highest-quality products in the market today from a long-standing and respected company in

the industry. A family-owned business since 1937, General Filters, Inc. has produced a full line of products that protect the

health of your family and your home, to include humidiﬁers, dehumidiﬁers, air cleaners, and UV air puriﬁers. As healthy indoor

air often requires a comprehensive approach, you may wish to ask your contractor about other products that would protect

your family, home, and assets.

This manual is designed to acquaint you with how your humidiﬁer works and how to keep it running at the highest level of

performance through regular maintainenance.

43800 Grand River Avenue Novi, Michigan 48375 Toll Free: (866) 476-5101 www.generalaire.com

Designed & Assembled

in Michigan, USA

Owner’s Manual

GeneralAire

Evaporative & Fan-Powered Humidiﬁers

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Summary

Introduction to GeneralAire Humidifiers

Preparing for Use During Winter Months

Preparing for Non-Use During Summer Months

Technical Assistance and Questions

Performing Maintenance on Models 3200, 4200, 1000, 1099 LHS

Performing Maintenance on Models 1137 and 1042 LH

Summary

Introduction to GeneralAire Humidifiers

Preparing for Use During Winter Months

Preparing for Non-Use During Summer Months

Technical Assistance and Questions

Performing Maintenance on Models 3200, 4200, 1000, 1099 LHS

Performing Maintenance on Models 1137 and 1042 LH

Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications
Usage Features
Preparing for Use During Winter Months
Preparing for Non-Use During Summer Months
Setting the Humidity Level
Benefits of Adding Humidity
Maintenance Features
Maintenance for 3200, 4200, 1000, and 1099LHS Models
Maintenance for 1137 and 1042LH Models
Purchasing Replacement Parts
Technical Assistance

This document serves as an owner's manual for GeneralAire® Evaporative & Fan-Powered Humidifiers, designed and assembled in Michigan, USA. The manual covers several models, including evaporative models 3200, 4200, 1042LH, and 1099LHS, and fan-powered models 1000 and 1137.

Function Description:

GeneralAire® humidifiers are designed to add moisture to indoor air, improving health and comfort. They operate by distributing water through a water distribution trough onto a Vapor Pad®. As heated air from the furnace passes through the water-soaked Vapor Pad®, the water evaporates, creating humidity. This humidity is then distributed throughout the home via the furnace blower motor and duct system. Fan-powered models enhance humidity output by using an internal fan to pull heated air through the Vapor Pad®. The humidifiers only run when the furnace blower and heat are engaged (for evaporative models).

Important Technical Specifications:

The manual lists specific models:

Evaporative Models: 3200, 4200, 1042LH, 1099LHS
Fan-Powered Models: 1000, 1137

The ideal humidity level for most climates is between 40% and 60% Relative Humidity (RH). Maintaining this range helps prevent dry skin, dry sinuses and throat, reduces airborne particulates, alleviates allergy and asthma triggers, protects woodwork and artwork from damage, prevents static shocks, and can make the home feel warmer, potentially reducing heating bills. For example, 68°F at 40% RH feels as warm as 74°F at 20% humidity.

Usage Features:

The manual provides clear instructions for preparing the humidifier for use during winter months and for non-use during summer months.

Preparing for Use During Winter Months:

Perform maintenance, including replacing the Vapor Pad® and cleaning sediment from the distribution trough, drain pan, and drain tube.
Turn on the water supply.
Set the damper to "winter" (open position).
Set the humidistat to the desired setting.
Test the unit to ensure water flow through the solenoid valve and humidity production.

Preparing for Non-Use During Summer Months:

Turn the humidistat off.
For 100 series models only, remove the power supply (unplug).
Turn off the water supply.
Set the damper to "summer" (closed position).

Setting the Humidity Level:

Users are advised to set the humidistat to achieve a humidity level between 40% and 60% RH. When adjusting the setting, it's recommended to wait 2-3 days before making further changes, as this is the time it takes for the new humidity level to stabilize throughout the entire home.

Benefits of Adding Humidity:

Keeps skin moist and comfortable, preventing dry, itchy, cracked skin.
Reduces the risk of infection, colds, and flu by preventing dry sinuses and throat.
Reduces and suppresses harmful airborne particulates.
Helps those with allergies and asthma by reducing airborne dust and other triggers.
Prevents cracking and damage to valuable woodwork, wooden instruments, and artwork.
Eliminates annoying static shocks.
Makes dry air feel warmer during winter, potentially allowing for lower thermostat settings and reduced heating bills (e.g., 68°F at 40% RH feels like 74°F at 20% RH).

Maintenance Features:

Annual maintenance is crucial for optimal performance. The manual details maintenance procedures for two groups of models:

Maintenance for 3200, 4200, 1000, and 1099LHS Models:

For 1000 Series Only: Unplug the humidifier.
Pull tabs at the bottom of the cover, lift the cover off the top tabs (note: 1000 humidifier's motor assembly is in the cover, adding weight).
Remove the Vapor Pad® assembly by pulling the top tab and lifting it out of the drain.
Pull the distribution tray off the top of the frame and slide out the old Vapor Pad®. Discard the old pad.
Clean any visible sediment from the frame using a mixture of water and vinegar. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
Insert a new Vapor Pad® with the black spot on top, then replace the distribution trough.
Insert the assembly bottom-first, then press the top until it clicks.
Return the cover.
Turn the damper to "winter" (open position).
Restore power to the unit.
Turn the humidistat to the desired setting.
Test the unit for water flow and humidity production.

Maintenance for 1137 and 1042LH Models:

Unplug the humidifier.
Unscrew the two thumbscrews at the bottom, holding the drain pan. The drain pan and Vapor Pad assembly will release from the bottom.
Slide the old Vapor Pad® out of the drain pan.
Clean any visible sediment with water and vinegar. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
Insert a new Vapor Pad® with the black spot on top, through the bottom of the humidifier.
Return the drain pan to the bottom of the humidifier.
Return/screw in the thumbscrews.
Check the water distribution tube at the top to ensure it is firmly seated.
Turn the humidistat to the desired setting.
Test the unit for water flow and humidity production.

Purchasing Replacement Parts:

Users can purchase replacement Vapor Pads® and parts from their local contractor or installer, by using the "Find a Contractor" or "Find a Wholesaler" tools on www.generalaire.com, or directly from www.generalaire.com under the "Shop" section. Only GeneralAire® replacement parts and Vapor Pads® should be used.

Technical Assistance:

For technical assistance or other questions, users can contact their local contractor, call General Filters technical support at (248) 476-5100, or visit www.generalaire.com for maintenance videos specific to their model.