Aprilaire 300 User manual

Humidier
OWNER’S MANUAL
Models 300, 400,
400M, 500, 500M, 600,
600M, 700, & 700M
Product Info &
Digital Manual
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS – MODELS 400, 500, 600 & 700.. . . . . . . . . . . 6
Automatic Digital Humidier Control Indicator Lights .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Blower Activation.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Automatic Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Manual Mode.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS – MODELS 400M, 500M, 600M & 700M . . . 11
Check the Humidier Operation – Manual Humidier Control . . . . . 11
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS – MODEL 300 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Check the Humidier Operation – Manual Digital
Humidier Control.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR ALL MODELS.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
EFFECT OF WATER CHARACTERISTICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
ANNUAL MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
ANNUAL SUMMER SHUTDOWN .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
PERIODIC PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
REQUIRED MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
Model 300 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Models 400 & 400M . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Models 500, 500M, 600 & 600M.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Models 700 & 700M.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
LIMITED WARRANTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
WARNING
• ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD: 120 volts may cause serious injury from
electric shock. Disconnect electrical power and water before
servicing. Leave power and water disconnected until service is
completed.
• RISK OF SCALDING. Water temperature over 125°F (52°C) can cause
severe burns and scald instantly. Shut off the hot water supply
before disconnecting or tapping into any hot water supply line.
CAUTION
SUDDEN OPERATION MAY CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY
DAMAGE. Turn the humidier control to OFF or lowest setting before
servicing.
2

INTRODUCTION
When humidity is properly controlled within a home, it provides
effective virus protection. Air that’s too dry can lead to conditions
that allow airborne viruses to thrive and proliferate. By adding
humidity to dry air, the amount of time a virus can survive in the
air drops drastically. By maintaining balanced humidity between
40% and 60%, year round, you can reduce the airborne incidence of
health concerns like bacteria, viruses, and dust mites.
While balanced humidity exists between 40% and 60%, it’s important
to remember that outdoor temperature and other home factors will
impact what relative humidity level is attainable and recommended
for your house. Talk with your AprilAire Healthy Air Professional to
learn more.
Your humidier will require periodic maintenance to assure
continued peak performance. See page 14 to obtain service parts
and/or replacement Water Panels®.
Please take a few minutes and read this booklet. This will familiarize
you with the benets you will receive from the equipment you just
purchased and help you understand the routine maintenance that
will be required.
REGISTER YOUR HUMIDIFIER
Register your product at aprilaire.com/warranty or
by using the QR code, to receive important updates
and notications, and to streamline the process in the
unlikely event you le a claim.
Purchase only genuine AprilAire Water Panels to
maintain peak performance. For more information,
visit our website at aprilaire.com.
Register Your
Humidier
3

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
Your new AprilAire Humidier uses evaporation to add moisture back
to warm, dry air in the home. Evaporative humidiers do not heat the
water themselves, but instead use the HVAC system’s heat (excluding
Model 300), drawn through a water panel, to turn the water into
vapor.
The Model 300 must use hot supply water, up to 140°F (60°C), as a
heat source for evaporation to occur, independent from an HVAC
system. Hot supply water is recommended for all AprilAire Evaporative
Humidiers to maximize their effectiveness.
Except for Model 300, the AprilAire Humidier is designed to operate
in conjunction with the heating, ventilating, air conditioning (HVAC)
system fan. When the humidier control calls for humidity and the
HVAC system fan is operating, water ows to the distribution tray
located inside the humidier. The water is uniformly distributed across
the tray where it ows down through a system of outlets over the
Water Panel. Dry, hot air is moved through the moisture-laden Water
Panel where natural evaporation takes place. The now-humidied air
carries moisture in vapor form and circulates throughout the home.
With bypass Models 400, 500, and 600 Series, HVAC system air is
moved from the supply duct through the humidier into the return
duct. 700 Series models and the Model 300 have a built-in fan which
draws air through the Water Panel.
The correct water ow is maintained by an orice provided with
each humidier. When the humidier is operating (excluding 400
Series), there will be a small, steady stream of water to the drain,
which ushes away most of the trouble‑causing minerals.
Do not use the saddle valve to regulate the water ow. It is designed
to be completely open or closed.
The minerals and solid residue not trapped by the replaceable Water
Panel are ushed down the drain in the Models 300, 500, 500M, 600,
600M, 700, and 700M. This is the most effective and least expensive
method to dispose of trouble-causing minerals. The drain also
eliminates the problems caused by stagnant water.
Trouble-free performance and minimum maintenance are assured
by the design features of the AprilAire Humidier. All humidier
housing parts that come in contact with water are non-metal and
will never rust or corrode. Neither heat nor water will affect them
under normal operating conditions.
4

The Water Panel, designed especially for uniform, high evaporation,
and the scale control insert (which encases the Water Panel),
effectively traps mineral deposits which are often the cause of
damage to working parts in ordinary humidiers. The Water Panel is
the heart of the humidier and must be in good condition to assure
high capacity trouble‑free performance. It should be changed at
least annually with the exception of Models 400 and 400M which
should be changed at least twice per heating season.
The distribution tray incorporates a synthetic fabric liner that is
designed to deliver water uniformly over the entire top surface of the
Water Panel, provided the humidier is mounted level. It is normal
for some mineral deposits to form in the distribution tray as it dries
out between humidication cycles. These deposits can actually
help distribute water in the tray, but if they block the openings, they
should be removed as described in the PERIODIC PREVENTATIVE
MAINTENANCE section of this manual.
Your Digital Humidier Control works in conjunction with your HVAC
system to control the operation of the humidier. The control senses
indoor RH and outdoor temperature and automatically adjusts the
operation time of the humidier to provide the optimum humidity
level in the home.
The Automatic Control can be set to turn on the HVAC blower when
humidity is required. Plumbing the humidier to hot water is required
for this mode of operation.
The digital readout on the control displays the RH level inside the
cold air return duct. RH is a measure of the amount of moisture in
the air as a percentage of what the air can hold. Warm air can hold
more moisture than cold air can.
The control has lights which indicate humidier operation, when the
Water Panel needs to be replaced and when service is required. See
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS for more information.
There are many humidiers on the market. They all add moisture with
varying degrees of efciency. None, however, offer the features, design,
and performance incorporated into your new AprilAire Humidier.
5

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS –
MODELS 400, 500, 600 & 700
The Automatic Digital Humidier Control (ADHC) offers two modes
of operation, Automatic or Manual. An explanation of both modes
follows. (See FIGURE A on page 7 for Automatic mode. See FIGURE B
on page 8 for Manual mode.)
When in the Automatic mode, this system offers the following benets:
• You will always receive the optimal amount of humidity so
that your home and its furnishings are always protected from
the damaging effects of excess condensation or low humidity
during the heating season. The control automatically adjusts your
home’s RH based on the outdoor temperature, increasing the time
maximum comfort is maintained.
• Simple operation with few adjustments. The control eliminates the
need to manually adjust the control when outdoor temperature
changes.
AUTOMATIC DIGITAL HUMIDIFIER CONTROL INDICATOR LIGHTS
Service Required: The red light indicates that the humidier is not
operating normally and that service is required.
Change Water Panel: The yellow light indicates that it is time to
change the Water Panel in the humidier. Refer to the ANNUAL
MAINTENANCE section for instructions on changing the Water Panel
or call your HVAC contractor for service.
Humidier On: The green light indicates that the humidier is actively
adding healthy humidity to your home.
BLOWER ACTIVATION
The BLOWER ACTIVATION switch is set to the ON position to allow the
humidier control to activate the HVAC system fan for maximum
humidication. For this setting the Models 500, 600 and 700 must be
connected to hot water.
This function will operate in two ways:
1. If the HVAC system has been idle for one hour, the humidier
control will activate the HVAC system fan to sample the air for 3
minutes. If the RH is lower than the set point, the humidier control
will activate the humidier and keep the fan running.
2. If the RH set point has not been reached by the end of a call for
heat, the control will continue to operate the humidier and the
HVAC system fan.
6

Your AprilAire Digital Humidier Control is installed in the cold air
return duct. During the rst heating season, your humidier control
needs to be set initially to match your home’s condition. Please follow
these steps when adjusting your control (refer to FIGURE A).
1. Turn the dial setting knob to 5, which is within the normal range.
During the next 24-48 hours it may be necessary to adjust the dial
for more or less humidity, depending on your personal comfort
and home’s requirements. Refer to TABLE 3: Operation Guide.
2. During the coldest portion of the rst heating season, minor
adjustments may be necessary. This is dependent upon your
home’s construction. Refer to TABLE 3: Operation Guide.
The RH in your home will now be accurately controlled to meet your
needs and should not need further adjustment during future heating
seasons. Make note of the dial setting in the event you temporarily
move the knob to OFF when performing annual maintenance of your
AprilAire Humidier.
90-1235
FIGURE A: ADHC (AUTOMATIC MODE)
AUTOMATIC MODE
Once blower activation mode is initiated, the humidier and
HVAC system fan will continue to operate for 2 hours or until the
humidication set point is reached.
When the BLOWER ACTIVATION switch is in the OFF position, the
humidier control will only operate the humidier if the HVAC system
fan or heat is on AND if the RH is lower than the set point.
7

MANUAL MODE
When installed in the Manual mode (see FIGURE B – internal switch
in MAN position and M in the display), it is important to anticipate
a drop in outdoor temperature and reduce the setting accordingly
to avoid excessive condensation. For example, with an outdoor
temperature of 20°F the correct setting will be 35% RH. If the
temperature is expected to fall to 0°F, then reduce the setting to 25%
several hours prior to the temperature change.
See TABLE 1 for the recommended settings. These settings, which
are based on years of research, represent a compromise between
RH levels that would be most desirable for comfort and humidity
levels that are suitable for protection of your home and to avoid
condensation on your windows.
For example, a wintertime
indoor RH of 50% may be
considered ideal for comfort, but
unfortunately, it probably would
result in condensation, which can
cause damage to your home.
Observing the recommended RH
levels on your humidier control
is an important safeguard.
Condensation of water on the
inside surface of windows in the
form of fogging or frost is usually
an indication of too much humidity.
This same condensation can
occur in other areas in your home,
possibly resulting in damage.
90-1236
FIGURE B: ADHC (MANUAL MODE)
TABLE 1: OUTDOOR
TEMPERATURE/INDOOR
RELATIVE HUMIDITY
Outside
Temperature Recommended RH
+40°F 45%
+30°F 40%
+20°F 35%
+10°F 30%
0°F 25%
-10°F 20%
-20°F 15%
8

CHANGE WATER PANEL INDICATOR
The control keeps track of humidier operation time. The yellow
Change Water Panel light ashes after a preset amount of running
time has elapsed. This running time is preset by the installer based
on the humidier model and water hardness.
Refer to the ANNUAL MAINTENANCE section for instructions on
changing the Water Panel or call your HVAC contractor for service.
TEST/RESET
The Test/Reset feature allows the humidier operation to be checked
even if there is no call for humidity.
1. The HVAC system fan must be running for the humidier to
function. Make a heat or fan call at your thermostat.
2. Set the knob to Test/Reset. Make sure the water saddle valve is
open and that there is electricity to the humidier.
3. The humidier will only operate for 1 minute in test mode.
4. Reduce the humidier control setting to the recommended inside
RH, depending on the outside temperature. DO NOT LEAVE IN
TEST MODE AS HUMIDIFIER WILL NOT OPERATE AFTER 1 MINUTE HAS
ELAPSED.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Your humidier is a precision system that will accurately maintain the
RH in your home. For every 2°F change in outdoor temperature, the
Digital Humidier Control will automatically adjust the indoor RH by 1%.
The Automatic Digital Humidier Control will accurately control the
humidity in your home to a maximum of 45% RH.
The RH values in TABLE 2 are targets based on outdoor temperature
and the Automatic Digital Humidier Control setting. The actual RH
may vary due to conditions in the home (cooking, showering, etc.).
TABLE 2: % RELATIVE HUMIDITY GUIDE
Outdoor Temperature (°F)
‑10°F 0°F 10°F 20°F 30°F 40°F
Dial Setting
110% 10% 10% 15% 20% 25%
Relative Humidity (%)
210% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30%
310% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35%
415% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40%
520% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45%
625% 30% 35% 40% 45% 45%
730% 35% 40% 45% 45% 45%
TABLE 1: OUTDOOR
TEMPERATURE/INDOOR
RELATIVE HUMIDITY
Outside
Temperature Recommended RH
+40°F 45%
+30°F 40%
+20°F 35%
+10°F 30%
0°F 25%
-10°F 20%
-20°F 15%
9

TABLE 3: OPERATION GUIDE
Condition Solution
Condensation on
windows.
Reduce the setting on the control dial by
1 increment.
Lack of humidity.
Increase the setting on the control dial
by 1 increment. If the humidier control is
already at the maximum setting of 7, set
the BLOWER ACTIVATION switch to ON. The
humidier must be plumbed to hot water
when using the Blower Activation feature.
Humidier does not
operate. (Solenoid
does not “click” when
control is moved to
Test/Reset position.)
Turn dial to Test/Reset. Make certain HVAC
system fan is operating. If unit still does
not operate, consult your HVAC contractor
or contact Technical Support.
Humidier won’t
shut off.
Turn dial to OFF. If unit continues to
operate, consult your HVAC contractor or
contact Technical Support.
Test mode.
System operation is checked by setting
the knob to Test/Reset. Make certain
HVAC system fan is operating. Humidier
will operate for one minute. If the control
knob is left in the Test/Reset position, after
1 minute the display will ash the software
revision level, e.g., r3. NOTE: Placing the
knob in Test/Reset resets the Water Panel
change timer.
Red Service
Required light
ashes (FIGURE A).
Note the error code on the display (E1,
E2, E3 or E4) and consult your HVAC
contractor or contact Technical Support.
Yellow Change
Water Panel light
ashes (FIGURE A).
Refer to ANNUAL MAINTENANCE on page
14 for instructions on changing the Water
Panel, or call your HVAC contractor for
service. After the Water Panel is replaced,
turn the control knob to the Test/Reset
position until the green Humidier On
light ashes, to reset the Water Panel
change timer.
10