Replace aprilaire 445 with 400?

[daveinpa]

My 12 year old aprilaire 445 is not pumping any water; still trying to determine problem? In looking at the pump assembly price, it would appear that it may be less expensive in just replacing it with newer version?

Has anyone had any experience replacing a 445 unit with the newer version model 400? Do I need any additional items?

[jojowolf]

I am in the same boat as you. I have a heater service contract which also covers the humidifier, but the quote they gave me to fix the 445 was about $450. I saw i could buy the 400 for about $160 on the internet and thought I could install it myself.

Did you have any problems? Where on the 400 does the water line tie in? Thx.

[Ed Imeduc]

Id get the new 400. I see that they have them on line for $145 till feb 21. yes water line will work just fine.

ED ;)

[SFToddA]

I too have a failed Aprilaire 445 -- the pump is no longer able to generate enough force to push water to the water distribution tray. It failed two years ago in the same way and I had it serviced for more than the cost of a new Aprilaire 400, so now I'm considering replacement.

The 445 is attached directly to the base of the furnace and from what I can tel it seems like the plenum opening size for the 400 is different from the 445 -- the 400's opening is narrower and taller.

Is this still a do-it-yourself project? Or is replacement going to require sheetmetal work that'd be better left to the pro's?

Opinions greatly appreciated.