Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers - Aprilaire 400 humidifier poor performance
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TDC88
04-08-07, 06:10 PM
I installed an Aprilaire model 400 humidifier 4 weeks ago. I installed the unit on the return plenum and connected the bypass pipe to the supply side. I installed the humidistat control about 10" upstream of the humidifier on the return plenum. I connected the water supply to the cold supply line, as this is what AprilAire recommends for this model unit. I wired in the automatic sensor and operated in this mode for 4 days and could not get the humidly level to exceed 35%. I changed to manual mode by inserting the manual mode 46K resistor after disconnecting the sensor leads and set it to maximum -7. The humidity would occasionally get up to 38%. I spoke with the manufacturer, Research Products and they stated since the house was so dry it would take a couple of weeks for the house to absorb the humidity.
Last week I installed an April air electronic air cleaner model 5000. According to Aprilaire documentation for the ED5000, which I reviewed before purchasing, the installation of a model 5000 air cleaner has no adverse effect on their humidifier.
However ever since I installed the Aprilaire model 5000 air cleaner the humidity level does not exceed 33%. Even though the control is set to maximum (7) and is running in manual mode. I operated the unit in test mode and it operates for one minute, I hear the solenoid open and water running. However during normal operation of the furnace it does not seem like the unit is calling for water as frequently as it did when I first installed it.
My house is about 3200sf. According to the manufacturer this will supply a 4000sf house. I am wondering if this is typical performance for this unit. Does anyone have a similar size house and able to obtain humidity above 38%?
Anyone experience similar problems with the model 400 Aprilaire? I hope I don’t have to change the filter every other week to obtain anything close to 38% humidity that would get quite expensive.
Last week I installed an April air electronic air cleaner model 5000. According to Aprilaire documentation for the ED5000, which I reviewed before purchasing, the installation of a model 5000 air cleaner has no adverse effect on their humidifier.
However ever since I installed the Aprilaire model 5000 air cleaner the humidity level does not exceed 33%. Even though the control is set to maximum (7) and is running in manual mode. I operated the unit in test mode and it operates for one minute, I hear the solenoid open and water running. However during normal operation of the furnace it does not seem like the unit is calling for water as frequently as it did when I first installed it.
My house is about 3200sf. According to the manufacturer this will supply a 4000sf house. I am wondering if this is typical performance for this unit. Does anyone have a similar size house and able to obtain humidity above 38%?
Anyone experience similar problems with the model 400 Aprilaire? I hope I don’t have to change the filter every other week to obtain anything close to 38% humidity that would get quite expensive.
Jay11J
04-08-07, 08:52 PM
First of all, It's April and I am sure your heating equipement isn't runing that much. When your system isn't running, it's not adding humidiyt into the home.
yes, it will take a few weeks to get up to set point. The water will only flow as it needs it.. This is not a flow though unit.
The Air Filter will have NO affect on it.. How old is your home? You have fresh air tied into the return or air to air exchanger?
yes, it will take a few weeks to get up to set point. The water will only flow as it needs it.. This is not a flow though unit.
The Air Filter will have NO affect on it.. How old is your home? You have fresh air tied into the return or air to air exchanger?
Carbuff
04-08-07, 09:41 PM
I had similar results at first with my 400. It takes a while to get rolling. It seems that when I look at it it never seems to be operating but its working for sure. Ive got 43% at the moment and its about 35 degrees right now here in NY. Ive gone the whole winter without a single zap from static. We went to my mother in law's for Easter and she has a gas furnace with no humidifier and we got zapped plenty. My house is only about 1500 sq ft but I did have to set it to 7 on manual for it to work properly too.