Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers - Should I replace my old Aprilaire 445?

I have an older Aprilaire 445 (maybe 15 yrs) that I haven't used in years. I just turned it off a few years ago when it started leaking. I think it was a bad float. It's the model that has a pump in it to keep the water flowing over the media and therefore does not require a drain. It's a bypass type and is mounted above the furnace to the supply plenum.

Well, the family is now complaining that it gets too dry in the house, so I need to either fix it or get something new. House is about 2,500 sq ft, well insulated, and we are in PA. Gas furnace is maybe 7 yrs old.

I've read through some posts on here and have a few questions:

1. Is it OK to mount the newer models on the supply plenum?
2. I don't have a basement drain but do have a condensation pump. Is this pump sufficient enough to use a flow-through humidifier?
3. I have a humidistat in the dining room that controls(controlled) the 445. If I get a new model with a humidistat, can I use the same wiring?
4. The current opening in the plenum is approx 13.5W x 11H. Most new models require a smaller opening. Any easy way to reduce this?
5. Is there a brand/model that would be the easiest replacment?
6. Or should I just throw new parts at the old 445 and live with it?

Thanks guys.

[QUOTE]1. Is it OK to mount the newer models on the supply plenum?

Yes you can, if the holes don't match with the new one, I would just patch the hole, use that patch for the bypass duct.

2. I don't have a basement drain but do have a condensation pump. Is this pump sufficient enough to use a flow-through humidifier?
Yes, the pump will keep up just fine.

3. I have a humidistat in the dining room that controls(controlled) the 445. If I get a new model with a humidistat, can I use the same wiring?
Yes, you can.

4. The current opening in the plenum is approx 13.5W x 11H. Most new models require a smaller opening. Any easy way to reduce this?
You can patch it as I said earlier.


5. Is there a brand/model that would be the easiest replacment?
They are all the same to me in my book, I think Honeywell will be easier to find since they are sold at Home Depot, or other stores.


6. Or should I just throw new parts at the old 445 and live with it?
Can you get parts still?? Do you know what was or where it was leaking?

I also have a "445" (no floor drain either.
A few years ago, I got some parts/filters from :

http://www.aprilaire.com/