aprilaire installation manual 700
Aprilaire 700 Installation Guide
This guide provides information on installing the Aprilaire 700 whole-house humidifier. It covers choosing the right location, supply vs. return duct installation, wiring, water supply connection, testing, calibration, and annual maintenance. Follow the instructions carefully!
Overview of Aprilaire 700 Humidifier
The Aprilaire 700 is a whole-house fan-powered humidifier designed to efficiently add moisture to your home’s air, improving comfort and protecting your home’s furnishings from damage caused by dry air. It’s capable of humidifying homes up to 4,200 square feet, delivering up to 50% more moisture than many competitively priced units. This large-capacity humidifier integrates seamlessly with your existing HVAC system to distribute humidity evenly throughout your home. It operates quietly and efficiently, requiring only simple annual maintenance, primarily filter replacement.
The Aprilaire 700 offers both automatic and manual modes, providing flexibility in controlling your home’s humidity levels. In manual mode, it displays vital service, temperature, and relative humidity indicators, allowing for informed adjustments. The unit’s fan-powered design ensures consistent and reliable humidification, regardless of the furnace’s operation. Its durable construction and ease of installation make it a popular choice for homeowners looking to improve their indoor air quality. The Aprilaire 700 is designed for installation on either the supply or return duct of your HVAC system, offering versatility to suit various installation scenarios. It is essential to follow the installation instructions carefully to ensure proper operation and avoid potential issues. Regular maintenance, including replacing the water panel, is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and extending the humidifier’s lifespan. With its combination of performance, convenience, and reliability, the Aprilaire 700 is an excellent solution for whole-house humidification.
Choosing the Right Location for Installation
Selecting the optimal location for your Aprilaire 700 humidifier is a critical step in ensuring its efficient and effective operation. The installation location significantly impacts the humidifier’s ability to distribute moisture evenly throughout your home and can affect its overall performance and maintenance requirements. Ideally, the Aprilaire 700 should be installed on either the supply or return duct of your HVAC system. The supply side is often preferred, especially for vertical ducts, as it allows the humidified air to be directly introduced into the heated airflow. However, the return side can also be a viable option, particularly if space constraints or ductwork configuration make supply-side installation challenging.
When choosing the location, consider accessibility for future maintenance and filter replacements. Ensure that there is sufficient space around the humidifier for easy access to the water panel and other components. Avoid locations that are difficult to reach or that may be obstructed by other equipment or structures. Also, consider proximity to a water supply and a drain. The Aprilaire 700 requires a connection to a water line for its operation and a drain line to remove excess water. Choosing a location near these utilities can simplify the installation process and reduce the need for extensive plumbing modifications. Furthermore, take into account the orientation of the humidifier relative to cooling coils. Proper orientation is essential to prevent moisture carryover and ensure optimal performance. For downflow furnaces, it is crucial to install the Aprilaire Humidifier Control in a way that prevents water from entering the unit. Carefully evaluate your HVAC system’s ductwork and available space to determine the most suitable and accessible location for your Aprilaire 700 humidifier.
Supply vs. Return Duct Installation
The Aprilaire 700 humidifier can be installed on either the supply or return duct of your HVAC system, each offering distinct advantages and disadvantages depending on your specific setup and needs. Supply duct installation, the preferred method, introduces humidified air directly into the heated airflow before it circulates throughout your home. This allows for more efficient and even distribution of moisture, as the warm air can carry more humidity. When installing on the supply duct, position the humidifier downstream from the furnace to prevent any potential damage from the heat. Ensure the location is accessible for maintenance and filter replacement. A vertical supply duct is often the easiest to work with, providing ample space and straightforward mounting options.
Return duct installation, while less ideal, is a viable alternative when supply duct installation is not feasible due to space constraints or ductwork configuration. In this setup, the humidifier introduces moisture into the air being drawn back into the furnace for heating. While this method can still effectively humidify your home, it may result in slightly less even distribution compared to supply duct installation. When installing on the return duct, ensure the humidifier is positioned upstream from the furnace filter to prevent the filter from becoming overly saturated with moisture. Proper sealing of all connections is crucial to prevent air leaks and maintain optimal performance. Regardless of whether you choose supply or return duct installation, carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions and consider consulting with an HVAC professional to ensure proper installation and optimal performance of your Aprilaire 700 humidifier.
Tools and Materials Needed for Installation
Before embarking on the installation of your Aprilaire 700 humidifier, it is essential to gather all the necessary tools and materials to ensure a smooth and efficient process. Having everything readily available will save time and prevent unnecessary interruptions during the installation. First and foremost, you will need a drill with various drill bits, including a hole saw, to create the necessary openings in the ductwork for the humidifier and its components. A screwdriver set, including both Phillips head and flathead screwdrivers, will be required for securing screws and making adjustments. A pair of pliers or wire strippers will be necessary for electrical wiring connections. A utility knife or sheet metal shears will be needed to cut and trim the ductwork as needed.
In addition to these tools, you will also need a variety of materials, including duct tape or foil tape to seal any gaps or leaks in the ductwork. A level will ensure that the humidifier is installed correctly and functions properly. A measuring tape or ruler will be used to accurately measure and mark the locations for drilling and cutting. You will also need wiring connectors, such as wire nuts or crimp connectors, to safely and securely connect the electrical wires. A saddle valve or other appropriate water supply connection fitting will be required to tap into your home’s water supply. Finally, it is always a good idea to have safety glasses and gloves on hand to protect yourself during the installation process. By gathering all of these tools and materials beforehand, you can ensure a successful and hassle-free installation of your Aprilaire 700 humidifier.
Step-by-Step Installation Process
The installation of the Aprilaire 700 humidifier involves a series of steps that must be followed carefully to ensure proper operation and prevent potential issues. First, turn off the power to your HVAC system at the breaker box to ensure your safety during the installation process. Next, carefully review the installation manual provided with the Aprilaire 700 to familiarize yourself with the specific instructions and diagrams. Choose the appropriate mounting location on your ductwork, either the supply or return duct, based on your system configuration and the recommendations in the manual. Using the template provided, mark the locations for the humidifier and the bypass duct openings. Cut the openings in the ductwork using a drill with a hole saw or sheet metal shears. Mount the humidifier to the ductwork using screws or rivets, ensuring that it is securely attached and level.
Next, install the bypass duct, connecting it from the humidifier to the opposite duct (either supply or return, depending on your installation). Seal all connections with duct tape or foil tape to prevent air leaks. Connect the water supply line to the humidifier using a saddle valve or other appropriate fitting. Ensure that the water supply is turned off before making the connection. Connect the drain tube to the humidifier and route it to a suitable drain location. Wire the humidifier to the HVAC system according to the wiring diagram in the installation manual. This typically involves connecting the humidifier to the furnace control board or a separate transformer. Once all connections are made, turn the power back on to your HVAC system and test the humidifier to ensure that it is functioning properly. Adjust the humidity control to your desired level and monitor the system for any leaks or issues. By following these steps carefully, you can successfully install your Aprilaire 700 humidifier and enjoy the benefits of improved indoor air quality.
Wiring the Aprilaire 700
The wiring of the Aprilaire 700 humidifier is a crucial step in the installation process, ensuring that it operates correctly with your HVAC system; Before beginning any wiring work, always disconnect the power to your furnace or air handler at the circuit breaker to prevent electrical shock. Consult the wiring diagram included in the Aprilaire 700 installation manual, as it provides specific instructions for different HVAC system configurations. The Aprilaire 700 typically requires a 24-volt AC power source, which can be obtained from the furnace control board or a separate transformer. Identify the appropriate terminals on the furnace control board, usually labeled “HUM,” “24V,” and “C” (common). If using a separate transformer, connect it to a 120-volt power outlet and then wire the 24-volt output to the humidifier.
Connect the wires from the humidifier to the corresponding terminals on the furnace control board or transformer. The wiring configuration may vary depending on whether you are using a humidistat or a automatic humidity control. For a humidistat, connect the wires from the humidistat to the “HUM” and “C” terminals on the furnace control board. For automatic humidity control, follow the wiring diagram provided in the installation manual. Ensure that all wire connections are secure and properly insulated to prevent shorts or loose connections. Use wire connectors or electrical tape to insulate any exposed wires. Double-check all wiring connections against the wiring diagram before restoring power to the HVAC system. Once the wiring is complete and verified, turn the power back on and test the humidifier to ensure that it is functioning properly. Adjust the humidity control to your desired level and monitor the system for any issues.
Connecting to Water Supply
Connecting the Aprilaire 700 humidifier to a water supply is a critical step that requires careful attention to detail to ensure a leak-free and properly functioning system. Before you begin, identify a suitable water source near the humidifier location. A cold-water line is typically recommended, as hot water can damage the humidifier components. Ensure that the water line is easily accessible and has sufficient pressure to supply the humidifier. Turn off the water supply to the chosen water line before proceeding with the connection. This will prevent any water from escaping while you are working. Use a pipe cutter to cut the water line at the point where you will be installing the saddle valve or compression fitting. Smooth the cut edges with sandpaper or a deburring tool to prevent leaks.
Install a saddle valve or compression fitting onto the water line. A saddle valve is a self-piercing valve that allows you to tap into the water line without cutting it completely. A compression fitting requires cutting the water line and installing a fitting that compresses onto the pipe to create a seal. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the chosen fitting. Connect a 1/4-inch copper or plastic tubing from the saddle valve or compression fitting to the water inlet on the Aprilaire 700 humidifier. Use compression fittings to secure the tubing to both the water line and the humidifier. Ensure that the tubing is routed in a way that prevents kinks or sharp bends, which can restrict water flow. Slowly turn on the water supply to the water line and check for any leaks at the connections. Tighten the fittings as needed to stop any leaks. Once you are confident that the connections are leak-free, turn the water supply fully on and verify that water is flowing to the humidifier.
Testing and Calibration
After completing the installation and wiring of the Aprilaire 700 humidifier, it is crucial to thoroughly test and calibrate the system to ensure it operates correctly and efficiently. This process involves verifying the humidifier’s functionality, adjusting settings to achieve the desired humidity level, and confirming that all components are working in harmony. Begin by turning on the HVAC system and setting the thermostat to call for heat. This will activate the furnace blower, which is necessary for the humidifier to operate. Observe the humidifier to ensure that it starts up and begins to introduce moisture into the air stream. Check for any unusual noises, vibrations, or leaks during the initial startup phase. If any issues are detected, immediately turn off the system and troubleshoot the problem before proceeding.
Verify that the water is flowing through the humidifier and wetting the water panel. You should be able to see water dripping down the panel as the humidifier operates. Use a humidity meter to measure the humidity level in the house. Monitor the humidity level over time to see if it is increasing as the humidifier runs. Adjust the humidity control on the Aprilaire 700 to achieve the desired humidity level. Start with a low setting and gradually increase it until the target humidity is reached. Refer to the Aprilaire 700 manual for guidance on setting the humidity control. Calibrate the humidifier control to ensure that it is accurately measuring and displaying the humidity level. This may involve comparing the humidifier’s reading to a calibrated humidity meter and adjusting the control accordingly. Once the humidifier is properly tested and calibrated, monitor its performance over the next few days to ensure that it is maintaining the desired humidity level. Make any necessary adjustments to the humidity control as needed.
Annual Maintenance and Filter Replacement
To ensure the Aprilaire 700 humidifier continues to operate efficiently and effectively, performing annual maintenance and filter replacement is paramount. Consistent maintenance not only prolongs the lifespan of your humidifier but also guarantees optimal performance, maintaining the desired humidity levels in your home. The primary aspect of annual maintenance involves replacing the humidifier filter, also known as the water panel evaporator. This filter is responsible for absorbing water and allowing it to evaporate into the air stream, thereby humidifying your home. Over time, the filter can become clogged with mineral deposits and other contaminants, reducing its ability to absorb water and decreasing the humidifier’s overall efficiency. Replacing the filter annually ensures that the humidifier can operate at its peak performance, providing consistent and reliable humidification.
In addition to replacing the filter, it is also essential to clean the humidifier’s components, including the pad frame and water distribution tray. These components can accumulate mineral deposits and other debris, which can hinder the flow of water and reduce the humidifier’s efficiency. To clean these components, first, turn off the water supply to the humidifier and disconnect the power. Then, remove the water panel and the pad frame. Wash the pad frame and water distribution tray with a mild detergent and water, removing any mineral deposits or debris. Rinse the components thoroughly with clean water and allow them to dry completely before reassembling the humidifier. After cleaning the components and replacing the filter, inspect the humidifier for any signs of damage or wear. Check the water supply line for leaks and ensure that all connections are tight. If you notice any issues, address them promptly to prevent further damage or performance problems. Regularly scheduled annual maintenance and filter replacement will keep your Aprilaire 700 operating efficiently.