[Dave Sal]

Back in the fall of 2010 I had my local HVAC guys install an Aprilaire 600M humidifier on my Lennox G60 two stage furnace. It worked great until the beginning of this heating season when I noticed that the air was getting dryer and dryer each day. (I use a calibrated Taylor hygrometer to monitor the humidity). I then checked and found that the humidifier wasn't turning on. Called the HVAC guys back and they found that the humidistat control panel was bad and replaced it. Before this problem came up, I used to keep the humidistat at about 35, which would result in an indoor humidity of between 45-50, which is very comfortable. After the new control panel was put in, the humidifier works but unless there's cooking on the stove or people showering the humidity doesn't seem to be able to go above 45, even though I almost have the control maxed out. Is there an adjustment (other than the dial) that controls the sensitivity of the control panel? If not, I'll probably have to have them come back and replace this one. I may have problems with a warranty claim though, cause it still technically works. Thoughts?

 

[HVAC1000]

It could be that not enough water is going to the humidifier. Try to open the water supply anymore than it is

 

[Dave Sal]

Thanks for the reply. The saddle valve is open as far as it can go.

 

[sammy37]

The new control may be calibrated different then the old one, I had the same one with mine and it was way off. My indoor humidity was only around 30% but the manual control had to be set between 40 and 45% to keep it there.

 

[Dave Sal]

Sammy37, thanks for the reply. That's kind of what I assume is the case here. Were you able to modify the settings or did you simply crank it up higher than normal?

 

[sammy37]

Sammy37, thanks for the reply. That's kind of what I assume is the case here. Were you able to modify the settings or did you simply crank it up higher than normal?

I bought a White-Rodgers thermostat that has a humidity function built into it, works much better.

 

[Dave Sal]

Thanks. I'll probably end up buying a new one, as I found the identical model on Amazon for just over $30. Not bad.

 

[Tator1076]

Did you even check the water flow out of the black feed tube to the pad? Even if you turn up the water valve is not going to work if the orfice is plug up. Look at the valve and you will see the black tub going off to the side to the pad. Undo that and look at the orfice. You may need a very small wire to rhem the hole

 

[Dave Sal]

Tator1076, I change the filter once a year even though it still looks new. There's plenty of water coming out of the discharge tube into the sink as well, but I'm going to pop the cover just to be sure. You never know if a piece of sediment or something clogged up a tube. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[Tator1076]

Is the by pass damper 100% open?

 

[Dave Sal]

Yup, first thing I checked.

 

[sammy37]

Easiest way to clear up all this guesswork, is the humidifier running? If you have the dial maxed out and it's not running but your indoor reading on your hygrometer is low, than it should be plain and simple that the new humidistat is just way off.

 

[diyorpay]

I believe with steam type, to really max out humidity, pros seem to prefer hot water feed over cold.

Would this work for this type too? Or would hot water dry out filters quicker?

Also, looks like a manual humidistat. Probably gives you more control, if you're home a lot. Comes in auto model which considers outdoors temp etc and makes programmed adjustments.

 

[Amateuralex]

I've been researching humidifers to prepare to install my own, and I just read the FAQ at Aprilaire's site, and it says that their humidifiers won't go past 45 RH.

 

[Dave Sal]

I've been researching humidifers to prepare to install my own, and I just read the FAQ at Aprilaire's site, and it says that their humidifiers won't go past 45 RH.

I just looked at their FAQ's myself and didn't see that. Which FAQ question number was this mentioned on? Before I had my old control panel replaced I could get the humidity pretty much where I wanted it. I would normally keep it around 48 relative humidity but would lower it a bit if the outside temps dropped significantly to reduce the condensation issue. I disagree with the recommendation of 35 RH when it's 20 degrees outside. At that level I would be getting shocked from static electricity, the wood in the home would dry out and crack, skin gets dry and cracked, and viruses would thrive better than at 48 RH, which appears to be the sweet spot as far as health is concerned.

 

[Amateuralex]

I just looked at their FAQ's myself and didn't see that. Which FAQ question number was this mentioned on? Before I had my old control panel replaced I could get the humidity pretty much where I wanted it. I would normally keep it around 48 relative humidity but would lower it a bit if the outside temps dropped significantly to reduce the condensation issue. I disagree with the recommendation of 35 RH when it's 20 degrees outside. At that level I would be getting shocked from static electricity, the wood in the home would dry out and crack, skin gets dry and cracked, and viruses would thrive better than at 48 RH, which appears to be the sweet spot as far as health is concerned.

Hey there.

Answer 2) at http://www.aprilaire.com/index.php?znfAction=FAQs&product=Humidifiers.

How do I know when my Aprilaire bypass humidifier is operating?
If the humidity in your home is 45% or higher your Aprilaire bypass style humidifier will not run. This is because this the highest humidity level our humidifier’s will attempt to attain. If you turn your humidistat from 15% to 45% and the humidifier does not run this is verification the humidity in your home is above 45%. Once the humidity level drops below 45% your Aprilaire bypass style humidifier should operate anytime the furnace is producing heat and the indoor relative humidity is less than the humidification set point on your humidistat. If not, we recommend contacting your installing contractor to troubleshoot the humidifier at your home.

 

[Dave Sal]

Amateuralex

Thanks for the info. My humidity has been hovering around 46% which is quite comfortable for this time of year. As long as it stays in that general range I am satisfied.

 

[Amateuralex]

Amateuralex

Thanks for the info. My humidity has been hovering around 46% which is quite comfortable for this time of year. As long as it stays in that general range I am satisfied.

I agree, sounds good.