Aprilaire 400M Humidifier Instruction Manual

Manual Aprilaire 400M Humidifier Instruction Manual

Aprilaire 400M Humidifier Instruction Manual

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Aprilaire 400M Humidifier

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Aprilaire 400M Humidifier

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Aprilaire 400M Humidifier Instructions

Here we offer the Aprilaire 400M Humidifier manual completely free and in English. We have cataloged this manual in the Humidifiers section on Manualverse, and it has been rated by 1 users with an average rating of 5. If you have any specific questions about Aprilaire 400M Humidifier, we suggest checking the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section of this manual.


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Aprilaire 400M Humidifier Specifications

Feature Specification
Product Type Evaporative bypass whole-home humidifier (400 Series)
Humidifier Control Manual Humidifier Control (mounted on the cold air return duct or an interior wall)
Width (including solenoid valve) 15-3/8 in
Height (including drain spud) 15-3/4 in
Depth 10-1/4 in
Plenum Opening 10 in W x 12-3/4 in H
Bypass Duct Opening 6 in diameter
Electrical Data 24 VAC, 60 Hz, 0.5 A
Replacement Water Panel AprilAire Water Panel 45
Water Panel Replacement Interval At least twice per heating season
Water Supply Line 1/4 in copper tubing (not furnished)
Overflow Drain Line 1/2 in I.D. hose (not furnished)
Compatible Water Types Hot, cold, hard or mechanically softened
Maximum Hot Supply Water Temperature 140°F (60°C)
Maximum Water Pressure 125 psi
Maximum Supply/Return Pressure Differential 0.4 in. wg
Bypass Damper Built-in, WINTER (open) / SUMMER (closed) positions
In-Line Strainer Part Number 4004
Orifice Part Numbers 4231 (yellow) or 4232 (blue), by model
Installation Location Supply or return plenum, reversible for left or right bypass
Limited Warranty 5 years from date of purchase
Technical Support 800.334.6011

Aprilaire 400M Humidifier Details

The Aprilaire 400M is an evaporative bypass humidifier. It does not heat water itself. It uses heat from the HVAC system, which moves air from the supply duct, through the humidifier and into the return duct. When the control calls for humidity and the system fan is running, water flows into a distribution tray. From there it runs down over the Water Panel, where warm, dry air evaporates it. The humidified air then circulates through the whole home. A factory orifice keeps the water flow correct, so the saddle valve must stay fully open or fully closed and never be used to regulate flow.

Unlike the drain-equipped models in the AprilAire range, the 400 Series uses a scale control insert/float chamber with floats and a water level sensor assembly. Because of this, there is no constant stream of water to the drain. Under normal operation the overflow drain line should never contain water. Instead, the Water Panel and scale control insert trap the minerals, which is why the Water Panel 45 has to be replaced at least twice per heating season. Hard water leaves hard, scaly deposits and softened water leaves soft, fluffy ones, but the panel's service life is the same either way.

The Manual Humidifier Control has no automatic outdoor temperature compensation, so you have to lower the setting yourself before cold weather arrives. AprilAire's recommended indoor RH ranges from 45% at +40°F outdoors down to 15% at -20°F. For example, at 20°F the correct setting is 35% RH. If the forecast drops to 0°F, lower the setting to 25% several hours before the temperature falls. To find the current indoor RH, turn the knob slowly back and forth and listen for two clicks. The actual RH lies between them.

Checking that the unit works is simple. Make a heat or fan call at the thermostat so the HVAC fan runs. Then set the knob to the highest RH set point and confirm the saddle valve is open and the humidifier has power. Afterwards, return the knob to the desired set point. If you see condensation or frost on windows, humidity is too high. If condensation lasts several hours, ventilate the home. Keeping fireplace dampers closed when not in use helps prevent heat and humidity from escaping.

All housing parts that touch water are non-metal, so they will not rust or corrode. The distribution tray has a synthetic fabric liner that spreads water evenly over the top of the panel, provided the unit is mounted level. During routine service, unsnap the tray and lightly brush off any mineral deposits without stretching the liner. Soaking the tray in vinegar or a lime-removing agent helps with stubborn scale. Also remove the float cover, clean the floats and chamber with a disinfecting cleaner, and make sure both floats move freely.

When removing the Water Panel evaporative assembly, tip it only as far as needed so you don't over-bend the water level sensor assembly. Periodic water line service includes flushing the in-line strainer, checking the feed tube for cracks, and confirming the orifice is not plugged. Use two wrenches when reconnecting fittings to prevent leaks. For summer, turn the bypass damper handle to SUMMER and set the control knob to OFF. Do not install the humidifier in areas where freezing temperatures can occur, and do not mount it on the furnace jacket.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can't find the answer you need? Here are some frequently asked questions about the Aprilaire 400M Humidifier, and we answer them below.


Which Water Panel does the Aprilaire 400M use?
The Aprilaire 400M uses the genuine AprilAire Water Panel 45.

How often should I replace the Water Panel?
For Models 400 and 400M, replace the Water Panel at least twice per heating season. Most other AprilAire models only need a yearly change.

What is the difference between the Model 400 and the 400M?
The Model 400 uses an Automatic Digital Humidifier Control that adjusts for outdoor temperature. The 400M uses a Manual Humidifier Control, so you adjust the RH set point yourself as outdoor temperatures change.

Why is there no water draining from my 400M?
That is normal. The 400 Series uses a float chamber instead of a constant drain flow. The overflow drain line should never have water in it during normal operation.

What humidity level should I set?
Base the setting on the outdoor temperature: 45% at +40°F, 40% at +30°F, 35% at +20°F, 30% at +10°F, 25% at 0°F, 20% at -10°F and 15% at -20°F. Lower the setting if condensation appears on windows.

How can I tell the current indoor humidity with the manual control?
Turn the knob slowly clockwise and counterclockwise and listen for two clicks. The indoor RH lies within the range between the two clicks.

Can I use hot water or softened water?
Yes. The humidifier works with hot, cold, hard or mechanically softened water. Hot supply water up to 140°F (60°C) is recommended for best performance and is required in heat pump applications.

What should I do with the humidifier in summer?
Turn the bypass damper handle from WINTER to SUMMER and set the Manual Humidifier Control knob to OFF.

What are the installation limits for water pressure and duct pressure?
Do not install the unit where water pressure exceeds 125 psi, or on systems with a supply-to-return pressure difference greater than 0.4 in. wg.

What electrical supply does the humidifier need?
It runs on 24 VAC, 60 Hz, 0.5 A from the supplied transformer. Do not wire the transformer into the furnace blower circuit.

Can I use the saddle valve to adjust water flow?
No. The saddle valve is designed to be fully open or fully closed. Water flow is set by the orifice that comes with the humidifier.

How do I clean mineral deposits from the distribution tray?
Lightly scrape or brush off the deposits without stretching the synthetic fabric liner. Soaking the tray in vinegar or a lime-removing agent helps with stubborn deposits.

What does the warranty cover?
The humidifier has a 5-year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. It does not cover consumables such as Water Panels, or labor costs.

How do I get replacement parts or support?
Contact your installer or HVAC contractor, use the Find a Pro tool at aprilaire.com, or call Technical Support at 800.334.6011.

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