Aprilaire 500 Humidifier Instruction Manual
Aprilaire 500 Humidifier
Aprilaire 500 Humidifier
Aprilaire 500 Humidifier Instructions
Here we offer the Aprilaire 500 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 500 Humidifier, we suggest checking the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section of this manual.
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Aprilaire 500 Humidifier Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Series | Model 500 (Automatic Digital Humidifier Control) and Model 500M (Manual Humidifier Control) |
| Humidifier Type | Bypass evaporative humidifier (flow-through, drain-equipped) |
| Width (including solenoid valve) | 15 5/8 in |
| Height (including drain spud) | 13 in |
| Depth | 10 1/4 in |
| Plenum Opening | 9 1/2 in W x 9 1/2 in H |
| Bypass Duct Opening | 6 in diameter |
| Water Feed Rate | 3 gph |
| Electrical Data | 24 VAC, 60 Hz, 0.5 A |
| Transformer | 24 VAC transformer supplied (furnace accessory terminals or transformer must provide at least 10 VA) |
| Transformer Supply | 120 VAC, from a circuit other than the furnace blower motor circuit |
| Replacement Water Panel | AprilAire Water Panel 10 |
| Water Panel Replacement Interval | At least once a year |
| Supply Water Compatibility | Hot, cold, hard or mechanically softened water |
| Maximum Hot Water Temperature | 140°F (60°C) |
| Maximum Water Pressure | 125 psi |
| Maximum Supply/Return Pressure Differential | 0.4 in. wg |
| Water Supply Line | 1/4 in copper tubing (not furnished) |
| Drain Line | 1/2 in I.D. hose (not furnished) |
| In-Line Strainer | Part No. 4004 |
| Orifice Replacement | Part No. 4231 (yellow) or 4232 (blue), depending on model |
| Control Dial Range | OFF, 1 to 7, Test/Reset |
| Maximum Controlled RH (Automatic Control) | 45% RH |
| Automatic RH Compensation | 1% RH change for every 2°F change in outdoor temperature |
| Test Mode Run Time | 1 minute |
| Blower Activation Sampling | 3-minute air sample after 1 hour of HVAC fan inactivity |
| Blower Activation Maximum Run | 2 hours, or until the set point is reached |
| Control Error Codes | E1, E2, E3, E4 |
| Installation Location | Supply or return plenum, with the bypass connection on the left or right |
| Limited Warranty | 5 years from date of purchase |
| Technical Support | 800.334.6011 |
Aprilaire 500 Humidifier Details
The Aprilaire 500 is a whole-home evaporative humidifier. It does not heat water itself. It uses heat from the HVAC system to turn water into vapor. Warm air from the supply duct passes through the humidifier and the wet Water Panel, then returns to the return duct carrying moisture. When the control calls for humidity and the system fan is running, water enters a distribution tray and flows evenly down over the panel.
A small, steady stream of water always flows to the drain. This flushes away most minerals and keeps water from standing in the unit. The manual calls this the most effective and least expensive way to get rid of troublesome minerals. All housing parts that touch water are non-metal, so they won't rust or corrode. A scale control insert surrounds the Water Panel and traps mineral deposits before they can damage working parts.
The distribution tray has a synthetic fabric liner that spreads water across the whole top of the panel, as long as the unit is mounted level. Some mineral buildup in the tray is normal. Clean the "V" openings if deposits block them. You can scrape or brush off light deposits. Soaking the tray in vinegar or a lime-removing agent helps with stubborn scale. Be careful not to stretch the liner.
On the Model 500, the Automatic Digital Humidifier Control mounts on the return duct. It measures indoor RH and reads an outdoor temperature sensor. In Automatic mode, it adjusts humidity as the weather changes, which helps prevent window condensation. In Manual mode, the display shows "M" and you must lower the setting before cold weather arrives. The Model 500M uses a manual control that can mount on the duct or on a wall.
The control has three indicator lights. Red means Service Required and comes with an error code on the display. Yellow means Change Water Panel. The control tracks run time and flashes this light when the limit the installer set is reached. Green means Humidifier On. Setting the knob to Test/Reset clears the panel timer. If the knob is left there, the display shows the software revision, for example r3.
The Blower Activation switch lets the control turn on the HVAC fan when the home needs humidity. This feature only works if the humidifier is connected to hot water. It is a good option when the dial is already at 7 and the home is still too dry. For heat pump systems, hot water is required because the supply air is cooler.
Seasonal care is simple. In summer, move the built-in bypass damper handle from WINTER to SUMMER. In Automatic mode, the control needs no adjustment. In Manual mode, turn the control to OFF. Once a year, also check the in-line strainer, the feed tube, the orifice and the drain line. The drain line must slope downward the whole way and must not be flattened or blocked.
A qualified HVAC contractor must install the unit. The box includes the bypass damper, transformer, control, saddle valve and installation template. Do not install it where pipes could freeze, on the furnace jacket, or where cooling coils block airflow. Keep the saddle valve fully open or fully closed. Never use it to regulate water flow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can't find the answer you need? Here are some frequently asked questions about the Aprilaire 500 Humidifier, and we answer them below.
