The Aprilaire Automatic Humidifier Model 600 takes humidifier innovation to the next level and performs as good as it looks! It offers all of the performance benefits of our other technologically-advanced computer-equipped automatic humidifiers and it's easier than ever to have installed because it includes a built-in bypass damper, which means fewer parts to install. Plus, the damper is conveniently labeled for summer and winter settings, allowing you to set it for the entire season with no guesswork involved. Just set it and let your humidifier run automatically and it will deliver up to 50% more humidity, compared to other competitive units on the market. It also can be installed in manual mode if needed. The Model 600A has an evaporative capacity of 0.70 gallons per hour and is ideal for a home with up to 4,000 square feet if it's tightly constructed. We believe it's the best performing bypass humidifier on the market! Plenum opening size is 9 3/4"W X 12 1/2"H. The unit housing is reversible for right, or left-hand installation orientation.
Included with unit:
1 installed # 35 Water Panel
Self-piercing saddle valve
# 60 automatic humdistat with outdoor sensing bulb
110 VAC to 24-Volt Transformer
Installation instructions/plenum cut-out template
Owners Manual
Humidifier installation will require the following supplies (not included):
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What is the difference between the 600M and 600 models? The new 600 model includes a new # 60 automatic control. The model 600M uses a manual control.
Does the outdoor sensor need to be installed in order for an automatic humidifier to work? If the humidifier control is installed and is operating in the automatic mode (as referenced by the faceplate on the humidifier control) the outdoor sensor is required for proper operation. The sensor is the component which sends the temperature reading back to the humidifier control and allows it to adjust the humidity level in the home accordingly.
How often should I replace the water panel? For the best performance we recommend the water panel on most of our humidifiers be replaced once a year, either prior to the start of or at the end of the heating season.
Why is there water draining from my humidifier? All of the Aprilaire flow-through humidifiers incorporate a self-flushing action. This action flushes down the drain many of the mineral deposits left on the water panel from the evaporation process. This also minimizes the amount of maintenance required
How much water should be flowing out the drain of my humidifier? The water going out the drain line serves the important process of flushing the minerals from the water panel. Depending on the model that you have in your home, it should take two and a half to five minutes to fill a one-quart jar. The actual time is determined by the water-metering orifice in your humidifier. If your humidifier has a yellow or white orifice it will take approximately five minutes to fill a quart jar and if it has a blue or red orifice it will take approximately two and a half minutes to fill a quart jar.
Should I regulate the water flow to my humidifier at the saddle valve? No. The saddle valve is not designed to regulate the water flow. The humidifier has a water-metering orifice that is designed to regulate the water flow to the water panel.
Should our humidifier be connected with hot or cold water? All of our flow-through units as well as our Model 400 humidifier can be connected to hot or cold water. Hot water increases the evaporative capacity of your humidifier, provides more humidity to the home and offers more flexibility in the operation of the humidifier. We would recommend that if our power units are installed on the return ductwork, that they be connected to hot water, as this is their only heat source. With any drain-through Aprilaire humidifier connected to hot water, the heat in the water is used in the evaporation process and the water coming out of the drain will be cold to the touch.
Should we use soft water or hard water? Aprilaire offers total flexibility in the installation of our humidifiers in that they will operate properly with either hard or soft water. Connecting to hard water may leave mineral deposits on the water panel that are scaly and hard in nature. Connecting to soft water may leave mineral deposits that are fluffier in nature. The bottom line is the water panel will typically last a full heating season using either type of water.
Should the humidifier be installed on the return (cold air) or on the supply (hot air) ductwork? Any of our furnace-mounted units can be installed on either the cold air or hot air ductwork. We do recommend that if a power unit (#700) is used and is installed on the cold air ductwork, it be connected to hot water to maximize evaporation.
Will my Aprilaire Humidifier affect my Aprilaire Air Cleaner? The Aprilaire humidifier uses a natural evaporation process to generate humidity. Because the humidity is a gas it passes through any air cleaner with no adverse effects.
What causes condensation on my windows and how can I eliminate it? Cold air outside your window cools the air just inside your window more that the air in the rest of the room. If the well-humidified air just inside the window cools too much or too quickly, it can't hold as much moisture as before and water appears on the window. To eliminate this, follow the suggested settings on your manual humidistat and adjust the setting in the morning for the anticipated nighttime low temperature. Another option is to upgrade your manual humidistat to an automatic humidifier control (#58), which always maintains proper levels of humidity with no adjustment needed.
Can my Aprilaire Humidifier be upgraded to operate automatically Yes, any furnace mount Aprilaire Humidifier including models that are no longer a part of our current product offering can be upgraded to fully automatic operation with the installation of the #58 Humidifier Control. You will receive up to 50% more humidity compared to a manual humidistat which means your home is more comfortable. Your Aprilaire dealer can install this component for you and you can enjoy fully automatic operation, just set it and forget it!
How do I properly install my replacement Aprilaire Water Panel? The orientation of your water panel is important for maximum evaporation. Most genuine Aprilaire Replacement Water Panels you purchase will have a paint dot on one of the short ends. This paint dot should be placed up, towards the water distribution tray, for proper operation. If your humidifiers requires the #45 water panel, there will be no paint dot and the panel can be installed in either orientation.
Whish the product came with the 5 Wire Thermastat wire. At least 15 feet would be good for most people. Product is nice and easily configured once you get it installed. I've installed Humidifiers before. But this one took me a lot longer then the others I've installed.
More wires to run. 1 for the Thermastat (5 wire). 1 for the power (2 wire). 1 for the Outside Temp Sensor (2 wire).
10/16/2012
5.0
Aprilaire humidifier #600
By Dobber
from Tulsa, OK
About Me Homeowner
Pros
Easy To Use
Quiet Light Weight
Cons
Best Uses
Bedroom
Dry Winter
Help With Ailments
Living Room
Comments about Aprilaire Model 600 Humidifier:
Automatic adjustments. Use for whole house humidity control. Read all specifications & instructions on line before you purchase. You will probably need to purchase Aprilaire part #50 for the unit to operate correctly. I had my HVAC contractor read on line so he came prepared with all accessories to install the unit. The unit does not come with all accessories needed for a successful installation. I know all installations are a bit different but it would seem all accessories could be included in the original purchase. By doing this my contractor was able to install & check the operation of the unit in less than three hours.
12/28/2011
4.0
Have had a Model 600 for 7 years
By Ken
from Independence, MO
About Me Homeowner
Pros
Adjustable Settings
Easy To Use
Lightweight
Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
Dry Winter
Help With Ailments
Whole House
Comments about Aprilaire Model 600 Humidifier:
I've had my Aprilaire Model 600 installed on my forced-air furnace since October of 2004; overall, it has lived-up to Consumer Reports' recommendation.
This unit worked without fail for 5 years; the annual water panel replacement and internal parts cleaning has been straight forward, if you're handy at doing such things. Otherwise, have your heating contractor do this as part of his annual/Fall furnace tune-up service; proper annual maintenance is key to the 600's running without fail each season.
My only problem so far: Shortly after the 5-year warranty period expired for my unit's automatic humidistat (Aprilaire Model #56), my #56 failed less than 30 days later; I had it replaced with another Model #56. But should this new one fail shortly after its 5-year warranty period has ended, I will replace with it another brand humidistat.
Note: unlike regular furnace components that are covered, should your furnace's after-market humidifier need any kind of major repair (not annual maintenance), most after-market Home Warranty Insurance policies (example: American Home Shield) do *not* cover the humidifier; word to the wise!
11/3/2010
(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
3.0
HUMIDISTAT was DOA
By mikey
from NEW JErsey
About Me Homeowner
Pros
Adjustable Settings
Easy To Use
Lightweight
Quiet
Cons
Difficult to Fill
Best Uses
Bedroom
Living Room
Nursery
Comments about Aprilaire Model 600 Humidifier:
good humidifier but the humidistat was DOA and i had to hire an electrician to replace the transformer in it. Made in china components are bad
11/2/2009
(3 of 4 customers found this review helpful)
4.0
[...] not complete...
By Dave
from Denver, CO
About Me Homeowner
Pros
Easy to Install
Works well
Cons
Didn't get everything
Best Uses
Comments about Aprilaire Model 600 Humidifier:
Took about 5 hours to install. Most difficult parts was the wiring. Live in Colorado, very low humidity and has worked very well so far. Noticed a big difference in comfort.
11/13/2008
(0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
1.0
Humidstat died after 2 years of service
By ff
from nj
About Me Homeowner
Pros
Cons
Stoped working after 2 ye
Best Uses
Comments about Aprilaire Model 600 Humidifier:
great when it worked
4/9/2008
(6 of 7 customers found this review helpful)
4.0
Works great.
By Weekend warrior
from Michigan
About Me Homeowner
Pros
Adjustable Settings
Energy Efficient
Lightweight
Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
Dry Winter
Comments about Aprilaire Model 600 Humidifier:
Install is fairly easy if you have the tools. Remember to install this unit on the RETURN duct so if something breaks you don't ruin your furnace with water. This recommendation is primarily precautionarey. Unfortunately I had to install it on the plenum, but you do what you have to.