AprilAire 700M Whole-House Fan Powered Humidifier: In-Depth Review

AC and Fans,

With a capacity to cover up to 5,300 square feet, the AprilAire 700M Whole-House Fan Powered Humidifier offers a solution for those looking to maintain healthy humidity levels throughout the year. In this review, we will explore its features, performance, pros and cons, and address some frequently asked questions to give you a comprehensive understanding of its capabilities.

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AprilAire 700M Key Features and Specifications

The AprilAire 700M is a manual-controlled humidifier designed for larger homes. Below is a table summarizing the key features and specifications of this model:

FeatureSpecification
BrandAprilAire
Model700M
Special FeaturesAdjustable Humidity Control, Auto Shut Off, Humidistat
ColorGray
Capacity18 gallons per day (GPD)
Floor AreaUp to 5,300 sq. ft. in tightly built homes
Humidity ControlManual control with built-in sensor
Water SourceUses water pulled directly from the home’s plumbing
Fan TypeBuilt-in fan that pulls heated air from the furnace
Temperature RangeSuitable for cold climates (preventing window condensation)
Dimensions15.25 x 15.5 x 12 inches (L x W x H)
WeightApproximately 15 lbs
Warranty5-year limited warranty
Energy UsageEnergy-efficient for continuous use
InstallationStandard installation (requires access to ductwork)

The AprilAire 700M is designed with a fan-powered system that uses air from the furnace to distribute humidity across the home. This system is efficient and can cover a wide range of square footage, making it ideal for large homes in need of reliable humidity control. Additionally, the manual control with a built-in humidistat allows for customizable humidity settings.

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AprilAire 700M Performance

Humidity Control

The AprilAire 700M excels at providing precise humidity control throughout your home. With its manual control and a built-in sensor, it monitors the relative humidity in your home, allowing you to manually adjust the desired level. Most homes benefit from a relative humidity level between 40% and 60%, which helps improve comfort and protect delicate items from damage caused by fluctuating humidity levels.

This model can handle a wide variety of indoor spaces, offering up to 18 gallons of water per day. This ensures that it can maintain healthy humidity levels even in homes as large as 5,300 square feet (in tightly built homes). The humidity control helps combat dryness in the air, alleviating symptoms such as dry skin, sinus problems, and respiratory issues, while also preventing static electricity buildup and cracked wooden furniture.

Fan Powered System

The built-in fan in the AprilAire 700M plays a significant role in its performance. By pulling heated air from the furnace through the humidifier, the fan effectively distributes moisture throughout the home. This makes the system more efficient in homes where the heating system is already in use. It uses the existing furnace system to circulate moist air through the ductwork, which is a feature appreciated by users in colder climates, as it helps prevent issues like window condensation during winter months.

Installation and Maintenance

Installation of the AprilAire 700M is relatively straightforward for those familiar with HVAC systems, though some may find it tricky, especially when it comes to wiring the humidifier to the furnace. The unit itself is compact and designed to be installed directly into the ductwork, so it doesn’t take up extra space in your home. The manual control makes it easier to customize the settings according to your preferences, while the built-in humidistat ensures the right levels of humidity are maintained without needing constant manual adjustments.

In terms of maintenance, the unit is relatively easy to clean, with a filter that needs to be replaced periodically (typically once a year). Since the system is designed to handle significant moisture output, it’s important to ensure that the components are kept clean to avoid any buildup of scale or minerals from the water supply. Regular maintenance will keep the AprilAire 700M running smoothly and extend its lifespan.

Energy Efficiency

The AprilAire 700M is designed to be energy efficient, running only when necessary to maintain the set humidity level in your home. It does not run continuously and will automatically shut off when the desired humidity is reached. This ensures that the system doesn’t waste energy, making it an economical choice for long-term use, especially during the dry winter months when humidity levels tend to dip.

Overall Performance

The AprilAire 700M performs well in larger homes, providing a significant amount of moisture output without overburdening the system. Users have reported that it works effectively in homes up to 2000 square feet and above, with consistent performance when installed properly. It efficiently maintains humidity in larger spaces and can even handle extreme dry conditions during the winter, preventing damage to furniture and other sensitive items. However, for homes with poor insulation or larger square footage, proper placement and ductwork configuration are essential for optimal performance.

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AprilAire 700M Pros and Cons

To provide a comprehensive view of the AprilAire 700M Whole-House Humidifier, here are its key pros and cons:

ProsCons
Efficient Coverage: Can humidify homes up to 5,300 sq. ft., making it suitable for larger spaces.Complex Installation: Some users report that the wiring and ductwork installation can be tricky, especially for those without HVAC experience.
Fan-Powered System: Uses heated air from the furnace for efficient humidity distribution, improving effectiveness.Manual Control: While the manual control system offers flexibility, some users may prefer a digital or smart system for more automated control.
Large Capacity: 18 GPD capacity ensures sufficient moisture output for homes in dry climates.
Durability and Quality: Built by AprilAire, the leader in indoor air quality solutions, ensuring long-lasting performance.
Energy-Efficient: The system only runs when necessary, saving on electricity costs while maintaining optimal humidity.
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FAQ About AprilAire 700M

1. How does the AprilAire 700M humidifier work?

The AprilAire 700M works by pulling heated air from your furnace through the humidifier, which adds moisture to the air before it circulates throughout your home via your ductwork. This helps maintain consistent humidity levels in the living space.

2. What is the maximum square footage the AprilAire 700M can cover?

The AprilAire 700M is designed to provide coverage for homes up to 5,300 square feet in tightly built homes. The exact coverage may vary depending on your home’s insulation and ductwork configuration.

3. How often do I need to replace the filter?

The filter in the AprilAire 700M needs to be replaced about once a year, depending on usage and the water quality in your area. Regular cleaning and maintenance of the unit will help extend its lifespan.

4. Can I control the humidity level remotely?

No, the AprilAire 700M comes with manual control and does not have smart or remote capabilities. You can set the desired humidity level manually, but you would need to adjust it physically.

5. Is the AprilAire 700M suitable for extremely dry climates?

Yes, the AprilAire 700M is an excellent choice for dry climates. It is capable of outputting 18 gallons per day, which is effective for maintaining healthy humidity levels even in very dry environments.

Conclusion

The AprilAire 700M Whole-House Fan Powered Humidifier is a high-performance solution for maintaining optimal humidity levels in larger homes. With its impressive coverage area, efficient fan-powered system, and large water capacity, it is an excellent choice for improving indoor air quality and comfort.

Enjoyed this review of AprilAire 700M? Then be sure to check out our other guides.

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