AprilAire 500M Whole-House Manual Compact Humidifier
- Up to 3,600 sq. ft. in tightly built homes
- 12 gallons per day capacity
- Bypass design with built-in bypass damper
- Manual control with indoor humidity sensor
- Model 10 Water Panel included
- 24 VAC transformer included
- 7.8 pounds, 10.25 x 15.63 x 13 inches
- 5 year manufacturer warranty
Updated 24 days ago · Based on the Amazon listing and published specifications, not hands-on testing.
A compact bypass furnace humidifier for mid sized homes, with a manual control the owner sets by hand. It does not read outdoor temperature, so the setting needs attention as weather changes.
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ASIN: B00R3GEJ6KModel: 500MCategory: Humidifiers
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Overview
Setting the humidity by hand is how this AprilAire furnace humidifier works: a manual control with a built-in sensor reads indoor humidity, and the homeowner chooses the level. Water flows over a panel inside the unit while furnace air passes through a bypass damper and carries moisture into the ducts.
A smaller footprint suits tight furnace closets and mid sized homes. The control does not read outdoor temperature, so the setting needs adjusting as the weather changes, and the listing gives two coverage figures.
Who it's for
Mid sized homes heated by a forced air furnace suit this unit, with the owner checking the control now and then. Homes without ducts, or owners who want hands-off control, should look at an automatic model.
Pros and cons
- Whole home humidity through the ducts
- Smaller footprint for tight spaces
- Indoor humidity sensor in the control
- Valves and transformer included
- Manual control, no outdoor sensor
- Needs forced air furnace and plumbing
- Coverage listed two different ways
Performance notes
Water piped into a top tray spreads across the water panel and flows down by gravity. Warm, dry air from the HVAC system passes through the wet panel via the bypass damper and picks up moisture by evaporation. Output follows the humidity level the owner sets on the control.
Specifications
| Brand | Aprilaire |
|---|---|
| Model | 500M |
| Dimensions & fit | |
| Item Dimensions D X W X H | 10.25 x 15.63 x 13 inches |
| Item weight | 7.8 pounds |
| Capacity & performance | |
| Capacity | 12 gallons per day |
| Power & efficiency | |
| Voltage | 24 volts AC |
| Construction & materials | |
| Material | Plastic |
| Included components | |
| Included Components | Humidifier with built-in bypass damper, 24 VAC transformer, manual control with sensor, saddle valve, solenoid valve, Model 10 Water Panel, installation instructions and template |
| Warranty & support | |
| Warranty Description | 5 year manufacturer |
| Other details | |
| Floor Area | Up to 3,600 sq. ft. (spec sheet: 3,000 sq. ft.) |
| Operation Mode | Evaporative, bypass |
| Filter Type | Evaporative water panel, Model 10 |
| Control Type | Manual control with indoor humidity sensor |
| Other Special Features Of The Product | Adjustable humidity control, auto shut off, humidistat, quiet |
Frequently asked questions
Does the AprilAire 500M work with any heating system?
It is built for forced air furnace systems: dry, hot air from the HVAC system moves through its water panel. Homes heated without forced air ducts cannot use it.
Does the AprilAire 500M adjust for outdoor temperature?
No. Its control has a single sensor that monitors indoor relative humidity, and the percent humidity is set manually.
What comes in the box with the AprilAire 500M?
Installation instructions and template, the humidifier with built-in bypass damper, a 24 VAC transformer, a manual control with sensor, a saddle valve, a solenoid valve and a Model 10 Water Panel.
What humidity level does AprilAire recommend?
The listing cites a home humidity range of 40% to 60%.