AprilAire 500 Whole-House Bypass Humidifier with Install Kit
- 12 gallons per day, homes up to 3,600 sq ft
- Model 60 digital humidistat with outdoor sensor
- Evaporative bypass, needs ducted forced-air heat
- Install kit: duct collar, flex duct, tubing, wire
- 10 Water Panel, replaced yearly
- 5-year warranty, 24 VAC
Updated 24 days ago · Based on the Amazon listing and published specifications, not hands-on testing.
A proven whole-house humidifier that adds moisture through the furnace and adjusts itself to outdoor temperature. It needs a ducted heating system and real installation work.
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ASIN: B0C957ZL3KModel: 500KCategory: Humidifiers
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Overview
Not a portable room humidifier, this AprilAire unit mounts on a forced-air furnace duct and moistens the whole house. Hot, dry air passes over a water panel, then the home's blower carries it to every room under control of a digital humidistat.
Whole-home humidity with automatic control means no tanks to fill and balanced air in every room. Installation needs ductwork, water and wiring, which is a job for a skilled owner or a pro.
Who it's for
Owners of ducted homes in dry winter climates get automatic humidity that protects wood floors and furniture. Apartment dwellers and homes without ductwork need a portable unit instead.
Pros and cons
- Humidifies the whole house
- Automatic outdoor temperature compensation
- No tanks to refill
- Full install kit included
- Requires ducted forced-air heating
- Needs plumbing and wiring work
- Water panel replaced annually
Performance notes
Output depends on furnace run time, since the furnace's warm air evaporates water off the panel. The humidistat measures indoor humidity and uses an outdoor sensor to lower the target in cold weather, which limits window condensation. Bypass designs return part of the air through the flex duct to the return side.
Specifications
| Brand | Aprilaire |
|---|---|
| Model | 500K |
| 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 VAC |
| Included components | |
| Included Components | 500 humidifier, Model 60 humidistat, 10 Water Panel, mounting screws, 6-inch duct collar, 6-inch bypass flex duct (2 ft), 1/4-inch supply tube (25 ft), 1/2-inch drain tube (10 ft), hose clamp, thermostat wire, wire nuts |
| Warranty & support | |
| Warranty Description | 5-year warranty |
| Other details | |
| Floor Area | 3,600 sq ft |
| Operation Mode | Evaporative, bypass |
| Control Type | Model 60 automatic digital humidistat |
Frequently asked questions
What comes in the AprilAire 500 kit?
The 500 humidifier, a Model 60 digital humidistat, one 10 Water Panel, four mounting screws, a 6" duct collar, 6" bypass flex duct (2 ft), 1/4" water supply tube (25 ft), 1/2" drain tube (10 ft), a hose clamp, three lengths of thermostat wire and four wire nuts.
Is the AprilAire 500 a portable humidifier?
No. It installs on a ducted heating system and uses the furnace blower to spread moisture.
How often does the AprilAire water panel need changing?
AprilAire recommends a genuine 10 Water Panel for annual replacement.
What humidity does the AprilAire 500 aim for?
AprilAire describes balanced humidity as 40-60%, adjusted for outdoor temperature by the humidistat.