The Ultimate Guide to Aprilaire Dehumidifiers for Your Home
October 2nd, 2025
18 min read
By Alex Largent

Why Controlling Humidity is a Non-Negotiable for Ohio Valley Homes
More Than Just Comfort, It’s About a Healthy Home
That damp, sticky feeling in your home, especially during the humid summer months, is more than just uncomfortable—it’s a sign that the moisture level in your air is too high. At Honest Fix, we talk about creating “Healthy Air,” a concept Aprilaire has championed for years, which centers on the idea that the air inside your home should protect your family’s wellness, preserve your home’s structure, and improve your overall comfort.
The key to achieving this is maintaining an ideal indoor relative humidity level between 40% and 60%. When humidity climbs above 60%, it creates the perfect breeding ground for mold, mildew, dust mites, and various airborne viruses that can thrive in excessively damp conditions. Controlling humidity is one of the most effective steps you can take to protect both your family’s health and your home’s value.
The Ohio Valley Challenge: Our Unique Climate and Soil
For homeowners in Steubenville, Weirton, and across the Ohio Valley, the battle against humidity is particularly challenging. Our regional climate presents a unique combination of factors that can lead to serious moisture problems. During the spring and summer, dewpoint temperatures commonly range from the mid-60s to the mid-70s, a level that the National Weather Service classifies as “uncomfortable” to “very humid”.
This airborne moisture is compounded by significant annual rainfall, which can average around 40 inches. This rainwater saturates the region’s prevalent clay-rich soil, which is known to expand significantly when wet and contract as it dries. This constant expansion and contraction exerts immense hydrostatic pressure on your home’s foundation walls. Over time, this pressure can force water through microscopic pores in the concrete or create cracks, leading to water seepage, damp basements, and musty crawl spaces. The combination of our humid air and moisture-retaining soil means that homes in our area are under constant threat from water infiltration. For this reason, a high-capacity dehumidifier is not just a luxury—it is a necessary piece of equipment for preserving the structural integrity of your home.
Why Your Air Conditioner Isn’t Enough
A common belief is that a central air conditioner is all you need to control humidity. While it’s true that air conditioners remove some moisture as a byproduct of the cooling process, their main job is to lower the temperature, not to manage humidity.
On many days here in the Ohio Valley, especially during the spring and fall, the weather can be mild but extremely humid. On these days, your air conditioner may only run for short periods, satisfying the thermostat’s temperature setting without running long enough to pull a significant amount of moisture from the air. This leaves you with a home that feels cool but unpleasantly damp and clammy.
An Aprilaire whole-home dehumidifier is engineered to solve this exact problem. It operates independently from your air conditioner, constantly monitoring your home’s humidity and running only when needed to maintain that ideal 40-60% range. It provides a dedicated, professional-grade solution to ensure your home is comfortable and protected year-round.
The Complete Aprilaire Dehumidifier Model Breakdown
Understanding Aprilaire’s Product Lines: E-Series and Legacy Models
Aprilaire has a long-standing reputation for building durable, high-performance dehumidifiers. Many homeowners may be familiar with their legacy models, such as the 1820, 1830, and 1850. In a continuous effort to improve performance, Aprilaire has updated this line to the new “e-series,” which offers greater moisture removal capacity and higher energy efficiency. The new models are direct replacements for the old ones, making upgrades straightforward:
- The E070 replaces the 1820.
- The E080 replaces the 1830.
- The E100 replaces the 1850.
Flagship Models: A Deep Dive into the Most Popular Units
Understanding the key differences between the main models will help you identify the right solution for your home. Each unit is built in the USA with corrosion-resistant aluminum coils and backed by a 5-year warranty, but they are sized for different applications.
Aprilaire E100 (replaces 1850/1850F): The All-Around Workhorse
- Best For: Whole-home dehumidification in houses up to 5,500 sq. ft., or for very large basements and sealed crawl spaces that require maximum moisture removal.
- Features & Real-World Benefits: This unit is a powerhouse, capable of removing up to 100 pints (12.5 gallons) of water from your air every day. This level of performance is essential for protecting your home’s structure from wood rot and preventing mold growth and termite infestations. The E100 has earned ENERGY STAR® Most Efficient recognition, which means it delivers this high capacity while keeping your electricity bills low. Its “set it and forget it” digital control is simple to use, and the control panel can be mounted on either the top or front of the unit, providing crucial flexibility for installations in tight mechanical closets or basements.
- Full Technical Specifications (E100):
- Capacity: 100 Pints Per Day (PPD) at 80°F/60% RH.
- Coverage Area: Up to 5,500 sq. ft..
- Airflow: 280 CFM at 0.0 inches water column (w.c.).
- Dimensions: 14″ W x 15″ H x 26″ L.
- Weight: 64 lbs.
- Noise Level: 55 dBA (ducted).
- Warranty: 5 years.
Aprilaire E080 (replaces 1830): The Efficient Mid-Size Solution
- Best For: Whole homes up to 4,400 sq. ft., as well as medium to large basements and crawl spaces where energy efficiency is a top priority.
- Features & Real-World Benefits: The E080 removes up to 80 pints (10 gallons) of moisture per day, providing powerful protection for most homes in our area. Like its bigger brother, the E080 is also recognized as an ENERGY STAR® Most Efficient model, delivering exceptional performance without a major impact on your energy consumption. It operates at a very quiet 49 dBA when ducted, which is comparable to the hum of a modern refrigerator, ensuring it won’t be a noisy disruption in your home.
- Full Technical Specifications (E080):
- Capacity: 80 PPD at 80°F/60% RH.
- Coverage Area: Up to 4,400 sq. ft..
- Dimensions: 14″ W x 15″ H x 26″ L.
- Weight: 63 lbs.
- Warranty: 5 years.
Aprilaire E070 (replaces 1820): The Compact Crawl Space Specialist
- Best For: Specifically designed for sealed crawl spaces and smaller basements up to 2,200 sq. ft., where its compact size is a major advantage.
- Features & Real-World Benefits: With its smaller footprint (12.5″ x 12.5″ x 25″), the E070 can be installed in tight, cramped areas where other dehumidifiers simply won’t fit. Despite its size, it is still powerful enough to remove up to 70 pints (9 gallons) of moisture per day, which is more than enough to protect your home’s foundation from moisture damage and stop musty odors from migrating up into your living space. At only 56 lbs, it is also lighter and easier for a technician to maneuver and position during installation.
- Full Technical Specifications (E070):
- Capacity: 70 PPD at 80°F/60% RH.
- Coverage Area: Up to 2,200 sq. ft. (in a crawl space application).
- Dimensions: 12.5″ W x 12.5″ H x 25″ L.
- Weight: 56 lbs.
- Warranty: 5 years.
Legacy Models (1850, 1830, etc.): What You Need to Know
If you have an older Aprilaire unit, you may be looking for information on its specifications. These were excellent dehumidifiers and set the standard for reliability. The E-series models represent an evolution of this technology, often providing higher capacity and better efficiency in the same physical footprint. For example, the legacy Model 1850 removes 95 pints per day, while its replacement, the E100, removes 100 pints per day. Similarly, the Model 1830 removes 70 pints per day, while its replacement, the E080, removes 80 pints. This means that when it’s time to replace an older unit, you can expect a direct-fit upgrade that will perform better and cost less to operate.
Model | Replaces | Capacity (Pints/Day) | Coverage Area (sq. ft.) | Dimensions (WxHxL) | ENERGY STAR® Rated | Best For |
E070 | 1820 | 70 | Up to 2,200 (Crawl Space) | 12.5″ x 12.5″ x 25″ | No | Crawl Spaces, Small Basements |
E080 | 1830 | 80 | Up to 4,400 | 14″ x 15″ x 26″ | Yes (Most Efficient) | Mid-Sized Homes, Basements |
E100 | 1850 | 100 | Up to 5,500 | 14″ x 15″ x 26″ | Yes (Most Efficient) | Large Homes, Whole-Home Control |
E130 | 1870 | 130 | Up to 7,200 | 19.5″ x 18.75″ x 30″ | Yes (Most Efficient) | Very Large Homes, High Humidity Areas |
Sizing Your System: The Honest Fix Sizing Guide
“What Size Aprilaire Dehumidifier Do I Need?”
One of the most common questions homeowners ask is about proper sizing. Choosing the right size is critical for effective and efficient performance. The decision is based on two primary factors: the square footage of the area you need to dehumidify and the moisture condition of that space. A space that is just “damp” and musty requires less capacity than a space that is visibly “wet” with condensation on pipes or walls.
The Honest Fix Sizing Reference Table
This table, based on Aprilaire’s official recommendations, provides a straightforward starting point for selecting the right model for your home.
Area to Dehumidify | Condition: Damp (Musty Smell) | Condition: Very Damp (Visible Condensation) | Condition: Wet (Standing Water) |
Up to 2,800 sq. ft. | E070 | E080 | E100 |
Up to 3,800 sq. ft. | E080 | E100 | E130 |
Up to 5,200 sq. ft. | E100 | E130 | E130 |
Up to 7,200 sq. ft. | E130 | E130 | E130 |
Export to Sheets
Beyond Square Footage: Other Factors to Consider
While the chart above is an excellent guide, a true professional sizing involves more nuance. Factors such as ceiling height, the number of people living in the home, and how “tight” the home’s construction is can all impact the total moisture load. Here in the Ohio Valley, our persistently high outdoor humidity also needs to be factored in.
This is where a professional assessment becomes so valuable. It’s important to understand that professional-grade systems like Aprilaire are sized to solve the problem completely. Many portable dehumidifiers are a “weak answer” because they are not powerful enough to handle the cool, damp conditions found in basements and often overstate their coverage capabilities. Investing in a single, properly sized whole-home unit is a far more effective and efficient long-term solution than running multiple underpowered portable units.
Professional Installation: What to Expect and What It Costs
Why Professional Installation is a Must
While some homeowners are tempted by a DIY installation, there is one critical factor to consider: Aprilaire’s 5-year warranty is only valid if the unit is installed by a licensed, professional contractor. Attempting to install the unit yourself will void the warranty, leaving you with no protection if a component fails. A professional installation ensures the unit is set up safely, ducted correctly for optimal performance, and that your warranty is protected.
Installation Options: Standalone vs. Ducted
Aprilaire dehumidifiers are versatile and can be installed in several ways depending on your home’s layout and HVAC system :
- Standalone (Unducted): In a basement or crawl space, the unit can simply be set up to pull in the damp air from the space, remove the moisture, and return the dry air back into the same area.
- Ducted to HVAC System: For whole-home control, the dehumidifier is tied into your existing ductwork. The most common and recommended method is a “main return to main supply” setup. The unit pulls air from the return duct (air going to the furnace), dehumidifies it, and sends the dry air into the supply duct (air coming from the furnace) to be distributed throughout the entire house.
The Cost of a Professional Installation
A common point of confusion for homeowners is the difference between the online price of a dehumidifier and the final installed cost. It is important to be transparent about this. A high-quality, professional installation of a whole-house dehumidifier can cost up to $4,000.
This total cost reflects several components:
- The Unit Itself: Aprilaire units typically cost between $1,000 and $2,200, depending on the model.
- Labor: Installation is a job for a two-person team and can take between 3 to 6 hours. Professional labor can range from $400 to $1,200.
- Materials: This includes any new ductwork required (which can cost up to $500), electrical wiring, a condensate pump if needed, and other fittings.
When you receive a quote from a professional contractor, you are not just paying for a piece of equipment. You are paying for a complete solution that includes the expertise to size the unit correctly, install it safely according to local codes, and ensure it performs as designed. Most importantly, you are paying for the peace of mind that comes with a valid 5-year warranty.
Finding a Pro in Steubenville, Weirton, and the Ohio Valley
Aprilaire maintains a network of certified professional installers to ensure their products are set up correctly. As a local expert serving Steubenville, Weirton, and the surrounding communities, Honest Fix is proud to be your trusted partner for Aprilaire installations.
How Much Does an Aprilaire Dehumidifier Cost to Run?
Energy Efficiency and Your Electric Bill
A major advantage of a professional-grade dehumidifier is its energy efficiency, especially with the newer E-series models. The Aprilaire E080, E100, and E130 have all earned the ENERGY STAR® Most Efficient rating, which means they provide maximum moisture removal for the minimum amount of electricity used. In fact, Aprilaire estimates that their dehumidifiers can cost about $189 less to operate over a summer season compared to a standard portable retail model.
Power Consumption by Model
The actual electricity usage depends on how often the unit needs to run to maintain your desired humidity level. However, we can look at the power draw when the compressor is active to get a clear idea of the energy required:
- Aprilaire E070: Draws approximately 5.8 amps, which translates to about 696 watts.
- Aprilaire E080: Draws approximately 5.1 amps, or about 612 watts.
- Aprilaire E100: Draws approximately 6.9 amps, or about 828 watts.
By helping your air conditioner, a whole-home dehumidifier can also lead to overall energy savings. When the air is less humid, you feel cooler at a higher thermostat setting, allowing your AC to run less often.
Getting the Most From Your Aprilaire: Operation & Maintenance
Understanding the Onboard Controls
Aprilaire dehumidifiers are designed for simple, automated operation. When first installed, a good starting point for the humidity setting is 55% RH. You can adjust this up or down based on your personal comfort. When the unit turns on, it will first enter an “Air Sampling” mode for about three minutes to measure the current humidity level before the compressor kicks in to start dehumidifying.
How to Clean Your Aprilaire Dehumidifier Filter: A Step-by-Step Guide
Proper maintenance is simple and key to keeping your unit running efficiently. The unit will remind you with a “Clean Filter” message on the display every six months. Unlike systems that require expensive replacement filters, the standard MERV 8 filter in most Aprilaire units is washable, saving you money over the life of the unit.
Follow these steps to clean the filter :
- Turn the ON/OFF switch on the unit to OFF.
- Remove the filter access door, which can be done from either side of the dehumidifier.
- Slide the filter out of the unit.
- Flush the filter with warm water and a mild detergent solution.
- Gently shake off any excess water.
- Slide the clean filter back into the unit, making sure it is properly seated in the top and bottom rails.
- Replace the filter access door.
- Turn the ON/OFF switch back to ON.
- To reset the service reminder, press the UP and DOWN arrow buttons at the same time for three seconds.
Annual Maintenance Checklist
- Every 6 Months: Clean the air filter as described above.
- Once a Year: Check the drain line to ensure it is clear of any blockages or air locks. A clogged drain is a common cause of performance issues.
- As Needed: Use a cloth to clean the exterior cabinet. Do not use spray solvents near the unit’s air inlet.
Wi-Fi Models and Smart Home Control
The AprilAire Healthy Air App
For homeowners who want ultimate control and monitoring, Aprilaire offers Wi-Fi-enabled models (often designated with a “W,” such as the E070W or E100W). These units connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network and can be controlled from anywhere using the AprilAire Healthy Air App on your smartphone.
With the app, you can:
- Monitor and Adjust Humidity: Check your home’s current humidity level and change the dehumidifier’s set point remotely.
- View Equipment Status: Instantly see if your dehumidifier is on, off, or in air sampling mode.
- Receive Alerts: Get notifications on your phone for high or low humidity levels or if the unit requires maintenance.
- Easy Setup: The newest models use Bluetooth for a fast and simple pairing process with the app.
This smart functionality provides peace of mind, allowing you to keep an eye on your home’s environment even when you’re away.
The Honest Fix Troubleshooting Guide
Common Problems and Honest Solutions
Even the best equipment can sometimes run into issues. Here are some of the most common problems homeowners encounter and what to do about them.
“My Aprilaire Dehumidifier Runs Constantly.”
- Possible Causes:
- Initial Run-In Period: When first installed, the dehumidifier has to remove not only the moisture from the air but also the moisture absorbed by the materials in your home (wood, drywall, furniture). It is normal for the unit to run for an extended period, even days, to bring the entire environment to the target humidity level.
- Undersized Unit or Moisture Source: If the unit continues to run constantly, it may be undersized for the space, or there may be a significant source of incoming moisture, such as air leaks from outside, a plumbing leak, or an unsealed crawl space.
- Mechanical Issue: In some cases, the unit may not be performing correctly. One user reported that after contacting Aprilaire support, they were guided through a performance test over the phone which determined the unit was faulty and it was replaced under warranty.
- What to Do: After the initial run-in period, if the unit still runs constantly, check for obvious air leaks or sources of water. If none are found, it may be time for a service call to diagnose a potential performance issue.
“My Aprilaire Dehumidifier is Leaking Water.”
- Possible Causes:
- Clogged Drain Line: This is the most common cause of water leaks from any dehumidifier. If the drain line is clogged or kinked, the water collected by the unit has nowhere to go and will overflow the drain pan.
- Unit Is Not Level: Dehumidifiers rely on gravity to move water to the drain port. If the unit is not installed perfectly level, water can pool and spill out of the cabinet.
- Frozen Coil: If you see a block of ice on the unit’s coils, this is a serious issue. It typically indicates a problem with the sealed refrigerant system, such as a leak. This is generally not repairable in the field.
- What to Do: First, ensure the unit is level. Next, turn the unit off and check the drain hose for any clogs or kinks. If you see ice on the coils, turn the unit off immediately and schedule a service call.
Aprilaire Error Code Cheat Sheet
Your dehumidifier’s digital display will show an error code if it detects a problem. Here is a guide to the most common codes.
Error Code | Meaning | What You Can Do | When to Call a Pro |
E2 | High Refrigeration Pressure | The air entering the unit is too hot (above 104°F) or airflow is restricted. Check that the filter is clean and that air ducts are not blocked or closed. | This error is usually self-correcting. If it appears for five consecutive compressor cycles, turn the unit off and call for service. |
E4 | Insufficient Dehumidification Capacity | The unit is running, but the air leaving it is not dry enough. This often indicates a problem with the sealed refrigerant system. | Turn the unit’s power switch off and then on again to reset it. If the error code returns, the unit requires professional service. |
E8 | Low Temperature Lockout | The air entering the unit is too cold (below 50°F) or the dew point is too low (below 40°F). This is a protective feature to prevent the unit from icing up and damaging itself. | No action is needed. The dehumidifier will automatically resume operation when the air temperature and humidity rise back into the normal operating range. |
Common Replacement Parts
While Aprilaire dehumidifiers are built for longevity and require minimal upkeep, some components may eventually need replacement after years of service. Using genuine Aprilaire parts is the best way to ensure continued performance and reliability.
Commonly replaced parts include:
- Filter: Although the standard MERV 8 filter is washable, it can get damaged or wear out over time. A replacement ensures optimal airflow and filtration.
- Sensors: The unit uses temperature and humidity sensors to operate correctly. If these fail, they may need to be replaced to resolve error codes or improper operation.
- Capacitors: The dehumidifier uses capacitors to help start the fan motor and the compressor. These can sometimes fail and are a common replacement part for many HVAC appliances.
- Control Board / User Interface: The main electronic board that controls the unit’s functions can occasionally fail and require replacement.
- Drain Tube: The flexible drain tube can become brittle or clogged over time and may need to be replaced.
These parts can be sourced through your professional installing contractor or from authorized online dealers.
Aprilaire vs. The Competition: An Honest Comparison
Aprilaire vs. Santa Fe Dehumidifiers
Santa Fe is another highly respected brand in the professional dehumidifier market.
- Performance & Features: Both brands offer a range of high-capacity, professional-grade units. Santa Fe is often noted for exceptional energy efficiency, with some models exceeding Energy Star standards by a wide margin. They may also offer higher-grade MERV-13 filters compared to Aprilaire’s standard MERV-8.
- Warranty & Reliability: Santa Fe typically offers a slightly longer warranty (6 years vs. Aprilaire’s 5 years). However, online user feedback sometimes mentions issues with leaks on Santa Fe units, whereas Aprilaire is consistently praised for its durable, corrosion-resistant aluminum coils.
Aprilaire vs. Honeywell Whole-House Dehumidifiers
Honeywell is another major competitor, offering a similar range of whole-home models.
- Performance & Features: The two brands are very competitive on moisture removal capacity. In the past, Honeywell held an edge with Energy Star ratings and higher MERV-11 filtration, but with the introduction of the highly efficient E-series, Aprilaire has closed that gap. Honeywell units are sometimes noted for having a smaller physical footprint, which can be an advantage in very tight installations.
- Reputation: Both are trusted brands, but Aprilaire is often considered the most established and biggest name specifically in the whole-home dehumidifier space.
Ultimately, the choice between these top-tier brands is not about finding a single “best” unit, but about selecting the right unit for your specific home, budget, and installation requirements. An honest contractor will guide you to the best solution for your situation, not just the brand they prefer to sell.
What Do Customers Say? A Roundup of Real-World Reviews
The Good
Across various models, homeowners consistently praise Aprilaire dehumidifiers for being highly effective at reducing humidity and eliminating musty basement odors. Many users report a significant improvement in overall home comfort, feeling cooler at higher temperatures. The quiet operation is another frequently mentioned benefit, with many comparing the sound to a modern refrigerator. The build quality and “Made in the USA” status are also seen as major positives, and customers who have needed to use the warranty often report excellent customer service from Aprilaire.
The “Could Be Better”
No product is perfect, and in the spirit of an honest fix, it’s worth noting recurring complaints. Some users in very large homes or extremely humid climates have found that a single unit struggles to reach very low humidity settings (like 45%) and may run constantly. The most common issue reported is damage during shipping, which can lead to the hassle of returns and replacements. Finally, while rare, some units have experienced premature failure, often resulting in an E4 error code that requires a warranty claim.
Understanding Your Aprilaire Warranty
The 5-Year Aprilaire Warranty, Explained
Aprilaire stands behind its products with a 5-year limited warranty that begins on the date of installation. This warranty is a key reason to invest in a professional-grade system over a standard retail unit.
What’s Covered (and What’s Not)
- What’s Covered: The warranty covers any component or the entire product if it is found to be defective in materials or workmanship. Aprilaire will provide a replacement part or a new unit at its discretion.
- What’s Not Covered: This is a critical point for homeowners to understand. The warranty does not cover labor charges for service, removal, or reinstallation. It also does not cover consumable items like filters, cosmetic damage, or any damage caused by improper installation.
The structure of the warranty highlights the importance of your relationship with your installing contractor. While Aprilaire covers the part, the homeowner is responsible for the labor cost of the repair. This is why choosing a reputable installer who stands behind their work is just as important as choosing a quality product.
How to Register Your Product and Make a Claim
You can register your dehumidifier online at aprilaire.com/warranty. This helps streamline the process if you ever need to make a claim.
To initiate a warranty claim, you must contact the professional contractor who installed your unit. For dehumidifiers, the contractor will then contact Aprilaire’s technical support team to troubleshoot the issue and receive prior authorization for the claim. This is another reason why a DIY installation is not recommended, as it leaves you without a professional partner to manage the warranty process.
Your Local Aprilaire Experts in Steubenville and Weirton
Why Choose a Local, Honest Expert
Controlling humidity in the Ohio Valley is a serious issue that requires a professional solution. From our unique climate challenges to the complexities of proper sizing and installation, getting it right the first time is essential for protecting your home and family.
At Honest Fix, our entire business is built on a promise of transparency, education, and doing the job right. We believe in giving you clear answers and straightforward advice so you can make an informed decision. No upsells, no games.
Get a Free, No-Pressure Exact Quote
If you are a homeowner in Steubenville, Weirton, or the surrounding Ohio Valley and are tired of that damp, uncomfortable feeling in your home, we are here to help. Contact Honest Fix today to schedule a free, no-pressure consultation. We will provide you with an exact quote for the right Aprilaire solution to create a healthier and more comfortable home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does an Aprilaire whole-home dehumidifier work? An Aprilaire dehumidifier works by drawing in humid air from your home. The air passes over a cold coil, which causes the moisture in the air to condense into water, similar to how water droplets form on a cold glass. This collected water is then drained away. The now-drier air is slightly reheated before being circulated back into your home, resulting in a lower overall humidity level.
What size Aprilaire dehumidifier do I need for my home? The right size depends on your home’s square footage and its specific moisture condition (e.g., just damp and musty vs. visibly wet with condensation). For a detailed breakdown, refer to “The Honest Fix Sizing Reference Table” in the guide above, which provides model recommendations based on these factors.
Where are Aprilaire dehumidifiers made? Aprilaire dehumidifiers are designed and assembled in the USA, using both U.S. and globally sourced components.
Can I use a Nest thermostat with my Aprilaire dehumidifier? Yes, Nest thermostats are generally compatible with Aprilaire whole-home dehumidifiers that use a one or two-wire low-voltage connection. However, because improper wiring can damage your HVAC system, professional installation is strongly recommended to ensure the two systems work together correctly. In some cases, an additional relay may be required for the setup to function properly.
Are there any recalls on Aprilaire dehumidifiers? While there have been major recalls affecting millions of portable dehumidifiers sold under various retail brand names, these recalls do not apply to Aprilaire’s whole-home units. It is important to note there was a recall for some Aprilaire
steam humidifiers (not dehumidifiers) made between 2010 and 2015 due to a potential fire hazard with an electrode wire.
How does the fresh air ventilation feature work on some models? Certain Aprilaire models can be equipped with a ventilation feature that brings fresh air into your home. It uses a controlled damper to pull in outside air, which is then mixed with your indoor air. This combined air is then dehumidified before being circulated through your home. This process helps dilute indoor air pollutants like VOCs, creating a healthier indoor environment.
Can I run my Aprilaire dehumidifier in the winter? You can, but it is often unnecessary in the Ohio Valley, where winter air is typically very dry. Aprilaire dehumidifiers have a built-in safety feature that prevents them from operating if the incoming air temperature is below 50°F to avoid damage from the coils freezing. This is known as the E8 error code, which is a normal protective function. A humidifier is usually the more appropriate appliance for our cold, dry winters.
How can I determine the age of my Aprilaire dehumidifier? You can find the manufacturing date by looking at the unit’s serial number. The first number indicates the year, and the second and third numbers indicate the month. For example, a serial number beginning with 507
means the unit was manufactured in July of 2015.
For units made in 2014 or earlier: The format is similar. A serial number starting with 401
was made in January (01) of 2014.
The Honest Fix: A Final Word on Aprilaire Dehumidifiers
For homeowners in Steubenville, Weirton, and across the Ohio Valley, managing indoor humidity is a critical part of maintaining a healthy, comfortable, and structurally sound home. Our unique combination of humid summers and clay-rich soil creates a constant battle against moisture that standard air conditioning alone cannot win.
This guide has provided a detailed look at Aprilaire whole-home dehumidifiers—a professional-grade solution designed specifically to tackle these challenges. From understanding the different models and choosing the right size for your home to recognizing the importance of professional installation for warranty protection, you now have the information needed to make a confident decision.
An Aprilaire dehumidifier is an investment in your property and your family’s well-being. It works to protect your home from mold, mildew, and pests while creating a more comfortable living environment and potentially lowering summer energy costs. When you’re ready to solve your home’s humidity problems for good, the right equipment and the right installer make all the difference.
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