Otis Singleton
Electric Aprilaire dampers are a useful tool for controlling the temperature in different zones of a house. However, issues with Aprilaire dampers are common, with users reporting problems with undervoltage, wiring, and jammed motors. In some cases, users have also reported that their furnace blows a fuse when the Aprilaire humidifier is turned on above 35%. While there are some suggested fixes for these issues, such as resetting blade positions or replacing the solenoid, it is recommended that homeowners consult with an HVAC expert to properly diagnose and address any problems with their Aprilaire dampers.
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What You'll Learn
Fuses blow in Aprilaire humidifiers when set above 35%
Aprilaire humidifiers are designed to maintain an indoor relative humidity of 35% at an indoor temperature of 70°F, anytime the outdoor temperature is 20°F or above. However, some users have reported issues with their Aprilaire humidifiers, specifically mentioning that the furnace fuse blows when the humidifier is set above 35%.
One possible reason for this issue could be a faulty solenoid. The solenoid is the device that controls the water flow in the humidifier. In one case, a user reported that their solenoid was very rusty, and after setting the humidity to 35%, the 3-amp fuse inside the furnace blew. While a solenoid typically shouldn't blow a fuse unless there is a short in it, replacing it might be a solution if it is in poor condition.
Another potential cause could be a problem with the humidistat. The humidistat controls the activation of the humidifier based on the desired humidity level. It is possible that the humidistat is not functioning correctly, leading to the fuse blowing when the humidifier is set above 35%.
Additionally, it is worth noting that other factors can affect the performance of the Aprilaire humidifier. These include the age, cubic footage, tightness of the home, and the operating time of the HVAC heating system. Reduced humidification levels can also occur if the water panel is not replaced regularly, as mineral buildup can lead to clogging and reduced evaporation.
To troubleshoot the issue of the blowing fuse, it is recommended to check the resistance of the solenoid coil and compare it to the specifications. If there is a significant discrepancy, it could indicate a short circuit, and replacing the solenoid might be necessary. Checking the humidistat and ensuring it is functioning correctly is also advised.
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Aprilaire damper wiring issues
Undervoltage: One issue that Aprilaire damper users have faced is undervoltage, resulting in jammed dampers. In one instance, the damper motor was receiving only 12VAC from the control board, while the other damper was receiving 24-27VAC. The recommended solution was to reset the blade positions, which allowed for manual closure of the damper. However, the user still needed to address the undervoltage issue, which could be related to the control board or another power source.
Incorrect Wiring: Another problem that can occur is incorrect wiring, which can lead to inconsistent temperatures across different zones. In one case, a user noticed that the wiring for one zone was different from the others, with red and white wires reversed. A technician had initially set up the wiring, but it was suggested that switching the red and white wires might resolve the issue.
Damper Motor Issues: Aprilaire dampers with individual motors for each zone can sometimes experience problems with the motors getting stuck, causing the dampers to remain closed even when the air conditioning is turned on. This may require manually opening the dampers or, in some cases, purchasing replacement dampers to restore proper system functionality.
Additionally, issues with the solenoid in an Aprilaire humidifier have been reported to cause a furnace fuse to blow when the humidifier is set above 35%. This could be due to a short in the solenoid or another potential incompatibility between the systems.
It is important to note that electrical work and complex HVAC systems can be dangerous to handle without proper knowledge and training. When dealing with wiring issues, it is always recommended to consult a qualified technician for assistance.
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Aprilaire damper motor issues
One common issue is a jammed or stuck damper. This can occur when the damper is in the open position and refuses to turn manually. This could be due to a faulty motor or an undervoltage issue. In such cases, checking the voltage at the motor and comparing it to the required voltage is essential. If the motor is not receiving the correct voltage, it could be due to a problem with the control board, power source, or another component in the electrical circuit.
Undervoltage issues can also cause the damper to remain stuck in the closed position, preventing the flow of air. This may be due to a faulty control panel, as suggested by some HVAC experts. Running each zone individually can help diagnose this issue. If one zone consistently experiences an undervoltage issue while others do not, it indicates a problem with that specific zone or its control panel.
In other cases, the motor itself may be faulty, causing the damper to remain in its last working position before the malfunction. Once manually opened or closed, the damper will stay in that position until replacement dampers are installed for the system to function properly again.
Additionally, issues with the solenoid in the Aprilaire humidifier have been reported to cause problems with fuses blowing when the humidifier is turned on above 35%. While a solenoid typically should not blow a fuse unless there is a short circuit, checking the coil resistance and specifications can help determine if there is an issue with the solenoid or another component, such as the humidistat.
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Aprilaire damper undervoltage issues
Undervoltage issues with Aprilaire dampers can be caused by various factors, including problems with the control board, power source, or motor. Here are some steps to identify and troubleshoot the issue:
Firstly, check if the damper is jammed and unable to turn manually. Aprilaire dampers are normally spring open and power close, but if they are stuck in the open position, it could indicate an undervoltage issue.
Next, verify the voltage supplied to the damper motor. Typically, the damper motor should receive 24-27VAC from the control board. If the motor is only getting around 12VAC, as in the case described by a user, it confirms an undervoltage issue.
To further isolate the problem, try running each zone individually to check if the issue persists or if you can achieve the full 24V. This will help determine if the problem lies with a specific zone or the entire system.
If the issue is limited to a particular zone, it could be due to a faulty control board or power source. In such cases, replacing the control board or checking the power source from the electric furnace may be necessary.
Additionally, consider the possibility of a faulty motor. Even though it is unlikely that multiple motors fail simultaneously, trying a replacement motor can help rule out this factor.
In some cases, the issue may be related to the solenoid, which controls water flow in the system. A rusty or faulty solenoid can cause the fuse to blow when the humidifier is turned on above a certain level. Checking the resistance of the coil and comparing it to the solenoid specifications can help identify a potential short.
Remember to consult with a professional HVAC technician if you are unsure about any aspect of the troubleshooting process or require further assistance.
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Aprilaire damper control issues
Undervoltage:
Undervoltage is a common issue with Aprilaire zone dampers, which can cause the damper to get stuck in the open or closed position. In some cases, the damper motor may only be receiving 12VAC from the control board when it should be receiving 24-27VAC. This could be due to a problem with the control board, power source, or another component in the electrical system. Resetting the blade positions might help, but if the issue persists, further debugging or professional assistance may be required.
Damper Motor Issues:
Aprilaire dampers with individual motors tend to get stuck due to their power-closed and spring-open design. If the motor malfunctions, the damper will remain stuck in its last working position. To resolve this, you may need to manually open or close the damper by cutting it loose from the run and reaching in to adjust it with your hand. However, for the system to work properly again, you will likely need to purchase a replacement damper.
Solenoid Problems:
In some cases, issues with the solenoid, which controls water flow, can cause problems with Aprilaire humidifiers. A rusty solenoid, for example, might blow the fuse inside the furnace when the humidifier is turned on above a certain percentage. While a solenoid typically shouldn't blow a fuse unless there is a short, replacing it or checking the resistance of the coil versus specifications might be necessary.
Zone-Specific Issues:
Adding a new zone to an Aprilaire system can sometimes result in issues with the damper not turning on or the fan not functioning properly when heat is called for. Ensuring proper wiring for the new zone and consulting with an HVAC technician can help troubleshoot and resolve these problems.
It is important to note that attempting to repair or adjust your Aprilaire damper or related systems without proper knowledge can be dangerous and may void warranties. If you are unsure or uncomfortable with any of the suggested solutions, it is always best to consult a qualified HVAC professional for assistance.
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Frequently asked questions
A rusty solenoid or a short in the solenoid could be the reason for a fuse blowing in an electric Aprilaire damper.
Check the resistance of the coil versus the specifications for the solenoid.
You can try resetting the blade positions or manually open the damper by cutting it loose from the run and reaching in to open it with your hand.
The damper motor might be faulty.
If the damper motor is faulty, it will stay in the last position it was in before it stopped working.
