Choosing the right whole-house humidifier can significantly impact your home’s comfort and air quality. When considering top-tier options, the Aprilaire 700 and Aprilaire 800 often come up. Both are designed to deliver superior humidification, but they cater to different needs and installation preferences.
Are you wondering which of these advanced systems will best suit your climate and HVAC setup? This comparison dives deep into the features, benefits, and potential drawbacks of the Aprilaire 700 versus the Aprilaire 800.
We’ll help you understand the key differences so you can make an informed decision for a healthier, more comfortable living environment. Let’s explore what sets these two leading humidifiers apart.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | AprilAire 700 | 800 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Whole-Home Humidifier | Whole-Home Humidifier |
| Installation | Requires professional installation | Requires professional installation |
| Evaporative Type | Bypass | Fan-Powered |
| Water Panel Size | Large | Large |
| Coverage Area | Up to 3,000 sq ft | Up to 3,000 sq ft |
| Humidistat Control | Manual or Digital (optional) | Digital (included) |
| Water Feed | Manual or automatic (plumbed) | Automatic (plumbed) |
| Energy Consumption | Low (bypass design) | Moderate (fan operation) |
| Maintenance | Annual water panel replacement | Annual water panel replacement |
| Filtration | Water panel | Water panel |
| Noise Level | Very quiet (no fan) | Slight fan noise |
| Cabinet Material | Durable plastic | Durable plastic |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Installation
- Aprilaire 700: This is a whole-house humidifier, designed to be installed directly into your HVAC system’s ductwork. It requires professional installation due to the need for electrical and water line connections and cutting into the ductwork. The process can be involved and may take several hours.
- 800: The Aprilaire 800 is also a whole-house steam humidifier that integrates with your HVAC system. Similar to the 700, it necessitates professional installation by an HVAC technician. The complexity is comparable, involving ductwork modifications and utility connections.
- Winner: Tie
Humidification Type
- Aprilaire 700: The 700 is a bypass humidifier, meaning it uses the natural airflow of your HVAC system to distribute moisture. It’s a simpler design that doesn’t require a fan, making it more energy-efficient in operation. However, it may not humidify as effectively in systems with low airflow.
- 800: The 800 is a steam humidifier. It boils water to produce steam, which is then distributed throughout your home. This method ensures consistent and effective humidification regardless of your HVAC system’s airflow, providing a more robust solution in all conditions.
- Winner: 800
Water Usage
- Aprilaire 700: As a bypass humidifier, the 700 uses water only when your HVAC system is running and the humidifier is active. It’s generally considered to be more water-efficient than steam humidifiers, especially in drier climates or during periods of low humidity demand.
- 800: The 800, being a steam humidifier, boils water to create steam. This process inherently uses more water than evaporative humidifiers, as some water is consumed in the boiling process and a small amount may be purged to maintain water quality.
- Winner: 700
Maintenance
- Aprilaire 700: Maintenance typically involves replacing the water panel (evaporator pad) annually and cleaning the unit. The bypass design generally leads to less mineral buildup compared to steam models, potentially reducing the frequency of more intensive cleaning.
- 800: Steam humidifiers like the 800 require regular maintenance to prevent mineral buildup in the boiler and other components. This often includes cleaning the steam canister and checking for scale. The frequency of maintenance can be higher, especially in areas with hard water.
- Winner: 700
Capacity/Coverage
- Aprilaire 700: The 700 is designed for whole-house humidification and can effectively humidify homes up to 3,000 square feet. Its capacity is sufficient for most standard-sized residences.
- 800: The 800 is also a whole-house humidifier, capable of handling larger homes, often up to 4,000 square feet or more, depending on the specific model variant. Its steam generation provides powerful humidification for even larger or more challenging environments.
- Winner: 800
Energy Consumption
- Aprilaire 700: Since the 700 is a bypass humidifier, it doesn’t have its own fan. It relies on your HVAC system’s blower, resulting in very low direct energy consumption. Its primary energy draw is from the small solenoid valve that controls water flow.
- 800: The 800, as a steam humidifier, requires electricity to heat the water and generate steam. This makes its energy consumption higher than the 700, especially during periods of sustained operation.
- Winner: 700
Mineral Buildup & Water Quality
- Aprilaire 700: The 700 uses an evaporative process where minerals are left behind on the water panel. While this can lead to mineral buildup on the panel, it generally doesn’t affect the rest of the system as much as in steam humidifiers. Using a demineralization filter can help.
- 800: Steam humidifiers tend to accumulate mineral scale in the boiling chamber. While the 800 is designed to manage this, hard water can lead to more frequent cleaning and potential issues if not maintained properly. Some models have features to mitigate this.
- Winner: 700
Performance in Extreme Conditions
- Aprilaire 700: The 700’s performance is tied to your HVAC system’s airflow. In very cold and dry conditions where airflow might be low, its humidification output may be reduced. It’s best suited for moderately dry climates or when consistent airflow is assured.
- 800: The 800’s steam generation provides consistent and powerful humidification output regardless of HVAC airflow or extreme external temperatures. This makes it highly effective in very cold climates or in homes with less consistent airflow, ensuring optimal humidity levels.
- Winner: 800
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Energy Efficiency | AprilAire 700 |
| Ease of Use (Control) | 800 |
| Quiet Operation | AprilAire 700 |
| Performance in Cold Climates | 800 |
| Simplicity | AprilAire 700 |
| Overall Value (depending on preference) | Tie (700 for efficiency, 800 for features) |
What They Have in Common
- Whole-Home Coverage: Both the AprilAire 700 and 800 are designed to humidify an entire house, providing consistent humidity levels across all rooms. They connect directly to your HVAC system for efficient distribution.
- Annual Water Panel Replacement: Both models utilize a water panel evaporator that needs to be replaced annually to maintain optimal performance and prevent mineral buildup. This is a standard maintenance task for evaporative humidifiers.
- Professional Installation Required: Due to their integration with your home’s ductwork and plumbing, both humidifiers require professional installation by an HVAC technician. This ensures proper setup and safe operation.
- Durable Construction: Both units are built with robust plastic cabinets designed for longevity and resistance to the conditions within an HVAC system. They are engineered to withstand the demands of continuous operation.
- Effective Humidification: Both the 700 and 800 are capable of delivering significant amounts of moisture into the air, effectively combating the dry air issues common in many homes, especially during winter months.
Aprilaire 700 Vs 800 Buying Guide
Installation & Maintenance
The Aprilaire 700 is a whole-house evaporative humidifier, typically installed on the supply plenum of your HVAC system. Its larger surface area for evaporation means it can handle larger homes. Maintenance involves annual filter replacement and occasional cleaning to prevent mineral buildup. The Aprilaire 800, a steam humidifier, requires a dedicated steam canister and a drain line. While its installation can be more complex due to the steam generation, its maintenance is generally simpler, with the canister needing replacement every 1-2 years and less frequent descaling. (See Also: Demeyere 5 Plus Vs Atlantis )
Humidification Method & Performance
The Aprilaire 700 utilizes an evaporative process, drawing moisture from a water panel and dispersing it into the air via your HVAC system’s airflow. This method is energy-efficient but can be less effective in extremely cold, dry climates where the air’s capacity to hold moisture is limited. The Aprilaire 800 generates steam by boiling water, offering more consistent and robust humidification, regardless of outdoor temperature or HVAC system operation. This makes it ideal for very dry environments and for users who prioritize precise humidity control.
Capacity & Coverage Area
The Aprilaire 700 is designed for larger homes, typically up to 3,000-4,000 square feet, depending on insulation and climate. Its impressive capacity ensures it can adequately humidify even expansive living spaces. The Aprilaire 800 also caters to larger homes, with its steam output providing powerful humidification that can effectively cover areas of similar size, often exceeding 3,000 square feet. The choice between them often comes down to the specific needs of the home’s size and the severity of the dryness.
Cost & Energy Efficiency
In terms of initial purchase price, the Aprilaire 700 is generally more affordable than the Aprilaire 800. Its evaporative method also tends to be more energy-efficient during operation, using less electricity compared to the heating element required for steam generation. However, the Aprilaire 800’s higher upfront cost is offset by its superior performance in extreme conditions and potentially lower water usage in some scenarios due to its controlled steam output. Annual filter replacement costs for the 700 should also be factored in. (See Also: Nikon 50 1 8 Vs 1 4 )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy AprilAire 700 If…
- You prefer a simpler, more energy-efficient design with no fan.
- You are comfortable with a manual humidistat or are willing to purchase a digital one separately.
- You want a reliable whole-home humidifier that has been a trusted option for years.
- You are looking for the quietest possible operation from your humidifier.
Buy 800 If…
- You want the convenience of a built-in digital humidistat for precise control.
- You are willing to accept a slight increase in energy consumption for the benefits of a fan-powered system.
- You desire a more proactive humidification system that uses its fan to assist with evaporation.
- You want the most advanced evaporative humidification technology from AprilAire in this class.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary difference between the Aprilaire 700 and 800?
The main distinction lies in their humidification method. The Aprilaire 700 is an evaporative humidifier that uses a water panel and airflow, while the Aprilaire 800 is a steam humidifier that boils water to create steam. This difference impacts their performance in various climates, installation complexity, and maintenance requirements.
Which model is better for very cold and dry climates?
The Aprilaire 800 is generally the superior choice for very cold and dry climates. Its steam generation method is not dependent on the HVAC system’s airflow or the ambient air’s temperature and humidity, ensuring consistent and effective humidification even when outdoor conditions are extremely harsh.
How often do I need to replace the filters or canisters?
For the Aprilaire 700, the water panel (filter) typically needs to be replaced annually to maintain optimal performance and prevent mineral buildup. The Aprilaire 800 uses a steam canister that usually lasts between one to two years, depending on usage and water hardness. Regular cleaning of the steam canister is also recommended. (See Also: Samsung Pro Vs Evo 850 )
Is one model more energy-efficient than the other?
The Aprilaire 700 is generally more energy-efficient in terms of electricity consumption during operation, as it relies on the HVAC system’s fan and a smaller motor. The Aprilaire 800 requires energy to heat water for steam, making it consume more electricity, though its efficiency can be considered in terms of delivering consistent humidity regardless of other factors.
Which humidifier is easier to install?
The Aprilaire 700 is generally considered easier to install, especially if you have basic DIY skills and are comfortable working with ductwork. The Aprilaire 800’s installation can be more complex due to the need for a dedicated steam line, a drain line, and potentially a water source connection, often requiring professional installation.
Final Verdict
The Aprilaire 700 excels in affordability and energy efficiency for moderate climates. However, for those in extremely dry or cold regions demanding consistent and powerful humidification, the Aprilaire 800 proves its worth. Its steam generation overcomes environmental limitations, offering superior performance and precise humidity control, making it the better investment for ultimate comfort in challenging conditions.
Winner: Aprilaire 800