Just installed new AprilAire 700m. Not sure what level to set it at. I currently have it set to 35% and I get condensation on storm door and one single pane French door. All double pane windows are free from condensation and my cats are static free now.

Is that too high, low, or about right?

Anything above 10% is too much for me. YMMV.

I love it that dry, but my guitars hate it.

I'd guess around 30% would be the recommended humidity.

I try to keep my house at 50%...for me and my guitars.

Depends on outside temperature. I have ours set at 25 now because it is going to be well below zero next couple days and may have to go even lower. If it is going to be 20 or above I set it at about 30 or a little above. My Aprilaire has a guide right on the humidistat that shows -20F-15%, 0F-25%, 20F-35%.

If your double pane windows have no visible moisture you should be OK but it outdoor temperature drops a lot that could change.

quote:

Originally posted by Skins2881:
Just installed new AprilAire 700m. Not sure what level to set it at. I currently have it set to 35% and I get condensation on storm door and one single pane French door. All double pane windows are free from condensation and my cats are static free now.

Is that too high, low, or about right?

Unit usually has recommended setting for outside temperature - the lower the temp, the lower the humidity setting. If you set it too high, you will see condensation inside, which can damage window and door frames over time. 35% would generally be suitable for temps 20 degrees and above.

On or off my Aprilaire makes little to no difference in the humidity of our house, so I turned it off to stop wasting hot water. It's correctly sized and installed, but provides no real benefit. Humidity in the winter inside hovers 15-20%. Ideal would be 45%, but anything over 35% would be acceptable.

quote:

Originally posted by Skins2881:
Just installed new AprilAire 700m. Not sure what level to set it at. I currently have it set to 35% and I get condensation on storm door and one single pane French door. All double pane windows are free from condensation and my cats are static free now.

Is that too high, low, or about right?

It sounds about right. The correct answer is:

quote:

Originally posted by Doc H.:
Unit usually has recommended setting for outside temperature - the lower the temp, the lower the humidity setting. If you set it too high, you will see condensation inside, which can damage window and door frames over time. 35% would generally be suitable for temps 20 degrees and above.

This ^^^^^

Here's a chart that came with our Honeywell HumidiPRO automatic humidistat:



Those numbers will vary somewhat depending upon how well-insulated the structure, windows, etc.

The way to solve not having to keep "riding" the humidistat with the outdoor temperature swings, and have the maximum reasonable indoor humidity, is something like the Honeywell HumidiPRO we have. AprilAire makes one, too, I believe. So does General Filters.

quote:

Originally posted by Doc H.:

quote:

Originally posted by Skins2881:
Just installed new AprilAire 700m. Not sure what level to set it at. I currently have it set to 35% and I get condensation on storm door and one single pane French door. All double pane windows are free from condensation and my cats are static free now.

Is that too high, low, or about right?

Unit usually has recommended setting for outside temperature - the lower the temp, the lower the humidity setting. If you set it too high, you will see condensation inside, which can damage window and door frames over time. 35% would generally be suitable for temps 20 degrees and above.

In my opinion, you should have bought the digital version instead of the manual version. I am not a HVAC professional, but I am a mechanical engineer who has had both in climates much colder and drier than Virginia. My Aprilaire in Anchorage had the digital controller and it was awesome. My Generalaire in Calgary had the manual controller located in the basement, the humidity level was constantly wrong, and I hated having to go down to the basement to tweak it.

The digital version includes an exterior thermometer which allows the digital controller to have the perfect indoor humidty based on outdoor temperature. This is important because having too much humidity for outdoor temperature will result in condensation on windows which can lead to rotted window trim and mold.

The good news is that you can retrofit the digital controller for $80. I used to set mine in Anchorage on 5 and it was perfect.

RTFM? LOL!

Most will have a chart in the manual similar to the one below. I just keep mine on 40%.

45% humidity, is a good spot for people and a variety of things that homes are made from.

Installation require the fan powered model?

FORGET THE MANUAL HUMIDISTAT.

At minimum, buy this:
https://www.supplyhouse.com/Ap...istat-Controller-24V

Or better yet, buy this:
https://www.supplyhouse.com/Ap...tat-w-Outdoor-Sensor

Set it and forget it. You can thank me later.

40-60% is the range for humidity, 50% is ideal.

quote:

Originally posted by Excam_Man:
Installation require the fan powered model?

FORGET THE MANUAL HUMIDISTAT.

At minimum, buy this:
https://www.supplyhouse.com/Ap...istat-Controller-24V

Or better yet, buy this:
https://www.supplyhouse.com/Ap...tat-w-Outdoor-Sensor

Set it and forget it. You can thank me later.

40-60% is the range for humidity, 50% is ideal.

My buddy who owns an HVAC company suggested I get the 700m not the 700a, he was pretty adamant about it. Why is automatic so much better? I have no problem adjusting, I got a very small house furnace is only steps away.

I feel like I'm OK until I get condensation, is that right? With it set at 35% house feels better, cats are no longer static machines. I get condensation on storm door if I don't shut front door and get some on my back door, but that's because it's only single pane, due to broken pane mowing the lawn and haven't replaced it yet, so I don't care about that door.

I rather adjust as needed up to the point of condensation or just prior. Is that a bad strategy?

Why the 700 in the first place, did the installation require it?
(Bypass is the way to go)

Manual vrs Automatic...
Would you also prefer to turn the furnace on/off manually?

Automatic, set it and forget it. Let it adjust the setting depending on the outdoor temp. This will give you better control over the humidity and not let it get out of control. Most people have enough things to do without adding unnecessary items to the list.

High humidity can lead you to mold issues.