The Aprilaire 600 and 700 are two of the most popular whole-house humidifiers on the market. Both models offer different features like excellent performance and reliability, but there are some key differences between them that you should consider before making a purchase.
If you are thinking about the two for your home, then in this blog post you will get to know about the different features of both humidifiers to pick the suitable one for you.
A Quick Comparison Table
Just like the other blogs, let’s not waste much time here. You will get to know about the features in brief. Hopefully, it would help you to make a decision quickly.
So, here you go.
| Specifications | Aprilaire 600 Humidifier | Aprilaire 700 Humidifier |
| Popularity | Aprilaire 600 Humidifier is more popular with users. | Aprilaire 700 Humidifier is not so much popular. |
| Ways to humidify | Aprilaire 600 Humidifier is considered to be a bypass to humidify the air before going through the furnace. | Aprilaire 700 Humidifier is a humidifier that does the job after it goes through the furnace. |
| Area measurement | It is designed to cover homes under 5,000 square feet. | Aprilaire 700 Humidifier is designed in a way that it can cover up to 5,300 square feet. |
| Capacity | Aprilaire 600 Humidifier has a capacity of 17 gallons per day. | Aprilaire 700 Humidifier has a capacity of 18 gallons per day. |
| Item Weight of the Humidifier | It weighs 8.5 Pounds. | It weighs 15 Pounds. |
| Color | Aprilaire 600 Humidifier comes in white. | It has Beige in color. |
| Installation | It can be tricky to install. | The installation process is pretty easy. |
| Price of the Humidifier | Aprilaire 600 Humidifier costs lesser. | Aprilaire 700 Humidifier would cost more. |
Hence, there are some significant differences between the two humidifiers. If you are still unsure about picking the right one for you, then the next part of the blog post will cover the detail of those points.
Hopefully, after going through those, you will be able to make an educated decision.
Key Differences Between Aprilaire 600 And 700 Humidifiers
After knowing about different features in brief, it is time to know about those differences in detail.
So, without any further ado, let’s get started.
- Popularity
While having a brief look at both of the humidifiers, you can see both of the humidifiers serve better to their customers according to their capacity.
But if you go through the reviews of the customers, then you would see that Aprilaire 600 Humidifier comes with more popularity as it grabbed the market before.
- Ways To Humidify
Aprilaire 600 Humidifier is a bypass. Aprilaire 600 Humidifier is considered to be a bypass to humidify the air before going through the furnace.
On the other hand, Aprilaire 700 Humidifier is a humidifier that does the job after it goes through the furnace.
According to the ways of humidifying procedures, the users may prefer one over another.
- Area Measurement
Both humidifiers can cover homes of different measurements. Aprilaire 600 Humidifier is designed to cover homes under 5,000 square feet. On the contrary, Aprilaire 700 Humidifier is designed for covering up to 5,300 square feet.
- Capacity
Both humidifiers also differ in capacity. Aprilaire 700 Humidifier with more capacity than the Aprilaire 600. Aprilaire 700 Humidifie has a capacity of 18 gallons per day whereas, Aprilaire 600 Humidifier with 17 gallons per day.
It clearly states Aprilaire 700 Humidifie is more suitable for bigger-sized homes than the other counterpart.
- Item Weight Of The Humidifier
Both humidifiers weigh differently. For instance, Aprilaire 600 Humidifier weighs 8.5 Pounds and Aprilaire 700 Humidifier comes with weight 15 pounds.
- Color
Color is also different for both of the humidifier options. Aprilaire 600 Humidifier has white color and Aprilaire 700 Humidifier has beige color on the surface.
- Installation
While taking a purchase decision, it is quite common to think about the installation process of the humidifiers. However, between Aprilaire 600 and 700, Aprilaire 600 Humidifiers.
Aprilaire 600 is the difficult one to do the job, but the installation process is a lot easier for Aprilaire 700 Humidifier.
After knowing these features and identifying all the advantages and disadvantages of both Aprilaire 600 and 700, I hope you have already made up your mind.
- Price of The Humidifier
Pricing plays a significant role when deciding on purchasing a certain product.
A frugal buyer would always want to purchase things at a cheaper price.
Hence, between the two humidifiers, Aprilaire 600 Humidifier costs lesser than the Aprilaire 700 Humidifier.
To be precise, Aprilaire 600 Humidifier would cost around $740 whereas, Aprilaire 700 Humidifier would cost $790.
There is a difference of around fifty bucks. But if you can consider, the difference is not much.
Key Features of Aprilaire 600 Humidifier
- High Capacity
The Aprilaire 600 is a high capacity humidifier that can humidify homes up to 6000 square feet. It has a 18 gallon per day moisture output, making it one of the largest residential humidifiers on the market.
This high output makes it well-suited for large, open floor plan homes.
- Flexible Installation
The Aprilaire 600 can be installed directly on either the supply or return duct work for whole home humidification. It can also be installed as a standalone furnace humidifier.
This flexibility allows it to work with most HVAC systems and home layouts. The humidifier itself is fairly compact at just 15 x 12 x 13 inches.
- Automatic Control
The Aprilaire 600 comes with a digital humidistat that allows automatic humidity control. You can set your desired humidity level and the humidistat will regulate moisture output to maintain that level.
This takes the guesswork out of humidity control. The humidistat can sense relative humidity anywhere between 10-75%.
- Built-In Fan
The Aprilaire 600 has a built-in fan to pull air through the humidifier’s evaporator pad. This allows it to efficiently humidify without relying on the central HVAC fan. The fan features a variable speed motor that adjusts output based on humidity demand.
- Multiple Water Supply Options
This humidifier can be connected to a standard water line for direct water supply. It also has the option to use an Aprilaire water panel. This allows it to draw water from non-pressurized sources, giving you more flexibility in installation.
- Mineral Reduction System
The Aprilaire 600 has a mineral reduction cartridge that captures minerals from the water supply. This helps reduce scale buildup on the evaporator pad, which can impede moisture output. The cartridge is good for one heating season and is replaceable.
Pros
- Can handle whole home humidification for large homes
- Flexible installation options work with most HVAC systems
- Built-in humidistat provides automated humidity control
- Variable speed fan adjusts to meet moisture demand
- Mineral cartridge reduces scale buildup
- High moisture output for fast humidification
Cons
- Very large size may be difficult to install in some home HVAC systems
- Higher purchase price than smaller capacity humidifiers
- Replacing mineral cartridge annually adds to maintenance costs
- Can produce white dust if water hardness levels are high
- Fan motor may wear out earlier compared to smaller capacity units
- Large evaporation surface increases possibility of bacteria growth; thorough cleaning required
The Aprilaire 600 is one of the top high-capacity residential whole home humidifiers available. Its automated humidity control, flexible installation, and high moisture output make it ideal for large, open floor plan homes.
Drawbacks include its large size, higher purchase and maintenance costs, and potential for bacteria growth. But for those needing serious humidifying power, the performance and convenience features of the Aprilaire 600 are hard to beat.
As with any humidifier, regular maintenance is key to performance and healthiness.
Key Features of the Aprilaire 700 Humidifier
- High Moisture Output
The Aprilaire 700 is designed to humidify large homes up to 7000 square feet. It has an ultra high moisture output of 30 gallons per day, making it one of the most powerful residential whole home humidifiers.
- Flexible Installation
This humidifier can be installed directly onto the HVAC system’s supply or return ductwork for whole home humidification. It can also be configured as a standalone furnace humidifier. The compact size (18 x 15 x 12 inches) fits most HVAC systems.
- Automatic Humidity Control
The Aprilaire 700 comes with a digital humidistat that allows you to set your desired humidity level between 10-75% relative humidity. The humidistat automatically maintains the set humidity level through built-in sensors.
- High Efficiency Evaporator Pad
This humidifier utilizes an evaporator pad made of Cellulose media that allows for maximum moisture evaporation and absorption. The large pad area coupled with a variable speed fan allows high moisture output.
- Multiple Water Supply Options
The Aprilaire 700 can use a direct water supply line for convenience. It also can utilize an Aprilaire water panel to draw water from a non-pressurized source, giving you added installation flexibility.
- Outdoor Temperature Sensor
The included outdoor temperature sensor allows the humidistat to adjust moisture output based on outdoor conditions. This optimized performance and efficiency.
Pros
- Can handle very large, open concept homes up to 7000 sq ft
- Flexible installation works with most HVAC systems
- Automated humidity control for convenience
- High efficiency evaporator pad gives very high moisture output
- Outdoor temperature sensor optimizes performance
- Compact size makes installation easier
- Water panel option allows flexible water supply
- Digital humidistat gives precision humidity control
Cons
- Very high price, over double the cost of 600 model
- Large size may not fit some HVAC systems
- High output increases chance of dust or bacteria growth
- Replacing evaporator pad annually adds cost
- Requires drain pan to catch excess water
- Outdoor sensor is required for proper functioning
- More complex installation requiring HVAC technician
The Aprilaire 700 is designed for maximum moisture output in large luxury homes. The ultra high capacity, automated controls, and flexible installation make it an excellent choice for whole home humidification in spaces up to 7000 square feet.
The tradeoffs come in the very high price, complexity, and increased maintenance requirements. Proper cleaning and maintenance are crucial for healthy operation. Overall, for those needing the maximum humidifying power, the Aprilaire 700 is one of the best performers available.
Which Humidifier Is Better For You?
Here comes the most awaited question.
I think since the price difference is not significant, going with the Aprilaire 700 Humidifier is a prudent decision to make.
It can offer more capacity and fit for a home of more measurement. The installation process is also pretty easy to do, hence, it would cost you less.
But if you think Aprilaire 600 Humidifier would fit better for your home, then you can also go with it. Overall, both of the humidifiers are known for the best quality services they provide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
It is recommended by the manufacturer to provide Aprilaire 700 hot water to get the most from this humidifier.
It is a good practice to change the filters of humidifiers every 6 to 12 months to keep them functional for a longer time.
The installation cost of the AprilAire 700 humidifier will vary, but the range is around $350 to $700. It can go even beyond the range in some special cases.
Yes, AprilAire 600 is considered to be one of the best bypass humidifiers in the market. Hence, it has gained so much popularity over the years.
Wrapping Things Up
Now I am pretty sure you know Aprilaire 600 and 700 Humidifiers have their advantages and disadvantages. The Aprilaire 600 is designed for homes under 5,000 square feet and has a capacity of 17 gallons per day.
On the other hand, the Aprilaire 700 is designed for homes up to 5,300 square feet and has a capacity of 18 gallons per day. Moreover, the installation process is also easy.
But it depends on your need and preferences about picking the right one. I am sure you are going to root for the one that would serve you the best.