Better replacement for Aprilaire 4191 solenoid valve, or entire 360 humidifier?
#1
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Better replacement for Aprilaire 4191 solenoid valve, or entire 360 humidifier?
We're in Denver, which is pretty dry - classified as semi-arid, and bought this Aprilaire 360 when we got this house, in 2005. It's a through-the-wall humidifier, that goes between the laundry room and living room.
It essentially has a changeable water panel and runs water over it, then down a drain tube. It has an electric solenoid valve, which is 1/4" on each end, and it requires a strainer on one end and an orfice on the other, to reduce the flow.
The PROBLEM is that this valve goes bad, about every 2 years and appears to be VERY cheaply made, AND it costs over $50 each time. Not happy with that. It supposedly has a 5 year warranty, but try remembering who we got it from last time, and doing that. And if we get it from Aprilaire, we have to shut down the machine and mail the valve to them for analysis, before they will decide whether to replace it.
So the question becomes, is there any better quality valve out there, that will REALLY last some years, OR a better through the wall humidifier that works differently, to replace this machine?
PLEASE: No thread hijacking, about how you think we really don't need, or shouldn't use a humidifier.
Thanks!
It essentially has a changeable water panel and runs water over it, then down a drain tube. It has an electric solenoid valve, which is 1/4" on each end, and it requires a strainer on one end and an orfice on the other, to reduce the flow.
The PROBLEM is that this valve goes bad, about every 2 years and appears to be VERY cheaply made, AND it costs over $50 each time. Not happy with that. It supposedly has a 5 year warranty, but try remembering who we got it from last time, and doing that. And if we get it from Aprilaire, we have to shut down the machine and mail the valve to them for analysis, before they will decide whether to replace it.
So the question becomes, is there any better quality valve out there, that will REALLY last some years, OR a better through the wall humidifier that works differently, to replace this machine?
PLEASE: No thread hijacking, about how you think we really don't need, or shouldn't use a humidifier.
Thanks!
#2
I would use a voltmeter to measure the AC voltage on the solenoid when in operation. I have never changed one for burning up..... ever. I normally change them because they don't shut off completely and drip water when not in use. I use all different brand solenoids. Haven't noticed a quality difference between them.
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Thanks PJ. The solenoid coil isn't the problem. When it's off, no water passes, but when it's on, it barely dribbles. I took out the orfice and plastic filter and it didn't change that.
#4
Are you using a direct connection off the water supply or one of those saddle taps ?
If it's a saddle tap...... it's plugged.
If it's a saddle tap...... it's plugged.
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Recommendation?: Good but not expensive through-wall humidifier - NOT Aprilaire?
We have an Aprilaire 360 and are tired of the valve going bad, about every 2 years.
So could someone recommend a good through-the wall humidifier that can hook up to the same 1/4" water line and remote humidistat, and replace t his thing? Not real expensive, please?
So could someone recommend a good through-the wall humidifier that can hook up to the same 1/4" water line and remote humidistat, and replace t his thing? Not real expensive, please?
#8
Threads combined.
There aren't many thru the wall humidifiers that I know of. I use solely Aprilaire products.
There aren't many thru the wall humidifiers that I know of. I use solely Aprilaire products.
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Ok, well it looks like we've been all over this and I didn't remember. I'll have to find something on my own, or just get a tabletop unit and haul water to it every day. Thanks.