zeitgeist57 Posted January 1, 2016 Report Share Posted January 1, 2016 Need some CR assistance. Whole house HVAC is fine, but humidifier doesn't kick on ever. I tested out the water solenoid with a 9v battery and it opened up. With the heat on this morning, I crossed the 2 wires from the HVAC directly to the water solenoid (bypassing humidistat controller) and nothing happened. Humidifier: Aprilaire Model 4655 (manual controller) HVAC: Lennox CX34-44/48C-6F-1 Everything was installed new in 2013 I thought it might have been the humidifier controller, but now with direct-wiring to the HVAC not activating the solenoid, I'm wondering if the HVAC reset itself and doesn't/won't activate the humidifier. With the weather turning colder and HVAC drying out the air, I'd really like to keep humidity back in the house. Thanks and Happy New Year! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
STEVE-O Posted January 1, 2016 Report Share Posted January 1, 2016 No idea but give pat a ring and I bet he will be able to help you out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craig71188 Posted January 1, 2016 Report Share Posted January 1, 2016 Clay, I have an AprilAir system as well - don't know the model but I "think" most are similar similar. The system is pretty basic.... 1) Power across solenoid and it opens - solenoid OK 2) Check manual "Humidistat" switch - continuity tester across the two wires, turn knob and see if it goes from "infinity" to continuity at some setting (If continuity go to #3 - if not switch is bad or humidity is too high in the house) 3) Check for power to the Humidistat (if no power - go to #4) 4) Mine has a small transformer for power for the Humidifier - check for power at the transformer with HVAC on - if no power it's then likely a problem with the furnace power/wiring not supplying a signal that it is "on". Good Luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmrmnhrm Posted January 1, 2016 Report Share Posted January 1, 2016 4) Mine has a small transformer for power for the Humidifier - check for power at the transformer with HVAC on - if no power it's then likely a problem with the furnace power/wiring not supplying a signal that it is "on". This is actually where I'd go next now that you checked the solenoid. I put on a Honeywell aftermarket box last winter, and it's pretty easy to miss this, especially if it's on a switch somewhere you don't usually think about. Also, check (if it exists) the bypass damper is open, and that the pressure sensing hoses on either side aren't clogged. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheMrWes Posted January 2, 2016 Report Share Posted January 2, 2016 Really clay, this thread isn't necessary. All home fix it and remodel questions should always be directed to my cell phone immediately... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hwilli1647545487 Posted January 2, 2016 Report Share Posted January 2, 2016 Really clay, this thread isn't necessary. All home fix it and remodel questions should always be directed to my cell phone immediately... PM me your number please. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TTQ B4U Posted January 2, 2016 Report Share Posted January 2, 2016 Really clay, this thread isn't necessary. All home fix it and remodel questions should always be directed to my cell phone immediately... I must be missing something around this matter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Otis Nice Posted January 3, 2016 Report Share Posted January 3, 2016 Hey yo Clay, I too do home maint/repair for a living. You have my number if you need anything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeitgeist57 Posted January 11, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 11, 2016 Sooo...I broke out the installation booklets. 1) The wiring from the Humidifier manual control and solenoid were wired up to the terminals on the IFC for the thermostat. The instruction manual showed a spot on the IFC where there was a HUM switch. 2) Further review showed the wiring for a 24V humidifier going through a separate terminal. 3) Wired humidifier manual control as per diagram. 4) Fired up heater and water solenoid kicked on. 5) Turned humidifier down while heater/blower running and solenoid turned off. Didn't realize that the water supply was hot water. Interesting! Is it normal for the solenoid head to be warm to the touch when it's opened? I mean, easy to hold onto so not scorching hot, but warmer than the waterline feeding it? Thanks, CR! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cstmg8 Posted January 11, 2016 Report Share Posted January 11, 2016 Yeah, most solenoid valves generate quite a bit of heat while powered. The valves on our fancoils at work will burn your finger. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmrmnhrm Posted January 11, 2016 Report Share Posted January 11, 2016 Didn't realize that the water supply was hot water. Interesting! Is it normal for the solenoid head to be warm to the touch when it's opened? I mean, easy to hold onto so not scorching hot, but warmer than the waterline feeding it? Most houses I've seen have the humidifier water coming off the cold rather than the hot, but I doubt it really makes much of a difference. Also normal (as noted) for the solenoid to be warm to the touch, and this is doubly true if you're passing hot water through it rather than cold. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.