Aprilaire Humidifier Not Turning On? (8 Proven Fixes)

Do you have an Aprilaire humidifier not turning on? We’re well-versed in resolving this.

The Aprilaire humidifier offers effective virus protection and year-round defense from allergens, bacteria, mold spores, pet dander, and more.

However, sometimes, it doesn’t turn on, indicating power supply issues.  

To get your Aprilaire humidifier to turn on, check your humidifier’s wiring and confirm the power supply. Look at the wires, reconnect loose and disconnected ones, and make sure to replace damaged ones. 

Superb, it’s time to uncover the solutions!

8 Proven Fixes for Aprilaire Humidifier Not Turning On

Now that you know why your Aprilaire humidifier is not turning on, let’s see how to fix it.

Here are eight possible solutions.  

1. Check Your Humidifier’s Wiring

If your Aprilaire humidifier is not turning on, the wiring should be your first check.

Loose, damaged, or disconnected wiring prevents your device from getting power or sending signals to other components, causing the issue. 

To check your humidifier’s wiring, follow these steps:

1. Turn off and unplug your humidifier from the power source. 
2. Remove the cover of your device. 
3. Locate the wiring connections.
4. Check for burned, disconnected, frayed, and loose wires. 
5. If you find disconnected or loose wires, reconnect them securely. 
6. If you find burned or frayed cables, replace them with new ones.
7. Plug in and turn on your humidifier. 

Note: Pay attention to the color coding of the wires, as different ones serve specific functions, so ensure you connect them correctly. 

If you’ve checked the wiring and everything is fine, proceed to the next step. 

2. Inspect Your Circuit Breaker Board

Sometimes, the circuit breaker trips due to overloading or short circuits, cutting off the electricity supply to your humidifier.

To fix this, check and reset the circuit breaker if necessary 

Here are the steps to do this:

1. Locate the circuit breaker board in your home. 
2. Find the circuit breaker that corresponds to your humidifier. 
3. Check if it is tripped, meaning it’s in the OFF position.
4. If it’s in the ON position, reset it. 
5. Switch it off and then back on.
6. Plug in and turn on your humidifier. 

Note: Call a professional electrician to investigate and address the issue if the circuit breaker keeps tripping to ensure your safety. 

3. Recalibrate the Humidistat

The humidistat measures and regulates the humidity levels in your home to maintain a comfortable and healthy environment, especially during dry or cold seasons.

If not calibrated properly, you won’t be able to turn on your device. 

To fix this, recalibrate the humidistat with these steps:

1. Locate the humidistat on your humidifier or the wall near it.
2. Check the current humidity level in your home using a hygrometer.
3. Compare it with your desired humidity level.
4. Adjust the humidistat to the highest level if it’s lower than your desired humidity level. 
5. If it’s higher, turn the dial or knob to a lower setting.
6. Wait for a few minutes and see if your device turns on. 
7. If not, repeat the process until you find the right setting. 

Note: The ideal humidity level for most homes is between 30% and 50%. 

If your humidistat is not working properly, replace it to ensure your Aprilaire humidifier functions as intended and provides you with your desired level of comfort and air quality. 

4. Check and Clean the Drum

Another possible reason your Aprilaire humidifier won’t turn on is a dirty, clogged, or broken drum.

The drum is the rotating cylinder that dips into the water tank and sprays into the air. To fix this, check and clean the drum.

Here’s how to do this:

1. Turn off and unplug your humidifier from the power source.
2. Remove the cover of your device. 
3. Locate the drum and check if it’s turning freely and smoothly. 
4. If not, remove any debris or obstructions around it. 
5. Check if the drum is spraying water evenly and adequately. 
6. If not, clean any dirt or mineral deposits around it. 
7. Plug in and turn on your humidifier. 

Tip: Clean the drum with a soft brush, vinegar, or commercial cleaner. Replace the drum if it is cracked, warped, or damaged. 

5. Make Sure the Water Inlet Valve is Open

The water inlet valve controls the flow from your plumbing system to your humidifier.

If it is closed, blocked, or faulty, it won’t allow water to enter your humidifier, causing it not to turn on.

To fix this, ensure the water inlet valve is open and functioning properly. 

Follow these steps to do this:

1. Turn off and unplug your humidifier from the power source.
2. Locate the water inlet valve on your humidifier or the water supply near it. 
3. Check if it’s in the open position. 
4. If it’s in the closed position, turn it to the open position. 
5. Check for debris or sediment.
6. Remove it using a needle or a wire.
7. Plug in and turn on your humidifier. 

Note: Replace the water inlet valve if it leaks, corroded, or is damaged beyond repair. 

6. Unclog the Drain Line

Check the drain line if your Aprilaire humidifier still won’t turn on. The drain line carries excess water from your humidifier to a drain or bucket.

If it’s clogged, kinked, or frozen, the water will accumulate and back up into your humidifier, causing it not to turn on. 

To fix this, unclog the drain line by following these steps:

1. Turn off and unplug your humidifier from the power source.
2. Locate the drain line on your humidifier or near it. 
3. Check for bends, kinks, or twists in the drain line.
4. Straighten them out gently to facilitate the water flow.  
5. Check for blockages in the drain line.
6. Clear them out using a plunger, a snake, or a blast of compressed air.  
7. Check for ice formations freezing the water flow. 
8. Thaw them out using a hair dryer, hot water, or heat gun.
9. Plug in and turn on your humidifier.

Tip: Maintain your humidifier regularly, including checking and cleaning the drain line, to prevent future blockages and ensure efficient operation. 

7. Ensure that the Fan is Working

One more thing you should check if your Aprilaire humidifier isn’t turning on is the fan.

The fan is responsible for blowing air over the drum or evaporator pad, creating a water mist that humidifies the air.

It won’t produce enough moisture or circulate air if it isn’t working properly. 

To check if the fan is working properly, follow these steps:

1. Turn off and unplug your humidifier from the power source.
2. Remove the cover of your device.
3. Locate the fan and check if it is spinning freely and smoothly. 
4. Remove any dust or debris blocking the fan.  
5. Check for unusual noises or vibrations.
6. If you find any, tighten loose screws or bolts. 
7. Plug in and turn on your humidifier.

If the fan is still not working after cleaning it and tightening loose screws, check if it’s broken, worn out, or damaged beyond repair.

In this case, replace the fan. 

8. Replace the Outdoor Temperature Sensor

The outdoor temperature sensor measures the outside temperature and adjusts the humidity level accordingly.

If the sensor isn’t working, your Aprilaire humidifier won’t turn on when needed. To fix this, replace the outdoor temperature sensor. 

Here’s how to do this:

1. Turn off and unplug your humidifier from the power source.
2. Locate the outdoor temperature sensor on your humidifier or the wall near it. 
3. Disconnect the wires from the old sensor. 
4. Remove the old sensor from its mount. 
5. Connect the wires to the new sensor.
6. Attach the new sensor to its mount.
7. Plug in and turn on your humidifier.

Continue maintaining your Aprilaire humidifier, including cleaning components, to ensure proper functionality and prevent issues.

Regular cleaning with vinegar, a commercial cleaner, or a replacement kit helps prolong your device’s lifespan and ensures you benefit from properly humidified air.  

Quick Recap

An Aprilaire humidifier not turning on is often resolved by inspecting the wiring and connecting loose cables or replacing damaged ones.

Also, ensure you include cleaning your humidifier’s components in the routine maintenance. 

Dive deeper into troubleshooting your Aprilaire humidifier with our articles!