Aprilaire Humidifier Not Working? – (Insant Fix Guide)

Do you have an Aprilaire humidifier not working properly? We’ll show you how to fix it.

The Aprilaire humidifier effectively remedies your home’s dry air but has its share of problems.

Sometimes, no mist or steam comes out of the humidifier, and there’s low humidity in the room, indicating a power or water supply issue. 

To fix this, replace the humidifier filter to eliminate impurities or contaminants from the water. If this doesn’t work, set the humidistat to the optimum humidity levels. 

Awesome, let’s discuss all solutions in detail. 

10 Ways to Fix Aprilaire Humidifier Not Working Problem

There are many ways to fix your Aprilaire humidifier malfunctioning issue.

Experiment with the following solutions until you find one that solves your problem. 

1. Check the Power Supply on Your Aprilaire Humidifier

Check the power supply first if you encounter issues with your Aprilaire humidifier.

The power cord must be securely plugged in, and there should be no damage to the cable or outlet.

Here are the steps to check the power supply on your Aprilaire humidifier:

1. Turn off and unplug your humidifier.  
2. Inspect the power cord and outlet for signs of wear and tear. 
3. Replace them with a new one if you see burns, cracks, or frays.
4. Plug the power cord back into a working outlet.
5. Turn on your humidifier and see if it’s working.    
6. If it doesn’t, plug it into a different outlet or use a surge protector. 

Tip: Consult a qualified technician if you cannot solve the power supply problem and suspect an electrical issue. 

2. Confirm that the Wiring and Electrical Connections are Secure

Another possible culprit is the wiring and electrical connections.

If they become loose or disconnected due to vibrations, movement, or aging, your Aprilaire humidifier will stop working.

To fix this, ensure all cable connections are secure. 

Here are the steps to do this:

1. Turn off and unplug your humidifier. 
2. Remove the cover of your humidifier.
3. Locate the wiring and electrical connections inside. 
4. Check for loose or disconnected wires or terminals.
5. If you see any, reconnect them if needed.
6. Replace the cover and plug the humidifier back into the outlet. 
7. Turn it on and see if it’s working.    

Note: Refer to your user manual or contact a professional if you’re unsure how to reconnect loose or disconnected wires. 

3. Inspect the Water Supply Valve and Ensure It’s Turned On

The water supply valve controls the water flow from the mainline to your humidifier.

If turned off or blocked, your humidifier won’t get enough water to produce mist or steam.

To fix this, clean the valve with a soft brush or cloth. 

To inspect the water supply valve and clean it, follow these steps:

1. Turn off and unplug your humidifier.
2. Locate the water supply valve on your main water line.
3. Check if it’s turned on or off.
4. If it’s off, rotate the valve 90 degrees clockwise to turn it on. 
5. Check for debris or mineral deposits blocking the valve if it’s on. 
6. Clean it with a soft brush or cloth and vinegar or CLR solution. 
7. Plug the power cord back into a working outlet.
8. Turn on your humidifier and see if it’s working. 

Note: The valve should be parallel to the water line when it’s on and perpendicular to it when it’s off. 

4. Make Sure the Float Valve is Not Stuck

The float valve regulates the water level in your humidifier tank. If it’s stuck, your Aprilaire humidifier will overflow or run dry.

To address the issue, ensure your float valve is not stuck and replace it if damaged or broken. 

Here are the steps to do this:

1. Locate the float valve inside your humidifier tank.  
2. Gently move it up and down to check if it’s stuck. 
3. If it’s stuck, loosen it with your fingers or a pair of pliers. 
4. Replace with a new one if the valve is damaged or broken. 
5. Refill the tank with clean water. 
6. Position it back into the humidifier. 

Note: If there is any buildup or debris, carefully clean and remove it for a smooth operation. 

5. Verify That the Humidifier Fan Is Spinning

The humidifier fan blows air through the water panel, creating mist or steam.

Your humidifier won’t produce moisture or humidity if it is not spinning. To fix this, check if the fan is spinning and clean or replace it. 

Follow these steps to verify that the fan is spinning:

1. Turn off and unplug your humidifier.
2. Remove the cover.
3. Locate the fan inside. 
4. Check if the fan blades are free of dust or debris.
5. Clean them with a soft brush or cloth with mild soap and water.
6. Check if the fan motor is working and making noises. 
7. Replace it with a new one if it’s not working. 
8. Put back the cover and plug the humidifier back into the outlet. 
9. Turn it on and see if it’s working.   

Note: Listen to the sound of the fan in operation. It should produce a noticeable humming or whirring noise. 

6. Replace the Humidifier Filter

If your Aprilaire humidifier is not working, replace the filter. The filter removes impurities or contaminants from water before entering the panel.

If it’s dirty or damaged, your humidifier won’t be able to produce clean and healthy mist or steam. 

To replace the filter, follow these steps:

1. Locate the filter inside the tank. 
2. Twist it counterclockwise and pull it out.
3. Discard the old filter and replace it with a new one. 
4. Reattach the filter by twisting it clockwise until it locks in place.
5. Refill the tank with clean water and put it back into your humidifier. 

Note: Replace the filter as per Aprilaire’s recommended schedule to maintain optimal performance. 

7. Remove Scale and Mineral Deposits in the Water Panel

The water panel absorbs water from the tank and evaporates it into mist or steam.

If there is scale or buildup in it, it reduces the efficiency of the humidifier and shortens its lifespan.

To fix this, remove the scale and mineral deposits. 

1. Slide out the water panel from its place. 
2. Rinse it with warm water to remove loose scale and mineral deposits.
3. Soak in white vinegar and water solution for 15-30 minutes to remove stubborn ones. 
4. Gently scrub it with a soft brush or cloth to remove the rest.
5. Rinse the water panel with clean water and let it dry completely.
6. Replace the water panel in the humidifier.   

Note: Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive tools. 

8. Inspect the Surroundings for Leaks

Leaks happen due to cracks or holes in the humidifier casing, tank, water line, or drain hose.

They often lead to water loss, damage, or even mold if overlooked. These negatively impact the performance and quality of your humidifier. 

To inspect for leaks, follow these steps:

1. Check your humidifier for signs of damage.
2. Use a flashlight to find the smallest cracks and holes. 
3. Seal the leaks with waterproof tape or epoxy glue. 
4. Replace the affected parts if the leaks are too large. 

Tip: Schedule regular inspections of surroundings to identify and resolve leaks early. 

9. Set the Humidistat to the Optimum Humidity Levels

The humidistat measures and controls the humidity levels in your room. Your device won’t function properly if set too high or too low.

Adjust the humidistat to the recommended levels or consult a professional to fix this. 

Here’s how to do this:

1. Locate the humidistat on your humidifier or wall. 
2. Adjust the dial or button on the humidistat to the optimum humidity level.
3. Wait for a few minutes for your humidifier to adjust to the changes.

Info: The ideal humidity level falls between 30 and 50 percent, but you can customize it to your preference and comfort. Use a hygrometer to measure the actual humidity level in your room.

10. Call a Professional

If none of the above solutions work, you have a more serious problem that requires professional help.

These problems include a faulty thermostat or transformer, a damaged solenoid valve or relay, a malfunctioning circuit board or sensor, or a broken heating element or fan motor.

To call a professional, follow these steps:

1. Contact Aprilaire customer service at 1-800-334-6011 or online.
2. Provide your humidifier details and warranty information. 
3. Explain the issue and the solutions you tried. 
4. Arrange an appointment with an authorized Aprilaire technician for on-site repair. 

Quick Recap

The main reason you have an Aprilaire humidifier not working problem is a water supply issue.

To fix this, replace the filter to eliminate impurities in the water. If the issue persists, adjust the humidistat to the ideal humidity level. 

For additional Aprilaire humidifier troubleshooting resources, visit our blog!