AprilAire 800 Whole-House Steam Humidifier
MODEL 800 FEATURES:
- HUMIDITY FOR HEALTH: AprilAire Steam Humidifiers can help you maintain optimal humidity in your home which has been shown to reduce the incidence of respiratory infections and symptoms related to allergies and asthma by minimizing the formation of bacteria and viruses.
- HUMIDITY FOR COMFORT: Balance your humidity to preserve your home and protect its occupants from dry air issues like static shock and chapped skin.
- PROTECT YOUR HOME: Preserve your home and any contents susceptible to damage from changing humidity or dry conditions.
- BUY WITH CONFIDENCE: This steam humidifier was designed and manufactured in the USA by AprilAire—the inventor of the whole-house evaporative humidifier, and the leader in Indoor Air Quality since 1954.
- DUAL SENSOR 24/7 AUTO MODE: Measures the relative humidity inside the house. Fans turn on automatically when the humidity drops below the set point.
- CONVENIENT CONTROL: To monitor and adjust the humidity with a high-contrast digital screen.
- FOR USE IN HOMES: In any climate with ducted air systems, with or without forced air heat, and for homes that have special humidity requirements, such as wood floors, humidity-sensitive furnishings, large floor plans or short furnace run times.
- FULL COVERAGE: with a capacity of up to 34.6 gallons per day in a tightly constructed home.*
- EASILY MAINTAIN OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE: By replacing the canister every year, and having a licensed contractor replace the electrode wires every 3 years.
BENEFITS:
AprilAire 800 whole-house steam humidifier adds moisture to your home by passing steam through a dispersion tube connected to your duct system. The steam is created by heating water in an internal canister.
INCLUDED IN THE BOX:
- Model 800 Humidifier
- Model 62 Digital Automatic Humidistat
- Model 80 Steam Canister
- Outdoor Temperature Sensor
- Saddle Valve
- 6-foot Steam Hose
- 7/8-inch x 10-feet Drain Tubing
- Hose Clamps
- Steam
- Dispersion Tube
- Installation Instructions
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Why Steam Humidification Is a Different Category
How the 800 Differs from Evaporative Models
Both the AprilAire 400 and 700 rely on evaporative technology — passing air over a moistened water panel to pick up humidity naturally. The Model 800 works completely differently: it actively boils water inside an internal canister to generate real steam, which is then dispersed directly into your ductwork through a dispersion tube. This is a more direct and immediate method of adding moisture to your home's air, rather than relying on passive evaporation.
Why This Makes the 800 the Most Capable Option
Because steam generation doesn't depend on airflow moving across a water panel, the Model 800 can deliver significantly higher output — up to 34.6 gallons per day, nearly double the capacity of the Model 700. It also means the 800 can maintain humidity levels with genuine precision and speed, independent of how often your furnace or HVAC fan happens to be running.
Ideal for Homes with Special Humidity Requirements
The manufacturer specifically highlights this model for homes with:
- Wood floors — which are especially sensitive to humidity swings that cause gapping, cupping, or warping
- Humidity-sensitive furnishings — antiques, musical instruments, artwork, or other belongings that require tighter humidity control
- Large floor plans — where evaporative models may struggle to maintain consistent humidity across a bigger space
- Short furnace run times — homes in milder climates or with high-efficiency furnaces that cycle briefly, leaving less opportunity for evaporative models (which depend on airflow) to add sufficient moisture
If your home falls into any of these categories, the steam-based approach of the 800 addresses a real limitation of evaporative humidifiers rather than being simply a "premium upgrade."
Works With or Without Forced Air Heat
Unlike bypass evaporative humidifiers that fundamentally depend on furnace airflow, the Model 800 is explicitly designed for any climate with ducted air systems, with or without forced air heat — meaning it can serve homes with boiler-based heating and separate ducted air handling, not just standard forced-air furnace setups.
Dual Sensor 24/7 Auto Mode
Similar to the Model 700, the 800 includes dual sensors that continuously measure indoor relative humidity and automatically activate when levels drop below your setpoint — but because it generates steam directly rather than relying on furnace-driven airflow, it can respond and maintain humidity around the clock, not just when your heating system happens to be running.
Maintenance: What Ongoing Ownership Looks Like
humidifiers require more deliberate maintenance than evaporative models, given the boiling and mineral scale that naturally forms inside the canister:
- Annual canister replacement — the Model 80 Steam Canister should be replaced yearly to maintain efficient steam generation and prevent scale buildup from affecting performance
- Electrode wire replacement every 3 years — this should be handled by a licensed contractor, as it involves the internal heating components
Understanding this maintenance commitment upfront helps set realistic expectations for long-term ownership costs compared to the simpler annual water panel swap on evaporative models.
Comparing All Three AprilAire Humidifier Models
| Model 400 (Bypass) | Model 700 (Fan-Powered) | Model 800 (Steam) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technology | Passive evaporation | Active fan-driven evaporation | Boiled steam generation |
| Capacity | 17 gal/day | 18 gal/day | Up to 34.6 gal/day |
| Depends on furnace airflow | Yes | Partially (has own fan) | No |
| Best for | Standard homes, budget-conscious | Larger homes, more consistent output | Wood floors, sensitive furnishings, large homes, short furnace cycles |
| Maintenance | Annual water panel | Annual water panel | Annual canister + 3-year electrode service |
Professional Installation Matters
the internal water heating, drain tubing, and electrode components involved, professional installation and periodic electrode servicing are essential for both safe operation and manufacturer warranty compliance. Our licensed HVAC technicians will:
- Install the steam canister, dispersion tube, and drain tubing per manufacturer specifications
- Connect the saddle valve and water supply line
- Wire the Model 62 digital humidistat and outdoor temperature sensor
- Verify safe steam generation and dispersion into your ductwork
- Set up your annual canister replacement schedule and note when electrode service will be due
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Model 800 worth the extra maintenance compared to evaporative models?
For homes with wood floors, sensitive furnishings, large square footage, or short furnace cycles, the precision and higher output of steam humidification often justifies the added canister/electrode maintenance; for standard homes, the simpler Model 400 or 700 may be more cost-effective.
Can this humidifier work with a boiler system instead of a furnace?
Yes — since it doesn't depend on furnace-driven airflow to generate humidity, it's suited to ducted air systems with or without forced air heat.
How do I know when the canister needs replacing?
The digital control provides service indicators, but manufacturer guidance recommends replacing the canister annually regardless, to maintain efficient and reliable steam output.
Unmatched Steam Humidification Performance & Precise Whole-Home Winter Comfort
The Aprilaire 800 Whole-House Steam Humidifier is the ultimate high-capacity climate control solution engineered to deliver superior moisture delivery for large homes, custom properties, or tight modern constructions up to 6,200 square feet. Unlike traditional evaporative models that rely on furnace heat to generate moisture, the Aprilaire 800 operates independently by boiling water into pure, clean steam. This steam is injected directly into your ductwork via a dedicated dispersion tube, ensuring reliable, on-demand humidity regardless of whether your furnace is actively heating. By maintaining precise relative humidity levels (35% to 45%), it eliminates static electricity, soothes dry winter respiratory irritation, and protects expensive hardwood floors, fine cabinetry, and antiques from destructive winter cracking. Call our certified HVAC specialists at (224) 754-1984 for expert steam humidifier installation, dedicated electrical wiring, or annual maintenance:
Independent Steam Generation: Produces pure steam on demand, delivering up to 34.6 gallons of moisture per day independently of your furnace heating cycles.
Massive Capacity for Large Homes: Designed to effortlessly humidify sprawling residential layouts, custom estates, and high-ceiling open floor plans up to 6,200 sq. ft.
Flexible Installation & Duct Placement: Can be mounted remotely or directly onto supply ducts, making it ideal for specialized HVAC setups and multi-zone systems.
Protects Hardwoods & Fine Woodwork: Maintains stable relative humidity to prevent expensive wood flooring, doors, and antique furniture from shrinking, warping, or splitting.
Automated Digital Control: Pairs with an intelligent digital humidistat that monitors outdoor temperatures to adjust indoor humidity automatically without window condensation.
Aprilaire 800 Technical Specifications & Performance
Designed for professional installation in residential basements, mechanical rooms, or utility closets:
Technical Parameter Feature & Specification Details Operational Advantage Manufacturer & Model Aprilaire Model 800 Whole-House Steam Humidifier Premium high-capacity residential steam generation system. Daily Output Capacity 11.5 to 34.6 Gallons Per Day (Depending on voltage) Unmatched moisture delivery for large residential properties. Operation Type Electrode Steam Technology (Boils water on demand) Operates independently of furnace heating cycles. Coverage Area Up to 6,200 square feet in tightly constructed homes Exceptional capacity for sprawling custom residences. Electrical Requirements 120V / 208V / 240V configurations (Dedicated circuit required) High-efficiency electrical integration handled by certified technicians. Control System Automatic digital humidistat with outdoor temperature sensor Prevents window frosting by regulating humidity based on weather.
Key Benefits of Upgrading to an Aprilaire 800 Steam Humidifier
Integrating an Aprilaire 800 steam humidifier into your home infrastructure delivers immediate health and structural rewards:
On-Demand Humidity Control: Delivers moisture whenever your home needs it, even during mild winter days when your furnace rarely turns on.
Pure, Mineral-Free Steam: Boiling water leaves minerals behind in a replaceable canister, ensuring only clean, sterile water vapor enters your air supply.
Enhances Winter Health & Immunity: Proper indoor humidity keeps mucous membranes moist, reducing susceptibility to cold viruses, sore throats, and airborne germs.
Eliminates Static Shocks: Stops annoying static electricity buildup on carpets, clothing, and blankets during bone-dry winter months.
Our Step-by-Step Aprilaire 800 Installation Process
HVAC & Electrical Capacity Assessment: Evaluating your electrical panel and duct layout to plan the dedicated circuit and dispersion tube placement.
Steam Canister & Chassis Mounting: Securely mounting the steam generator unit to a solid wall near your main heating supply duct.
Dispersion Tube & Plumbing Installation: Inserting the steam dispersion tube into the supply plenum and connecting water supply and drain lines.
Dedicated Electrical Wiring: Running a dedicated high-voltage power line to the unit alongside low-voltage control wiring connected to your thermostat.
System Commissioning & Testing: Filling the canister, verifying proper steam generation, checking safety cutoffs, and running final operational tests.
Frequently Asked Questions: Aprilaire 800 Steam Humidifier
Q: Why choose a steam humidifier over a standard evaporative humidifier?
A: Standard evaporative models only work when your furnace is actively heating. The Aprilaire 800 Steam Humidifier generates its own steam on demand, providing significantly higher capacity and operating independently of your furnace.
Q: Will the steam humidifier increase my electricity and water usage?
A: Because it boils water using electrical resistance, it consumes more electricity than a passive bypass humidifier. However, its unmatched output is essential for large homes, and it only runs when humidity is actively required.
Q: How often does the steam canister need to be replaced?
A: The internal steam canister acts as a trap for mineral deposits and typically requires replacement once a year (depending on local water hardness and runtime hours).
Q: Can the Aprilaire 800 cause window condensation?
A: No, when installed with the included automatic digital humidistat. The outdoor sensor monitors exterior temperatures and automatically adjusts indoor humidity to prevent window frosting.
At AprilAire, our mission has always been to make homes healthy through intuitive design and professional-grade solutions—because healthy homes are the foundation for healthy people, families, and communities.
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