Aprilaire Home Comfort Control™ with Wi-Fi
Model 8910W
Owner's Manual
Includes Operating Instructions and Warranty Information
About Your New Home Comfort Control™
Home Comfort Control Features
- Remote access and control over Wi-Fi.
- Indoor air quality control.
- Humidification automatic or manual control.
- Dehumidification.
- Event-Based™ air cleaning.
- Ventilation with temperature and humidity limits.
- Temperature control.
- Heat Blast® raises the room temperature 3°F to 5°F.
- Optional wireless outdoor temperature sensor available.
- Large touch screen with adjustable backlight – constant backlight available.
- Message center provides feedback, instructions, and service reminders.
- 7 day programmability.
- Displays room temperature, room humidity, temperature setting, and optional outdoor temperature.
- Programmable fan control with fan circulation mode.
- Easy to use temperature control can override program schedule at any time.
Controls & Display Overview – Home Screen
The Home Screen displays key information and provides access to primary functions.
- Room Temperature: Current indoor temperature.
- Current Day: Day of the week.
- Outdoor Temperature: Current outdoor temperature (if sensor is installed).
- Room Relative Humidity: Current indoor humidity level.
- Fan Mode Setting: Indicates current fan mode (AUTO, ON, CIRC).
- Fan Mode Button: To change the fan mode.
- System Mode Setting: Indicates current system mode (HEAT, COOL, AUTO, OFF, EM HEAT).
- System Mode Button: To change the system mode.
- Equipment Status Indicators: Visual cues for system operation.
- Message Center: Scrolling text for alerts, reminders, and information.
- Current Time & Date: Displays the current time and date.
- Wi-Fi Signal Strength: Indicates the strength of the Wi-Fi connection (?).
- Heat Blast Button: Activates the Heat Blast feature.
- Main Menu Button: Accesses the main menu.
- Temperature Setting: Displays the target temperature.
- Air Cleaning Button: Enters the Event-Based™ Air Cleaning control screen.
- Humidity Control Button: Enters the Humidity Control screen.
- Fresh Air Button: Enters the Ventilation control screen.
- Temperature Adjustment: Buttons (▲/▼) to adjust temperature setpoints.
- Indicators Show Through Housing:
- HEAT PUMP ONLY: Emergency heat or Auxiliary Heat (RED indicator).
- SYSTEM FAULT: (YELLOW indicator).
- MAINTENANCE REMINDER: (YELLOW FLASHING indicator).
- Hold Button: Sets or clears a temporary or permanent hold.
Controls & Display Overview – Main Menu
The Main Menu provides access to scheduling, settings, and other functions.
- Set Schedule Button: Accesses schedule programming.
- Clean Screen: Disables touch screen for 30 seconds for cleaning.
- Set Vacation Hold: Sets a hold for a specific time and date.
- Set Current Time and Date: Adjusts the system clock.
- Done Button: Exits the current menu or function.
- User System Settings: Accesses advanced system settings.
Equipment Control Module LEDs
The Equipment Control Module has several LED indicators:
- POWER/STATUS: Solid during normal operation. Flashes when connection is lost or during power-up.
- HEATING: On when heating outputs are active.
- COOLING: On when cooling outputs are active.
- FAN: On when fan output is active.
- HUMIDIFIER: On when humidifier output is active.
- DEHUMIDIFIER: On when dehumidifier output is active.
- VENTILATION: On when ventilation output is active.
- AIR CLEANING: On when air cleaner output is active.
Wi-Fi Setup & Remote Access
For detailed instructions on connecting the Home Comfort Control™ to a Wi-Fi network and registering it to an Aprilaire account, refer to the Wi-Fi Quick Start Guide included in the box. Visit my.aprilaire.com for instructions about using the Aprilaire web and mobile apps.
Operation
Select System Mode (EM HEAT/HEAT/OFF/COOL/AUTO)
Press the [MODE] button to select the desired system mode:
- EM HEAT: For heat pumps with auxiliary heat. Controls auxiliary heat; heat pump does not operate.
- HEAT: Controls only the heating system.
- OFF: Heating and cooling systems are off.
- COOL: Controls only the cooling system.
- AUTO: Automatically selects heating or cooling based on indoor temperature (if enabled by installer).
Press [DONE] to save and exit, or [CANCEL] to exit without saving. The control will save and exit if no input is received within 10 seconds.
Change Temperature Set Point
Use the ▲ or ▼ buttons to adjust the current temperature set point. For more information on holding temperature settings, see Program Schedule Holds on pages 26-30.
Select Fan Setting (ON/AUTO/CIRC)
When the fan mode is changed during a program event, it remains in that mode until the next event starts. To run the fan continuously, program it to FAN ON in the schedule.
Press the [FAN] button to select:
- ON: Fan runs continuously for maximum air circulation/filtering.
- AUTO: Fan runs only when the heating or cooling system is on.
- CIRC: Similar to AUTO, but ensures the fan runs for at least 30 minutes per hour, balancing energy savings and air circulation/cleaning.
Press [DONE] to save and exit, or [CANCEL] to exit without saving. The control will save and exit if no input is received within 10 seconds.
Clean Screen
Press [MENU] to enter the main menu. Press [CLEAN SCREEN] to disable the touch screen for 30 seconds for cleaning.
Note: Use a soft damp cloth to clean the screen. Use water or household glass cleaner. Do not spray liquids directly on the screen.
Maintenance Reminders
Maintenance reminders are set by the installer. If a reminder is displayed, contact your HVAC dealer for service. To clear reminders:
- Press [MENU] to enter the main menu.
- Select YES to Service Reminders and press [Next].
- Select YES for each reminder to reset and press [Next] or [Back] to navigate.
- Press [DONE] to reset selected reminders.
Screen Lockout
Users can disable certain features via the User System Settings (pages 35-37). This feature can be overridden by pressing and holding [MENU] for 7 seconds.
Indoor Air Quality Functions
Event-Based™ Air Cleaning
Press [AIR CLEANING] on the Home screen to access the Air Cleaning screen. Air cleaning activates the fan for this purpose.
Available modes:
- Off: Air cleaner does not activate the fan. Air cleaning may still occur during normal heating/cooling cycles.
- Constant Clean: Air cleaner runs 24/7 for maximum air cleaning.
- Automatic: Runs a minimum of 30 minutes every hour, monitoring system run time. It turns on automatically if 30 minutes is not reached, balancing cleaning and energy use.
- Event Clean (3 hour cycle): Runs for 3 hours continuously, then returns to the previous mode (Off, Automatic, or Constant Clean). Useful after activities like vacuuming.
- Allergies (24 hour cycle): Runs continuously for 24 hours during peak allergy seasons or poor outdoor air quality, then returns to the previous mode.
Note: The Home Comfort Control manages fan and air cleaning selections when they overlap.
Humidity Control
Press [HUMIDITY CONTROL] on the Home screen to access the Humidity Control screen. This screen manages both humidification and dehumidification.
Humidification
If humidification is installed, it can be controlled in automatic or manual mode (configured by installer).
Automatic Mode
Provides optimal humidity for home and furnishings, protecting against condensation or low humidity. Adjusts RH based on outdoor temperature.
Initial Setup:
- Set humidity to "3" (normal range). Monitor for 24-48 hours and adjust as needed for comfort.
- Minor adjustments may be needed during the coldest part of the heating season, depending on home construction.
The system will then accurately control relative humidity.
Manual Mode
Anticipate outdoor temperature drops and adjust settings to avoid condensation. Use the following table for recommended RH settings:
Outside Temperature | Recommended RH |
---|---|
+50°F | 50% |
+40°F | 45% |
+30°F | 40% |
+20°F | 35% |
+10°F | 30% |
0°F | 25% |
-10°F | 20% |
-20°F | 15% |
Dehumidification
If dehumidification is installed, the Home Comfort Control can manage it via a whole-home dehumidifier or the air conditioner (cooling unit).
Set the desired humidity level (% RH) and turn dehumidification On or Off.
Initial Setup: Set dehumidification to 60% RH. Allow it to run until the initial setpoint is reached before adjusting.
- Raise setting: For less dry air; reduces dehumidification run time.
- Lower setting: For more dry air; increases dehumidification run time.
Note: Initially, the dehumidifier may run for an extended period to remove moisture from home materials.
Energy Saving Tips
- Tip #1: Set dehumidification as high as comfortable to reduce run time. If it feels clammy or smells damp/moldy, lower the setting. Turn OFF when opening windows.
- Tip #2: For extended summer vacations, set RH to 60% and cooling setpoint high. Consult professionals for safe temperatures for pets/possessions. This helps prevent mold while minimizing cooling energy use. Vacation hold is useful for this.
If dehumidification is done with the air conditioner: The Home Comfort Control will cool up to 3°F beyond the cooling setpoint for dehumidification. Note that overcooling may not be sufficient to meet the dehumidification setpoint.
Fresh Air
Press [FRESH AIR] on the Home screen to access the Fresh Air screen. If ventilation is installed, Fresh Air can operate in four modes:
- Off: Ventilation will not run.
- Automatic: Ventilation cycles based on installer-set parameters to meet home ventilation requirements.
- 3 Hour Event: Ventilation runs for 3 hours, then returns to the previous mode (Off or Automatic). Used when fresh air is needed, e.g., after cooking.
- 24 Hour Event: Ventilation runs for 24 hours, then returns to the previous mode (Off or Automatic). Used when a large amount of fresh air is desired, e.g., with desirable outdoor conditions.
Program Schedule and Holds
Set Time and Date
Press [MENU] to enter the main menu. Press [SET CLK/DATE] to enter the clock menu.
Use ▲ or ▼ to set the hour. Press [Next], then ▲ or ▼ to set the minute, month, day, and year.
Press [DONE] to save and exit, or [CANCEL] to exit without saving. The control will save and exit if no input is received within 20 seconds.
Note: Once connected to the cloud, time and date update automatically, including for daylight savings.
Understanding Program Schedules
The daily schedule is divided into four sections:
- WAKE: Preferred temperature upon waking.
- LEAVE: Preferred temperature when away.
- RETURN: Preferred temperature upon returning home.
- SLEEP: Preferred temperature during sleep.
The table below shows default times and temperatures. These can be changed via the "Changing Program Schedules" section (pages 24-25).
The Home Comfort Control is pre-set with the following program settings, recommended to reduce heating/cooling expenses. The fan is pre-set to AUTO for all events.
Event designator | Start time | Heat Set temperature | Cool Set temperature | Fan |
---|---|---|---|---|
WAKE | 6:00AM | 70°F (21°C) | 78°F (25.5°C) | AUTO |
LEAVE | 8:00AM | 62°F (16.5°C) | 85°F (29.5°C) | AUTO |
RETURN | 5:00PM | 70°F (21°C) | 78°F (25.5°C) | AUTO |
SLEEP | 10:00PM | 62°F (16.5°C) | 82°F (27.5°C) | AUTO |
Progressive Recovery
This feature allows the heating and cooling equipment to activate PRIOR to a scheduled event, ensuring the desired temperature is reached by the event's start time. For example, if WAKE is at 6 am and the target is 70°F, heating will start before 6 am.
Changing Program Schedules
To program schedules:
- Press [MENU] to enter the main menu.
- Press [SET SCHEDULE] to enter schedule programming.
- Select the day (e.g., MON-TUE, WED, THU, FRI, SAT, SUN) using ▲ or ▼.
- Press [Next], then use ▲ or ▼ to set the start time for the first event (e.g., WAKE).
- Press [Next], then use ▲ or ▼ to set the heat and cool setpoints for the first event.
- Press [Next], then [FAN] to set the fan mode for the first event.
- Press [Next] to advance to the next event (LEAVE, RETURN, SLEEP). Repeat steps 3-6 for each event.
- Press [DONE] to save the schedule for the day.
Copy Schedule: After programming a day, you can press [COPY] to copy that day's schedule to any other day. Alternatively, press [CANCEL] to proceed to the next day and program it manually.
Heat Blast®
Heat Blast® raises the current room temperature by 3°F to 5°F (based on installer setup) and then resumes normal operation. Press the [Heat Blast] button to activate. This feature is only available in Heat or Emergency Heat mode and if enabled by the installer.
To cancel Heat Blast, press [CANCEL], [Heat Blast], or the temperature adjust buttons.
Temporary Program Hold
This hold temporarily overrides the schedule. Press ▲ or ▼ to adjust the temperature. The hold will remain active until the next scheduled event begins.
To adjust the end time of the hold, press ▲ or ▼. If not adjusted, the hold ends at the next scheduled event.
To cancel a Temporary Hold, press [CANCEL HOLD].
Permanent Program Hold
Press [HOLD] to permanently hold the current temperature setting. This overrides all scheduled events. Temperature and fan mode can be adjusted and will remain set until the hold is cancelled.
To cancel a Permanent Hold, press [CANCEL HOLD].
Away
The Away feature, if enabled, sets the Home Comfort Control to predefined setpoints via the Aprilaire App. Default cooling setpoint is 85°F (29.5°C), heating is 62°F (16.5°C), and fan mode is Auto. These defaults can be modified in the App.
To cancel Away at the thermostat, press [CANCEL HOLD].
Vacation Program Hold
This energy-saving feature suspends the programmed schedule for extended periods. The selected temperature and dehumidification setpoint (optional) are maintained 24 hours a day until the specified end date and time. Once surpassed, the previous schedule resumes.
To return early, press [CANCEL HOLD] to resume the programmed schedule.
To set Vacation Hold:
- Press [MENU] to enter the main menu.
- Press [SET VACATION] to enter vacation program hold.
- Press [Next], then adjust the dehumidification setting (if applicable).
- Press ▲ or ▼ to adjust the temperature setting.
- Press [Next], then [FAN] to set the fan mode.
- Press [Next], then ▲ or ▼ to set the end date.
- Press [Next], then ▲ or ▼ to set the end time.
- Press [DONE] to save and exit, or [CANCEL] to exit without saving. The control will save and exit if no input is received within 20 seconds.
Wi-Fi Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Clearing Router Settings
If you purchase a new Wi-Fi router or change security settings on your existing router, the Home Comfort Control's router settings must be cleared to enter new settings. To do this:
- Enter the setup menu (pages 34-37).
- Change the "WiFi Disconnect and Clear Settings" option to Yes.
- Press [DONE]. This removes all previous Wi-Fi settings.
Refer to the Wi-Fi Quick Start Guide for instructions on connecting to your Wi-Fi network.
Removing the Home Comfort Control from a my.aprilaire.com Account
The Home Comfort Control can only be registered to one account. To remove it from an existing account (e.g., if you purchased a home with the thermostat already installed) and register it to a new account:
- Enter the setup menu (as described in the following section).
- Change the "Unregister the Thermostat" setting to Yes.
- Press [DONE]. This removes the Home Comfort Control from its current account.
Refer to the Wi-Fi Quick Start Guide for instructions on registering to a new account.
Disabling the Wi-Fi Radio
To turn off the Wi-Fi radio:
- Enter the setup menu (pages 34-37).
- Change the "Turn Off WiFi Radio" setting to Yes.
- Press [DONE]. This turns off the Wi-Fi radio but maintains network settings.
To turn the Wi-Fi radio back on, repeat the process and set "Turn Off WiFi Radio" to No.
Troubleshooting Wi-Fi Connection
Wi-Fi connection status is indicated by the radio strength indicator and the message center. The table below details statuses:
Wi-Fi connection status | Radio status indicator | Message Center |
---|---|---|
Normal Operation. | Wi-Fi signal strength indicated by bars. The frame is displayed and bars cycle from 0 to 4. | No corresponding message. Displays the SSID of the thermostat (used to identify it when connecting via a smart device). |
The Home Comfort Control Wi-Fi settings have not been entered. Refer to the Wi-Fi Quick Start Guide for instructions for entering the Wi-Fi settings. | The frame is displayed and the bars cycle from 0 to 4. | Displays the SSID of the thermostat. |
The Home Comfort Control cannot connect to the Wi-Fi router. Verify that the router is functioning properly. | The frame and all bars flash on and off. | WiFi Connection Lost |
The Home Comfort Control cannot connect to the internet. Verify that your internet connection is working. | The display will alternate between displaying the frame and all bars. | Internet Connection Lost |
There is an internal error with the Home Comfort Control Wi-Fi radio. The Home Comfort Control will continue to control HVAC and IAQ equipment, but will not connect to Wi-Fi. Contact an HVAC professional for repair. | The frame will flash on and off. | Radio Error |
Wi-Fi radio turned off. Refer to the Setup Menu section for information about turning the Wi-Fi module on. | Not displayed. | WiFi Turned Off |
Setup Menu
How to Enter the Setup Menu to Change Settings
Press [MENU] to enter the main menu. Press [SETUP] to enter the setup menu.
Press [Next] or [Back] to page through the settings (displayed in the message center).
Use ▲ or ▼ to adjust the setting (selected option flashes).
Press [DONE] to save and exit, or [CANCEL] to exit without saving. Changes will be discarded if no input is received within 60 seconds.
User System Settings Table
The following table lists settings, their descriptions, and default values.
User system setting | Description | Factory default setting (bold) and setting range |
---|---|---|
Temperature Scale | Set the thermostat to Fahrenheit or Celsius mode. | Fahrenheit Celsius |
Lockout Type | Sets the screen lockout level. Full prevents any changes. Partial allows individual functions to be locked out. None disables the feature. Note: Unlock by holding [MENU] for 7 seconds. | None Partial Full |
Mode Lockout | Prevents changes to the system mode. Only available when Lockout Type is Partial. | Disable Enable |
Fan Lockout | Prevents changes to the fan mode. Only available when Lockout Type is Partial. | Disable Enable |
Dehum Lockout | Prevents changes to the dehumidification setpoint. Only available when Lockout Type is Partial. | Disable Enable |
Setpoint Lockout | Prevents or limits changes to heating/cooling setpoints. Full allows no changes. Range limits changes by Max Temp Setpoint Change. Only available when Lockout Type is Partial. | Disable Full Range |
Max Setpoint Change in Lockout | Sets the maximum change to the heat or cool setpoint. Only available when Setpoint Lockout is set to Range. | 3°F or 1.5°C 1°F to 20°F (0.5° to 10°C) |
Menu Lockout | Prevents access to the Menu screen. Only available if no other lockouts are enabled. | Disable Enable |
Program Format | Enables the 7-day program. | 7-Day Non-Prog |
Reset Service Reminders | Clears Air Filter, HVAC, Dehumidifier Service reminders and resets their start date. Clears Water Panel reminder if active. Resets timed reminders. | No Yes |
Backlight Intensity | Sets the active backlight intensity. Minimum setting is 40% when Constant Backlight is enabled. | 100 Percent 0 to 100 Percent |
WiFi Disconnect and Clear Settings | Disconnects from router and clears Wi-Fi settings. Sets thermostat to provisioning mode for connection to a new Wi-Fi router. | No Yes |
Turn Off WiFi Radio | Use to turn off the Wi-Fi radio. Wi-Fi settings will be maintained. | No Yes |
Unregister the Thermostat | Unregisters the thermostat from an Aprilaire account. Use when registering to a new account (e.g., after purchasing a home). Clears previous registration. | No Yes |
Home Comfort Control™ Five Year Limited Warranty
Research Products Corporation warrants the Aprilaire® Home Comfort Control™ for five (5) years from the date of installation against defects in materials or workmanship.
Research Products Corporation's sole obligation is to supply, without charge, a replacement for any defective Home Comfort Control returned within five (5) years of installation, along with the installation date, to the original supplier or to Research Products Corporation, Madison, Wisconsin 53701, no later than thirty (30) days after the five-year period.
This warranty does not obligate Research Products Corporation for any labor costs and does not apply to defects in workmanship or materials furnished by the installer, only to the Home Comfort Control itself.
Implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose are limited to the five-year period. Research Products Corporation is expressly excluded from liability for incidental or consequential damages, other than damages for personal injuries, resulting from any breach of implied warranties or this limited warranty.
This limited warranty is VOID if defects result from failure to have this Home Comfort Control installed by a qualified heating and air conditioning contractor. If the warranty is void due to failure to use a qualified contractor, all disclaimers of implied warranties are effective upon installation.
Some states do not allow limitations on implied warranty duration or the exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, so these limitations may not apply to you.
This warranty grants specific legal rights, and you may have other rights that vary by state.
Warranty Registration
Register your Aprilaire product online at www.aprilaire.com. If you do not have online access, mail a postcard with your name, address, phone number, product purchased, and date of purchase to: Research Products Corporation, P.O. BOX 1467, Madison, WI 53701.
Your Warranty Registration information will not be sold or shared outside of this company.
FCC Declaration
Compliance Statement (Part 15.19)
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
- This device may not cause harmful interference, and
- This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Warning (Part 15.21)
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
FCC Interference Statement (Part 15.105 (b))
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
FCC RF Radiation Exposure Statement
To comply with FCC/IC RF exposure limits for general population / uncontrolled exposure, the antenna(s) used for this transmitter must be installed to provide a separation distance of at least 20 cm from all persons and must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
IC Statement
RSS-GEN, Sec. 7.1.2
Under Industry Canada regulations, this radio transmitter may only operate using an antenna of a type and maximum (or lesser) gain approved for the transmitter by Industry Canada. To reduce potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its gain should be so chosen that the equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not more than that necessary for successful communication.
Conformément à la réglementation d'Industrie Canada, le présent émetteur radio peut fonctionner avec une antenne d'un type et d'un gain maximal (ou inférieur) approuvé pour l'émetteur par Industrie Canada. Dans le but de réduire les risques de brouillage radioélectrique à l'intention des autres utilisateurs, il faut choisir le type d'antenne et son gain de sorte que la puissance isotrope rayonnée équivalente (p.i.r.e.) ne dépassepas l'intensité nécessaire à l'établissement d'une communication satisfaisante.
RSS-GEN, Sec. 7.1.3
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
- this device may not cause interference, and
- this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes:
- l'appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et
- l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible d'en compromettre le fonctionnement.
P.O. Box 1467 • Madison, WI 53701-1467 • Phone: 800/334-6011 • Fax: 608/257-4357
61001130 5.15 B2206503A
U.S. Patent Numbers 8,146,376, 8,596,078 and other patents pending. © 2015 Aprilaire – A division of Research Products Corporation