Aprilaire Model E130 Dehumidifier Owner's Manual
Brand: Aprilaire
Model: E130
Introduction
Please leave this manual with the homeowner.
Installed By: [Installer Name]
Installer Phone: [Installer Phone Number]
Date Installed: [Installation Date]
Diagram of the Aprilaire Model E130 Dehumidifier: Shows the main unit with labels pointing to key components. The control panel features an ON/OFF button, MODE button, UP/DOWN arrow buttons, and a display. The unit has an [Inlet] for air intake, a [Filter Access Door], a [Drain] for condensate removal, and a [Power Switch]. An [Outlet] is shown for the discharge of dry air. The control panel display indicates current settings and status.
Whole Home Dehumidification
The Aprilaire® Dehumidifier controls the humidity level throughout your entire home. A powerful internal blower draws air into the cabinet, filters it, and removes moisture. The dry air is then discharged into the HVAC system or a dedicated area of the home.
Inside the cabinet, a sealed refrigeration system removes moisture by passing air over cold tubes and fins. The dew point is the temperature at which moisture condenses, similar to water droplets on a cold glass. This condensed moisture collects in the dehumidifier's drain pan and is routed via a drain tube to the nearest floor drain or condensate pump.
After moisture removal, the air passes over a second coil where it is reheated before being returned to the home. The air leaving the dehumidifier is warmer and drier than the air entering it.
To reduce indoor humidity, close windows and doors when outdoor humidity is high. Drying clothes outdoors is also recommended. For humidity generated by cooking and bathing, direct exhaust from kitchen vents and bath fans is the most effective method. This dehumidifier is not designed to prevent window condensation in winter; use ventilation to lower indoor humidity levels during colder months.
Setting the Desired Humidity Level
The dehumidifier's on-board control displays the humidity setting when not running and the measured humidity when operating.
Use the [Up/Down Arrows] buttons to set the desired humidity level between 40% and 80% relative humidity (RH). The [ON/OFF] button controls the unit's power.
It is recommended to set the control to 55% RH upon initial installation. Allow the dehumidifier to run until it reaches this setting before making further adjustments.
- If you prefer drier air, decrease the humidity setting.
- If you prefer less dry air, increase the humidity setting.
Diagram showing the control panel (90-1853): Features ON/OFF and MODE buttons. The display shows "55% SETTING". [Up/Down Arrows] are indicated for adjustment.
Your personal comfort is the best guide for adjusting the setting. When first installed, the dehumidifier must remove initial moisture from the home's materials, which act like a sponge. This process can take an extended period, as the home's materials will release moisture back into the air until equilibrium is reached.
Energy Savings Tips
Tip #1: Adjust the humidity setting to the highest level that is comfortable to reduce run time. If the air feels clammy or has a musty odor, lower the setting. Turn the dehumidifier OFF when opening windows to save energy, similar to air conditioning.
Tip #2: When vacating your home for an extended period in the summer, set the RH to 55% and your thermostat to a comfortable cooling mode setting. Consult professionals regarding safe temperature limits for pets or possessions. This maintains controlled humidity while minimizing cooling energy use.
How Does the Dehumidifier Work?
The dehumidifier measures indoor humidity levels hourly and compares them to the set humidity level. If the indoor humidity is higher than the setting, the unit will dehumidify until the level drops to 3% RH below the set point.
When the dehumidifier starts, the blower circulates air for 3 minutes to measure the humidity. The control panel will display "AIR SAMPLING" along with the measured humidity.
Diagram showing the control panel (90-1854): Features ON/OFF and MODE buttons. The display shows "60% RH AIR SAMPLING".
If the air humidity is higher than the set point, the compressor activates, and the control panel displays "DEHUMIDIFYING" along with the measured humidity.
Diagram showing the control panel (90-1854): Features ON/OFF and MODE buttons. The display shows "60% RH DEHUMIDIFYING".
The dehumidifier includes two energy-saving protection features:
- Defrost: A normal operating mode to prevent ice formation on the refrigeration coil. The display will show "DEFROSTING". This can occur with insufficient airflow or low incoming air temperature/humidity.
- E8 Code: Indicates that the incoming air temperature is below 50°F or above 104°F, or the dew point is below 40°F. Dehumidifier efficiency is significantly reduced outside these conditions. Low dew point conditions are common in basements or crawl spaces during winter and spring. The unit will resume normal operation when conditions are within the acceptable range.
Optional – Heating and Cooling System Blower Operation
Your installing contractor may have configured the dehumidifier to activate the heating and cooling system blower to improve the circulation of dry air.
External Control Options
Your Aprilaire dehumidifier can be controlled by optional external controls conveniently located in the living space. Recommended models include the Aprilaire Model 76 (dedicated dehumidifier control) and the Model 8620 and 8910 (integrated thermostat controls). These minimize wall clutter.
The Model 76 can also serve as a remote control for units located in crawl spaces, allowing you to adjust settings and monitor humidity from your living area. Refer to the owner's manuals for these controls for detailed operating instructions. Aprilaire owner's manuals are available at www.aprilaire.com.
Consult your installing contractor if you are interested in installing an external control.
Diagrams of external controls: - Model 76 Control: A simple display showing "60%" and "ON". - Model 8620 Thermostat or Model 8910* Home Comfort Control™: - 8620 Main Display Screen: Shows current temperature (e.g., 68°), mode (HEAT, AUTO), schedule status, date, and time. - 8620 Humidity Control Screen: Displays "Set To 60%", "Inside 60%", and options like "HUMIDITY CONTROL" and "DONE". *Model 8910 includes a thermostat and equipment control module for IAQ accessories.
How Does the Optional Ventilation Work?
If your contractor installed the optional ventilation feature, they determined the required fresh air based on factors like home size, occupancy, and local building codes. The dehumidifier control is set to operate ventilation for a specific duration each hour to provide this fresh air. When ventilation is active, a damper opens to allow outside air in, and your heating and cooling system blower distributes it.
To adjust ventilation time, press the [MODE] button twice to access the setting. Use the [Up/Down Arrows] to set the number of minutes per hour (0-60; 0 turns it off). The display will return to the dehumidifier setting automatically.
Diagram showing the control panel (90-1854): Features ON/OFF and MODE buttons. The display shows "30 MINUTES" and "ON" under a VENT setting. [Up/Down Arrows] are indicated.
For more information on home ventilation benefits, visit www.aprilaire.com.
Maintenance
Clean or Replace the Air Filter
The air filter should be checked and cleaned every 6 months. The "CLEAN FILTER" service reminder will appear on the control screen every 6 months. To clear the message, press the [Up/Down Arrows] simultaneously for 3 seconds.
Diagram showing the control panel (90-1854): Features ON/OFF and MODE buttons. The display shows "CLEAN FILTER".
Filter Cleaning Procedure
- Turn the [ON/OFF] switch OFF.
- Remove the [Filter Access Door] from either side of the dehumidifier.
- Slide the filter out of the dehumidifier.
- Flush the filter with warm water and a mild detergent solution.
- Shake off excess water from the filter.
- Replace the filter, ensuring it is secured in both the top and bottom filter rails.
- Replace the [Filter Access Door].
- Turn the [ON/OFF] switch ON.
- Press the [Up/Down Arrows] buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds to clear the service message.
Check the Drain
The drain system should be checked annually for blockages or air locks. If the unit is not draining properly, contact a qualified service professional.
⚠️ CAUTION
Do not use spray solvents or cleaners on or near the inlet side of the dehumidifier. If desired, apply cleaner to a cloth and use it to clean the cabinet.
Troubleshooting
Diagnostic Codes
The on-board control will display a diagnostic code if an error occurs and service is required. Contact your installing contractor if codes E1-E7 or E9 are displayed.
Code E8 is displayed if the incoming air temperature is below 50°F, above 104°F, or the dew point is below 40°F. The dehumidifier will resume operation when the incoming air is within the acceptable range. If the error persists, contact your installing contractor.
Diagram showing the control panel (90-1854): Features ON/OFF and MODE buttons. The display shows "E1" and "SERVICE REQUIRED".
Limited Warranty
Your Research Products Corporation Aprilaire® Dehumidifier is warranted for five (5) years from the date of installation against defects in materials or workmanship. Research Products Corporation's obligation is to supply, at no charge, a replacement for any defective component returned within five (5) years of installation (and no later than thirty (30) days after the five-year period ends) to your original supplier or to Research Products Corporation, Madison, Wisconsin 53701, along with the model number and installation date.
This warranty does not cover labor costs or defects in workmanship or materials furnished by the installer, as opposed to defects in the dehumidifier itself.
Implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose are limited to the five-year period. Research Products Corporation expressly excludes liability for incidental or consequential damages, other than damages for personal injuries, resulting from any breach of the implied or limited warranty.
This limited warranty is void if defects result from failure to have the unit installed by a qualified heating and air conditioning contractor. If the warranty is voided due to improper installation, all disclaimers of implied warranties become effective upon installation.
Some states do not permit limitations on the duration of implied warranties 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 internet access, mail a postcard with your name, address, phone number, email address, product purchased, model number, date of purchase, and dealer name and address 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.
Contact Information:
Aprilaire.com
P.O. Box 1467
Madison, WI 53701-1467
800.334.6011
F: 608.257.4357
Printed in USA
©2021 Aprilaire - Division of Research Products Corporation
Document Number: 10015563 B2209246A 1.21
