{"product_id":"aprilaire-model-500-whole-home-humidifier","title":"AprilAire Model 500 Whole-Home Humidifier","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"fd-guide\"\u003e\n  \u003cp class=\"fd-guide-lede\"\u003eThe Minnesota-winter no-brainer. A whole-home humidifier tied into your furnace ductwork maintains 35-45% humidity through dry winter months — no more nosebleeds, cracking wood floors, static shocks, or dried-out sinuses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch2\u003eWhat it does\u003c\/h2\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eBypass-style evaporative humidifier designed for homes up to 3,000 sqft. Installs on the return or supply duct of your forced-air furnace. When the furnace runs, warm dry air passes through a moistened water panel and returns to the home at 35-45% humidity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch2\u003eWhy you'll want it\u003c\/h2\u003e\n  \u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEliminates dry-winter health symptoms: nosebleeds, cracked lips, static shocks, dry eyes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProtects wood floors, furniture, and musical instruments from winter shrinkage cracking\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReduces heating bills — humid air at 68°F feels as warm as dry air at 72°F\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAutomatic model (500) adjusts humidity based on outdoor temperature\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDesigned and manufactured in USA by AprilAire (inventor of whole-home humidifiers)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003ch2\u003eInstallation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eMounted on the return or supply trunk of your forced-air furnace. Requires a bypass duct connection, cold water supply line, and condensate drain. Wires into the furnace low-voltage control circuit. A licensed HVAC technician should install — typical time is 2-3 hours.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch2\u003eWhat's in the box\u003c\/h2\u003e\n  \u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAprilaire 500 humidifier housing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWater panel (replaceable)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHumidistat control (Model 500 Automatic or 4655 Manual depending on variant)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBypass duct kit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSolenoid water valve\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTransformer and wiring\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInstallation instructions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003ch2\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"fd-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAutomatic vs. Manual — which should I pick?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eAutomatic (Model 500) is recommended for most homes — it adjusts humidity based on outdoor temperature, preventing window condensation on cold days. Manual (500M) is simpler and cheaper but requires you to adjust the dial each season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fd-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHow much maintenance does it need?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eReplace the water panel (filter) once a year. That's it. $20-30 replacement, 10-minute job.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fd-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWill this cause mold?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eProperly installed and maintained, no. The water panel dries between cycles, and the flow-through design prevents standing water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"AprilAire","offers":[{"title":"Model 500 Automatic (recommended)","offer_id":56838682968367,"sku":"APR-500","price":363.3,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Model 500M Manual","offer_id":56838683001135,"sku":"APR-500M","price":290.05,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/2111\/2367\/files\/01_aprilaire-500-humidifier-hero-photo-2026-04-08.jpg?v=1776386386","url":"https:\/\/cooling.direct\/products\/aprilaire-model-500-whole-home-humidifier","provider":"Cooling Direct","version":"1.0","type":"link"}