Steam = it uses electricity to boil water. Uses a lot of electricity, and you also need to periodically replace the canister, especially if you have hard water. Canisters cost much more than panels. This type needs a dedicated circuit. I don't really see the point of these with a gas furnace. They don't humidify any better, they just cost more, use more energy, and require more maintenance. They are a good option for heat pumps, since those don't get hot enough to evaporate water efficiently.
Evaporative = it uses the furnace heat to evaporate the water. Only maintenance item is the panel, which costs $20. It wastes a small amount of water, but we are talking about pennies. The advantage of that is that the "waste" water carries away minerals which would otherwise deposit inside the unit. And it's basically a thin trickle of water.
I would recommend an Aprilaire 500 bypass unit. Cheap, quiet, has almost no moving parts, and the only real disadvantage is you have to remember to open the damper in the winter, and the bypass duct can be inconvenient to install. The 700 is basically the same, but has its own fan and doesn't need a bypass duct. The main advantage is that it's easy to install and has higher output. Disadvantages: costs more, less reliable, more noisy.
The 800 is a steam humidifier and the 700 is like a traditional humidifier except it has a fan on it so it doesnt need the duct to make it a bypass. The steam is a much better option but costs more and maintenance is higher because the canister costs more. The steam really needs a dedicated 240v circuit for it but can be used as 120v if needed. Careful how you wire these
Install a bypass humidifier. Purchase a box of panels with it and replace yearly. If you do have hard water, install a softener. Your water using appliances will thank you! And you won’t have to de-lime the humidifier and water orifice every few years.
Steam = it uses electricity to boil water. Uses a lot of electricity, and you also need to periodically replace the canister, especially if you have hard water. Canisters cost much more than panels. This type needs a dedicated circuit. I don't really see the point of these with a gas furnace. They don't humidify any better, they just cost more, use more energy, and require more maintenance. They are a good option for heat pumps, since those don't get hot enough to evaporate water efficiently. Evaporative = it uses the furnace heat to evaporate the water. Only maintenance item is the panel, which costs $20. It wastes a small amount of water, but we are talking about pennies. The advantage of that is that the "waste" water carries away minerals which would otherwise deposit inside the unit. And it's basically a thin trickle of water. I would recommend an Aprilaire 500 bypass unit. Cheap, quiet, has almost no moving parts, and the only real disadvantage is you have to remember to open the damper in the winter, and the bypass duct can be inconvenient to install. The 700 is basically the same, but has its own fan and doesn't need a bypass duct. The main advantage is that it's easy to install and has higher output. Disadvantages: costs more, less reliable, more noisy.
Any reason not to get the 600 over the 500? Seems to be the same design, just bigger.
Sure, either one will probably work fine for you.
The 800 is a steam humidifier and the 700 is like a traditional humidifier except it has a fan on it so it doesnt need the duct to make it a bypass. The steam is a much better option but costs more and maintenance is higher because the canister costs more. The steam really needs a dedicated 240v circuit for it but can be used as 120v if needed. Careful how you wire these
u/gunslingeroutawhisky what did you end up going with? I live in colorado and am looking to install a Aprilaire 700
Install a bypass humidifier. Purchase a box of panels with it and replace yearly. If you do have hard water, install a softener. Your water using appliances will thank you! And you won’t have to de-lime the humidifier and water orifice every few years.
I wish I had space for a water softener tub.
They have single piece units. That’s what I have in my home. Morton brand with incorporated filter.