Humidifier How-To
How to Use the AprilAire 60 Automatic Humidistat
The AprilAire 60 is a digital, automatic humidistat with an outdoor sensor. It reads the humidity in your return duct and automatically adjusts your humidifier’s run time as outdoor temperature changes, so you don’t have to re-dial it by hand all winter. This guide covers day-to-day use. If it isn’t mounted and wired yet, that’s a job for a licensed technician.
At a Glance
10–45% RH
Adjustable range
Set anywhere from 10% to 45% relative humidity, with a 3% differential.
Outdoor Sensor Included
Automatic adjustment
Uses an included outdoor temperature sensor to lower your target humidity automatically as it gets colder outside.
Lighted Display
What it shows
Digital readout of the humidity in your cold air return, plus indicator lights for service, water-panel change, and on/running status.
Manual Mode Available
No outdoor wire run?
Includes a manual-mode resistor so it can still work without the outdoor sensor wired in, if needed.
Setting Your Humidity Level
This covers using the control once it’s installed. Mounting it, wiring it to your humidifier, and running the outdoor sensor wire is an installer-level job, not covered here.
Step 1
Check the display
Confirm the lighted “Indoor Humidity” display is on and showing a current RH reading from your return duct.
Step 2
Set your target
Turn the dial to a number from 1 (Less) to 7 (More), with 4 marked “Normal.” A setting around Normal is a reasonable cold-weather starting point for most homes.
Step 3
Let the outdoor sensor do its job
With the outdoor sensor wired in, the control automatically lowers your target as it gets colder outside, so you shouldn’t need to re-adjust it through the season.
Step 4
Watch for condensation
If you see moisture on windows, lower your target a step and give it a day to catch up.
Daily-Use Features
Automatic seasonal adjustment
This is the main benefit over a manual dial: as outdoor temperature drops, the control automatically lowers your indoor humidity target to help prevent window condensation, without you touching it.
“Call Dealer for Service” light
Means the control has flagged something for a technician to check. It’s not an emergency, but don’t ignore it for long.
“Change Water Panel” light
Comes on after a preset run time to remind you to replace your humidifier’s water panel. Turn the dial to Test/Reset after replacing the panel to clear it.
“Humidifier On” light
Lets you confirm the humidifier is actively calling for water/power versus just sitting idle between cycles.
Blower activation switch
A separate OFF/ON switch runs the furnace fan along with the humidifier. Leave it in the position your installer set.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Re-adjusting the setting every time the weather changes — that’s what the outdoor sensor is already doing for you automatically.
- Ignoring a lit service light for an extended period.
- Assuming the water-panel light means something is broken — it’s just a maintenance reminder.
- Setting humidity above 45% expecting a drier result — the unit is designed to operate within its rated 10–45% range.
Troubleshooting
- Condensation on windows. Lower your target setting a step and give it a day to catch up; if it persists, the outdoor sensor wiring may need to be checked.
- Display is blank. Check that the humidifier and furnace have power. If it stays blank, call us.
- Humidity doesn’t seem to track the display. Confirm the furnace fan is running when the humidifier calls — most AprilAire humidifiers only run alongside the blower.
- Water-panel light stays on after replacing the panel. Turn the dial fully to the Test/Reset position, not just near it; call us if it still won’t clear.
AprilAire 60 Questions
What makes this “automatic” compared to a manual humidistat?
The included outdoor temperature sensor lets it automatically lower your humidity target as it gets colder outside, instead of you turning a dial by hand through the season.
Do I need the outdoor sensor wired in?
It’s how the automatic adjustment works, so we recommend it. The control can run in a basic manual mode without it, but you lose the automatic seasonal adjustment.
What’s a safe humidity range to run?
The control is rated for 10% to 45% RH. Most homes land somewhere in the 30s to low 40s in winter — back off a step if you see window condensation.
Can I call AprilAire directly about the humidifier itself?
Yes — AprilAire’s customer support line is 800-334-6011.
Want It Installed and Set Up for You?
We’ll mount the control, wire it and the outdoor sensor to your humidifier, and set a sensible starting target for your home in one visit.
See our indoor air quality services or the How-To Hub.
This guide is general homeowner information and is not a substitute for AprilAire’s own manual or support resources. AprilAire is a registered trademark of Research Products Corporation.
