Aprilaire 8800 eating batteries?

[lonebrave]

I'll try installing the second t-stat in place of the one I'm having problems with. Hopefully that one functions correctly. If not, and it turns out there is a mfg defect, maybe it will help narrow down the bad batch.

Just tried the second t-stat. No batteries are installed...fresh out of the box. I pulled the first one (with battery-eating problem) off the wall and installed the second (same wire connections, same baseplate, just replaced the t-stat). It powers on! I haven't set up anything, yet, but that's good news so far!
 
I also pulled the batteries out of the first unit while it was off the wall and reinstalled it...nothing. I'm leaning towards a defective unit at this point. We'll see how the second unit functions after I get it programmed and running for a while.

 

[giesen]

I tried mine with the HVAC wires disconnected and still had the same result. I guess, given lonebrave's post, that we both have defective t-stats. I'm getting a little concerned because Aprilaire asked me for a photo (which I sent) but haven't heard from them in a few days...
 
Now on my 4th set of batteries and WAF is going down (currently a little hot in the house since HVAC died while I was at work)

 

[fcwilt]

Sounds like both units are defective - but what are the odds - unless the factory released a defective batch - not unheard of.
 
Strange just the same.

 

[lonebrave]

I tried mine with the HVAC wires disconnected and still had the same result. I guess, given lonebrave's post, that we both have defective t-stats. I'm getting a little concerned because Aprilaire asked me for a photo (which I sent) but haven't heard from them in a few days...
 
Now on my 4th set of batteries and WAF is going down (currently a little hot in the house since HVAC died while I was at work)

Out of curiosity, where/when did you purchase your t-stat? Both of mine were purchased on the same order from Smarthome in late 2013.

 

[giesen]

Aprilaire got back to me this morning and looks like they want to replace the t-stat.

 

[Bigcheesehead]

Hi Guys,
I was just informed of the challenge you were experiencing.
It sounds like your thermostat is not working properly. Please contact our Technical Support team at (888) 782-8638 so we can replace your thermostat.
 
Thank you for your business.
 
David J Wood
HVAC Automation Sales Manager
(608) 310-6179
[email protected]

 

[pete_c]

Very nice David....been using Aprilaire humidifiers here now for some 35 years or so...
 
What would you recommend to me if I were to update my Aprilaire humidifier today from one installed some 12 years ago....Aprilaire model 600 ....my old HVAC person told me to leave the controller in place mounted on the ducts near the Humidifier...
 
Is there a better way today....I mean I can just connect the humidifier to my current thermostat....except that I would be going against what my HVAC person told me about the efficiency of the controller being where its at today....
 
I keep it set to around 35% in the winters here in the midwest.
 
...when the humidity level gets low in the winter then wife starts to "spark"..lowering the whole automation WAF stuff.....then I too start to spark by default.......and then...I just blame the 12 year old Aprilaire model 600 ......