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Aprilaire

Aprilaire 500
Small Bypass Humidifier

Compact whole-home bypass humidifier delivering 12 gallons per day. Built-in bypass damper, manual humidistat control, and once-a-year maintenance — perfect for smaller GTA homes.

Aprilaire Authorized
Annual Maintenance
Made in USA
Aprilaire 500 Small Bypass Humidifier
Specifications

Aprilaire 500 at a Glance

Compact bypass design with built-in damper — ideal for smaller homes that need reliable whole-home humidity without the footprint of a larger unit.

12 GPD
Daily Capacity
0.5 GPH
Evaporation Rate
3,600 sq ft
Coverage (Tight Home)
Bypass
Humidifier Type
24V
Electrical
1×/yr
Water Panel Change
Model: Aprilaire 500  ·  15⅝″W × 13″H × 10¼″D  ·  Automatic Digital Control
How It Works

Simple, Effective Humidity

1
Sensor Reads
The automatic digital control monitors indoor humidity and outdoor temperature, triggering the humidifier only when needed.
2
Water Flows
Water flows from your home's supply line into the distribution tray, evenly coating Aprilaire's patented Water Panel evaporator.
3
Air Absorbs
Dry air from the return duct passes through the moisture-laden Water Panel via the bypass damper, absorbing humidity naturally.
4
Whole-Home
Humidified air is distributed through your existing ductwork to every room — no portable units, no refilling, no maintenance headaches.
Benefits

Why Choose the Aprilaire 500?

Compact Design

Built-in bypass damper eliminates the need for separate bypass ductwork. Right or left discharge for flexible installation on supply or return plenum.

Set It & Forget It

Automatic digital control with outdoor temperature sensor adjusts humidity levels throughout the season — no manual tweaking required.

Healthier Air

Maintaining 40–60% relative humidity reduces airborne viruses, eases allergy and asthma symptoms, and prevents dry skin and bloody noses all winter.

Saves Energy

Properly humidified air feels warmer at lower temperatures. You can turn the thermostat down a degree or two and still feel comfortable — saving on heating bills.

Once-a-Year Maintenance

Replace the Water Panel once per heating season. Built-in drain flushes mineral buildup. No standing water inside the unit keeps air fresh and clean.

Protects Your Home

Dry air cracks hardwood floors, splits furniture, peels wallpaper, and loosens joints. A whole-home humidifier prevents thousands in damage every winter.

Buyer Guide

Is the Aprilaire 500 Right
for Your Home?

Your home is under 3,000 sq ft
The 500 is sized for tightly built homes up to 3,600 sq ft. For average-construction homes, it performs best under 1,500 sq ft. If your home is larger, consider the Aprilaire 600 or 700.
You want automatic "set it and forget it" control
The included Model 60 digital control monitors indoor humidity and outdoor temperature automatically. Set your target once — the humidifier handles the rest all season.
You have a forced-air furnace with accessible ductwork
Bypass humidifiers mount directly on your supply or return plenum. They work with your existing furnace blower — no extra fan needed, no extra electricity.

Not sure which humidifier fits your home? Our technicians will assess your ductwork, home size, and climate needs — no charge.

Book a Free Assessment
Why H&C

The GTA's Trusted
Indoor Air Quality Experts

Licensed & Insured
Every technician is fully licensed and insured. No subcontractors — ever.
15+ Years Experience
Family-run business serving the GTA with integrity and expertise since 2010.
24/7 Emergency
We answer the phone 365 days a year. Your comfort is our priority.
5-Star Rated
Consistently rated 5 stars across Google, HomeStars, and Yelp by real GTA homeowners.
Free Home Assessment
We assess your home, measure humidity, and recommend the right unit — no pressure, no cost.
Aprilaire Authorized
Authorized Aprilaire dealer — professional install required for full warranty coverage.
FAQ

Humidifier
Questions, Answered.

Have a question that's not here? Call us — our technicians are happy to help.

1-855-539-4328
What is a bypass humidifier?
A bypass humidifier connects between the supply and return air ducts of your furnace. It uses the pressure difference created by your furnace blower to push dry air through a moisture-laden Water Panel. The humidified air then returns to the ductwork and is distributed throughout your home. Because it relies on your furnace fan, it uses no additional electricity and operates silently.
How big of a home can the Aprilaire 500 handle?
The Aprilaire 500 is rated for tightly constructed homes up to 3,600 sq ft, average-construction homes up to 1,500 sq ft, and loosely sealed homes up to 750 sq ft. "Tightly constructed" means modern builds with quality insulation, weatherstripping, and sealed windows. Most GTA homes built after 2010 qualify. If your home is larger or older, the Aprilaire 600 or 700 is a better fit.
Does it need a floor drain?
Yes. The Aprilaire 500 is a drain-through design — excess water that doesn't evaporate drains away to flush minerals and prevent buildup. A floor drain or condensate pump is required. The advantage is no standing water inside the unit, which means fresh, clean humidified air and no mold risk.
How often does the Water Panel need to be replaced?
Once per heating season for most homes. If you have very hard water, you may want to replace it mid-season. The digital control includes a service indicator that reminds you when it's time. The Water Panel (Model 10) slides out in seconds — no tools needed. One panel comes included with the unit.
Should I connect it to hot or cold water?
Aprilaire recommends connecting to hot water when possible. Hot water increases the evaporation rate and complements the heat from your furnace. The unit works with cold, hard, or soft water too — but hot water gives the best performance. Note: tankless water heaters may not trigger on the low flow rate, so a standard tank water heater is preferred.
What humidity level should I set?
The ideal range is 35–45% relative humidity in winter. The automatic digital control adjusts based on outdoor temperature — when it's very cold outside, it lowers the target slightly to prevent condensation on windows. Most GTA homeowners set the target around 40% and let the automatic control handle the rest.
What Homeowners Are Saying

Real Reviews from Real Customers

Lisa M.
Oakville · Google Review
★★★★★

"We had H&C install an Aprilaire humidifier last November. The difference is incredible — no more waking up with dry throat and cracked lips. Our hardwood floors stopped creaking too. The technician was professional and had it installed in about 2 hours."

Verified Humidifier Customer
Robert K.
Brampton · Google Review
★★★★★

"Third winter with our Aprilaire from H&C. Just replaced the water panel for the season — took 2 minutes. The unit has been bulletproof. Our house stays at 40% humidity all winter. No more static shocks, no more dry skin. Best $800 we ever spent on the house."

Verified Humidifier Customer
Anita P.
Markham · HomeStars Review
★★★★★

"Our pediatrician recommended a whole-home humidifier for our son's eczema and frequent nosebleeds. H&C came out the same week, assessed our furnace, and installed the Aprilaire 500. His symptoms improved within days. The automatic control is great — we set it once and forgot about it."

Verified Humidifier Customer
Kevin W.
Scarborough · Facebook Review
★★★★★

"Had a portable humidifier in every room — refilling them daily was a nightmare. H&C installed a whole-home Aprilaire on our furnace and we threw out all the portables. One unit, whole house, zero refilling. Should have done this years ago."

Verified Humidifier Customer
See All Reviews on Google →
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Humidifier Quote

Fill out the form — or call us directly at 1-855-539-4328. Our team will reach out within 2 hours with a free, no-obligation estimate.

Same-Day Quotes
Fast response across the GTA
No Obligation
Free estimate with no hidden fees
Licensed Technicians
Required for Aprilaire warranty coverage