Aprilaire makes some of the best whole-home dehumidifier units out there on the market today. But sometimes things go wrong with the unit and require your attention. Most of these problems are benign, and with the right know how can be resolved quickly. Others, are more serious and might need the attention of a professional. To help you maintenance your Aprilaire E-Series Dehumidifier, we’ve put together this list of the various diagnostic codes. Learn about the Aprilaire E070.
Note: some of these error codes require knowledge or skill in electrical work and are not something you should undertake if you’re not completely comfortable or experienced with this kind of work. In these cases we recommend that you call a professional to come and perform the maintenance or repair work for you.
If you see the code ‘E1’ this means that the central computer of the dehumidifier is not receiving a good signal from the temperature / RH sensor. If the unit cannot get a signal, it has no way of knowing how warm or cool it is in the space.
Here’s a useful set of instructions on what steps to take when you get this code [link].
The code ‘E2’ means that the temperature of the discharge line is more than 190 degrees Fahrenheit. Usually this problem arises when the temperature of the air going into the inlet exceeds 100 degrees Fahrenheit (in other words the air is too warm to begin with) or insufficient airflow going through the dehumidifier. This issue usually corrects itself, but if you still see this error after five consecutive compressor restarts, it’s time to take action.
Here’s a useful set of instructions on what steps to take when you get this code [link].
According to information from the manufacturer, if you see the code ‘E3’ that means that the ‘model 76 control’ has stopped communicating with your dehumidifier. If this is the case, the fix may require some electrical work. If you’re handy with that sort of thing, you can find the full instructions here [link], otherwise we recommend you call a professional to perform the maintenance. Dehumidifiers involve high voltages and it’s not really a DIY task you should undertake if you don’t feel completely comfortable.
Unfortunately this is not a very descriptive error code. Capacity of what? According to the manufacturer’s literature, this error code can happen when the dehumidifier is transferred from a place with cold air to a place with warm air. If that’s the case, wait an hour and then check again. If the error code is still there after re-checking in an hour, it’s time to consider troubleshooting.
When you see either E5 or E6 it means that the signal to the high temperature or low temperature sensor is shorted. According to the literature from the manufacturer, this error can arise due to a loose connection on one of the circuit boards, or a failed sensor. This fix does involve electrical tasks so if you are comfortable with that, see the instructions here [linked]. If not, call a pro (us?) to come and fix it for you. Of course, if you’re a part of our dehumidifier service program these kinds of fixes are included.
This error code E7 means that a float switch has been triggered or opened by water accumulation in a drain pan of the unit. Follow the instructions in the literature from the manufacturer [link] to remedy this issue. And if you don’t feel comfortable working with electrical equipment – leave it to the professionals!
This error means that the temperature of the air is below 50 degrees F or above 104 degrees F. Or, it could mean that the dew point is lower than 40 degrees F. This error most likely is happening because you have installed the dehumidifier in a space that experiences temperature extremes. The dehumidifier unit has an operating temperature range and if the temperature falls out of this range then bad things can happen. So it’s a good idea to keep the unit in a space where the temperature is not too cold or too hot. If you’re getting this error, it might be time to think about moving the unit to a different space. If it’s too hot for your unit, then move the unit into a cooler spot. If it’s too cold, maybe you can move the unit higher up where the air is warmer.
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This error means that the temperature registered on the outdoor temperature sensor is out of range. You should only get this error if you have enabled the ventilation feature. Aside from actual cases in which the temperature is indeed out of range, the other reason why this error might happen is a failed sensor or a loose connection. Here are the instructions for remedying this issue [link].
We hope this guide helped to inform you of the different error codes you may encounter over the life of your Aprilaire. Again, some of these errors require serious fixes that involve electrical work, and electricity can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. In these cases you should call a professional to come and fix your dehumidifier for you.
And just a final reminder, if you have an Aprilaire dehumidifier (which we sell on our DIY store by the way) you can enroll in our maintenance service program and get regular maintenance as well as help whenever errors like this arise so you don’t even have to go down into the crawl space or basement!
Contact us if you need help fixing your crawl space, basement, attic, duct-work, or yard drainage by clicking here.
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26 thoughts on “Aprilaire Dehumidifier Error Codes”
I turned off my dehumidifier and when I tried to turn it back on it gives an E3 error code. I says to push the up and down arrows simultaneously for 3 seconds and then push the stare button. I flashes off and remote and the E3 code appears but the unit will not start up. The weird thing is I have not wired up the remote yet? Suggestions?
Check out page 3 of Aprilaire troubleshooting manual. https://diy.crawlspaceninja.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/aprilaire-1830-1850-1870-dehumidifier-troubleshooting-guide-1.pdf. If you have done all that, I would call them at (800) 334-6011.
Hi Michael,
My dehumidifier shows the error code E4. I tried to troubleshoot, the compressor seems fine, I let it ran for 15 minutes and checked the inlet air temp and suction line temp. The suction line temp only 2 degrees lower than the inlet air temp. Some said it most likely caused by refrigerant leaks,
If this is the case, can I just change out the part? Unfortunately, I couldn’t find anything that talks about Aprilaire refrigerant.
Please advice.
Thank you.
Hello Alex, thank you for contacting us. For dehumidifier troubleshooting and service we recommend filling out the form at https://diy.crawlspaceninja.com/contact/ if you purchased it from Crawl Space Ninja DIY Store or Crawl Space Ninja Service. If you did not purchase from Crawl Space Ninja, please contact Aprilaire at https://www.aprilaire.com/owner-center/warranty-registration. We hope this helps.
Hello, we moved in to a house in July with an Aprilaire 700 system. Now that it’s cold and the furnace is running i would like to use it. I’ve replaced the humidifier panel, ensured the unit is plugged in and the water is on. When I set the digital control to test I get the flashing green light I do not hear the Aprilaire blower start nor do I see any water in the drain tube and after about a minute I see what appears to be r1 appear on the control panel. Is that an error code? If so can you tell me what it means? I do have the HVAC blower on throughout the test. Thank you!
Hello Stan, this is what we found in regards to that code. I would recommend you call their customer service if you need assistance in troubleshooting your model 700. (800) 334-6011, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Central Standard Time
“Aprilaire’s response: Thank you for contacting us regarding your model 600M humidifier. The R1 that you see on the screen after the test mode simply means the control is a revision one control. This revision indicator has no effect on the operation of the control or the humidifier.”
Ah, okay, well time for some more troubleshooting then. I appreciate your time and the response!
Hey mike wondering if you can help me out. Display on unit is saying service required. It looks like it’s in remot mode but I only have external 76 controller wires up. It won’t let me select external option…. any ideas I unplugged unit and left turned off
I have an April aire (I believe a 500) giving me an error code of j1.
Any ideas?
Hello, I’d recommend you call Aprilaire at (800) 334-6011. Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Central Standard Time. Hope that helps.
Have an 1850 that is dripping around the outlet? Not the threaded part l. Possible clog from within? Or not enough slope? It’s gravity fed so it won’t go uphill I’m assuming. Thx for any help. Love your brand man!!
Thank you so much and thanks for contacting us, I am so sorry to hear that your dehumidifier is leaking. If you got the 1850 from our DIY store or if we installed it for you, please contact us at https://diy.crawlspaceninja.com/contact-us/. If not, I’d recommend contacting Aprilaire at (800) 334-6011. Hope that helps.
I had an 1850 installed in my home about two months ago and it’s been great. However, I’ve noticed that when HVAC is running and turns off and then just so happens the dehumidifier turns on, the humidity level rises. I’ve noticed humidity levels go up, what’s up with that? I have a two-story home with 20-foot ceiling and a lot of windows throughout my home. Do they run for long periods of time?
The contractor said that one dehumidifier will be enough but not sure now.
Also, is it possible to have the dehumidifier turn on when HVAC turns on?
Hi Javier, not sure this pertains to your situation but have you had the HVAC maintenance performed lately (annually or semi-annually)? Also is it properly sized (new units are sometimes oversized to home to make unit run less but can raise humidity)? I have seen HVAC add humidity if condensate line is stopped up and water stays inside unit due to lack of maintenance. When the air blows it picks up the water and disburses it through the HVAC vents like water blowing over a lake is more humid. Same if unit is oversized, short cycling doesn’t have time to lower humidity like it will if properly sized. You can test this by getting a humidity reader and place on several register vents in the home (where air blows out). If the humidity coming out of registers is not in 40s relative humidity (RH) or below, see if drain line is clogged/have a maintenance done. Here is a link to RH reader if you don’t have one https://diy.crawlspaceninja.com/temperature-humidity-meter/. There could be other causes like house not sealed well and HVAC bringing in humid air but not noticed until it turns off because HVAC is helping to lower RH if unit is working correctly/properly sized. But the steps of checking RH out of registers is a good 1st step. Hope that helps. Please keep us posted if you discover the issue/fix. thanks.
Hello,
We have an Aprilaire automatic humidifier Model 600 / automatic humidifier control model 60. Our display panel only shows a double line like “- -“. We can not find any error code in the manual like this. Have you seen this before? Any suggestions on what to do? Thank you!
I have not, have you called Aprilaire tech services for assistance? (800) 334-6011. Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Central Standard Time.
I have a E8 code that seems to not clear. The crawl space is in a very old house where temps can vary. The unit seems to be dehumidifying fine. It ran constant for about 2 months but now doesn’t run continuously.
Hi Jason, that error code is a temperature code. No need for you to do anything. The dehumidifier is just letting you know it is low temperature. It tests the air and self corrects eventually. Hope that helps.
Hello I have a Model 1830. It refuses to turn on. When I press the on/off button it just stays at off. I turned it off over the winter and use a Model 76 with the dehumidifier in my attic. I can hit mode to get into the setting but it won’t kick on. No error codes.
I have asked customer service to reach out via email, I hope they are able to assist.
Hi Michael, our dehumidifier (Aprilaire E070 (formerly 1820) kicks on for a minute or so every so often even though right now in the fall the RH in the crawl is about 45%, and I have the unit set at 65%. Is this normal, why does it do this? Ken
Ken, great question. The way I understand it, is the Aprilair is moving enough air to calculate dew point, this is done probably systematically. I know I talk and write a lot about relative humidity but dew point is another factor in moisture control and the Aprilaire dehumidifiers operate to keep the dew point in check as well. Hope that helps.
What does it mean when it says “external”
Hi David, are you using the Model 76 external controller? If so this is from the manual, “Used as an external control, the Model 76 is mounted in the space that is to be dehumidified. When the dehumidifier is powered, the display on the dehumidifier control will show “EXTERNAL” to indicate that an external control is being used. External controls are recommended when the dehumidifier is installed in an attic and is ducted to the HVAC system.” Hope that helps.
Hi Mike.
My furnace would not kick on, so after turning the Aprilaire digital control knob to reset, it kicked on and was running. I then returned it to the original setting of 5. the light on the panel stopped flashing green and I got an error message r2. Now the furnace wont stay on and keeps starting up on reset but then the r2 message pops up and it shuts down. Is this something I caused?
I am sorry but I am not sure if you caused it or maybe an electrical surge of some type did. Do you have a local HVAC contractor that could take a look?