Honeywell Humidifier HE120A1010 - Whole House Manual

The Honeywell Humidifier HE120A1010 is a whole-house bypass humidifier designed for forced-air heating systems. It helps maintain optimal indoor humidity levels (35-50% RH) for improved comfort, health, and protection of home furnishings. This manual covers safety, installation, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting for the HE120A1010 model. Below are key sections for features, installation, setup, specifications, controls, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Humidifier unit, bypass damper, water panel (evaporative pad), drain hose, saddle valve, humidistat control.

Installation

Unpack and inspect all components. Installation requires basic HVAC and plumbing knowledge.

1. Choose location: Install on warm air supply (hot air) plenum of furnace. Ensure access for maintenance.
2. Mount unit: Cut opening in supply plenum, secure unit with provided screws.
3. Install bypass duct: Connect between unit and return air plenum. Include damper.
4. Connect water supply: Install saddle valve on nearby 1/4" or 3/8" cold water line. Connect tubing to unit.
5. Connect drain: Attach drain hose to unit and route to floor drain or condensate pump.
6. Wire control: Connect humidistat wires to unit and (if needed) furnace fan control.

WARNING! Turn off power to furnace and shut off main water supply before installation. Follow all local codes.

First-Time Setup

After installation, perform initial setup before first use.

1. Restore power and water: Turn on water supply at saddle valve, restore furnace power.
2. Set humidistat: Mount humidistat on interior wall away from humidity sources. Set to desired level (start at 35%).
3. Adjust bypass damper: Set to mid-position initially; adjust based on performance.
4. Check for leaks: Inspect all water connections. Run furnace fan to cycle humidifier.
5. Verify drainage: Ensure water flows through drain hose properly.

CAUTION! Do not operate without water panel installed. Ensure drain line is not kinked or blocked.

Specifications

• Model: HE120A1010
• Type: Bypass Flow-Through Evaporative Humidifier
• Coverage: Up to 4,000 sq ft (under typical winter conditions)
• Output: Up to 0.70 gallons per day per degree Fahrenheit of temperature drop
• Water Connection: 1/4" OD copper tubing (saddle valve included)
• Electrical: 24V AC (uses furnace transformer); 0.1A current draw
• Dimensions (Unit): Approximately 16.5" H x 11.5" W x 9.5" D
• Drain Connection: 5/8" ID hose (included)
• Water Panel Life: 1-2 seasons depending on water hardness and usage
• Warranty: Limited 5-year warranty on unit, 1-year on parts

Controls and Settings

Humidistat Control: Mount on interior wall. Dial settings from OFF to MAX (or 15% to 60% RH).

Operation Modes: AUTO - humidifier runs when furnace fan runs and humidity is below set point. TEST - runs humidifier continuously for testing.

Bypass Damper: Adjustable slide damper controls amount of air flowing through humidifier. Start at halfway open; close slightly if windows show excessive condensation, open more if humidity is low.

Water Flow: Controlled by solenoid valve that opens when humidistat calls for humidity. No user adjustment needed.

Connecting to HVAC System

Proper connection to furnace ductwork is critical for performance.

1. Supply Air Connection: Unit mounts directly to warm air supply plenum.
2. Return Air Connection: Bypass duct connects from unit to return air plenum.
3. Airflow Direction: Warm air enters top of unit, passes through wet water panel, returns moistened air to return duct.
4. Damper Position: Install damper in bypass duct near return air connection for airflow control.

Tip: Ensure bypass duct slopes downward toward humidifier to prevent condensation pooling.

Operation and Humidity Control

Optimal indoor humidity varies with outdoor temperature.

1. Set humidistat: Recommended settings: 35% RH for 20°F outdoor temp, 30% for 10°F, 25% for 0°F, 20% for -10°F.
2. Seasonal adjustment: Lower setting as outdoor temperature drops to prevent window condensation.
3. Automatic operation: Humidifier runs when furnace fan operates AND humidity is below set point.
4. Manual test: Use TEST mode on humidistat to verify operation (water should flow, drain properly).
5. Monitor performance: Check for proper humidity levels using a separate hygrometer.

WARNING! Do not set humidity too high in cold weather. Condensation on windows indicates excessive humidity.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures efficient operation and prevents mineral buildup.

1. Water Panel Replacement: Replace annually or when visibly scaled/clogged. Turn off water supply, remove old panel, insert new one.
2. Seasonal Startup: At beginning of heating season, replace water panel, check for leaks, clean drain line.
3. Seasonal Shutdown: At end of heating season, turn off water supply, set humidistat to OFF, clean unit interior.
4. Annual Cleaning: Remove scale from distribution tray and interior surfaces with vinegar solution (1:1 water/vinegar).
5. Drain Line: Flush periodically to prevent clogging from mineral deposits.

CAUTION! Always turn off water supply and electrical power before performing maintenance.

Regulatory Information

UL Listed. CSA Certified. Manufactured to comply with applicable safety standards. This product contains no user-serviceable parts inside the sealed electrical compartment. For technical support or warranty service, contact Honeywell Customer Care at 1-800-328-5111 or visit www.honeywellhome.com. Keep this manual for future reference.

Troubleshooting

Reset: Turn humidistat to OFF, wait 30 seconds, return to desired setting.

Service: 1-800-328-5111; www.honeywellhome.com