Evaporative Models: 3200, 4200, 1042LH, 1099LHS
Fan-Powered Models: 1000, 1137
How Your Humidifier Works
Water is distributed through a water distribution trough resting on top of a Vapor Pad
®
inside the humidifier. The Vapor Pad
®
then becomes thoroughly saturated with water. As heated air from the furnace passes through the water-soaked Vapor Pad
®
,
the water evaporates and creates humidity. The humidity is moved by the furnace blower motor through the duct system and
is distributed to the living quarters of the home. To produce humidity, the humidifier runs only when the furnace blower and
heat are engaged.
Fan-powered models operate similarly to evaporative, but a fan inside the humidifier pulls heated are through the Vapor Pad
®
to enhance humidity output.
IMPORTANT: Performing annual maintenance of your humidifier is essential in achieving top performance.
The Benefits of Adding Humidity With a GeneralAire
®
Evaporative Humidifier
1. Since dry air can cause dry, itchy, cracked skin, adding humidity keeps skin feeling moist and comfortable.
2. Air that’s too dry causes dry sinuses and throat; increasing the risk of infection, colds, and flu.
3. Proper moisture control (40-60% RH) in the home will reduce and suppress the amount and level of harmful particulates
in the air.
4. Dust and other particulates also stay airborne longer in dry conditions; thereby increasing allergy and asthma triggers.
Adding humidity helps those suffering with allergies and asthma.
5. Adding humidity prevents valuable woodwork, wooden instruments, and artwork from cracking and becoming damaged.
6. Proper humidity levels prevent annoying static shocks.
7. Dry air feels chillier during winter months. Even in newer, tighter homes dry air can feel chillier, again causing you to turn
up your thermostat. For example, 68°F at 40% relative humidity feels just as warm as 74°F at 20% humidity. Setting your
thermostat back by as little as three degrees can reduce annual heating bills by as much as 5%.
Introduction
Thank you for your purchase of a GeneralAire
®
evaporative or fan-powered humidifier. We sincerely appreciate your business
and are confident you will enjoy the difference your new humidifier makes in your health and comfort throughout the years.
You have purchased one of the highest-quality products in the market today from a long-standing and respected company in
the industry. A family-owned business since 1937, General Filters, Inc. has produced a full line of products that protect the
health of your family and your home, to include humidifiers, dehumidifiers, air cleaners, and UV air purifiers. As healthy indoor
air often requires a comprehensive approach, you may wish to ask your contractor about other products that would protect
your family, home, and assets.
This manual is designed to acquaint you with how your humidifier works and how to keep it running at the highest level of
performance through regular maintainenance.
®
®
43800 Grand River Avenue Novi, Michigan 48375 Toll Free: (866) 476-5101 www.generalaire.com
Designed & Assembled
in Michigan, USA
Owner’s Manual
GeneralAire
®
Evaporative & Fan-Powered Humidifiers
Preparing for Use During Winter Months
1. Perform Maintenance (further detail provided below)
Replace the Vapor Pad
®
Clean sediment from the distribution trough, drain pan, and drain tube
2. Turn the water supply on
3. Durn the damper to winter (open position)
4. Turn the humidistat to desired setting
5. Test the unit to ensure water is flowing through the solenoid valve and the humidifier is producing humidity
Preparing for Non-Use During Summer Months
1. Turn humidistat off
2. 100 series only - remove power supply (unplug)
3. Turn off water supply
4. Turn the damper to summer (closed position)
Setting the Humidity Level
In most climates, ideal humidity levels are between 40 and 60%. Outside that range (lower or higher) your risk of being
adversely affected increases.
When changing the humidity setting, wait 2-3 days before changing it again. This is how long it takes for the new
humidity level to reach the entire home. Do this each time you make a change, whether lower or higher.
Evaporative Models: 3200, 4200, 1042LH, 1099LHS
Fan-Powered Models: 1000, 1137
43800 Grand River Avenue Novi, Michigan 48375 Toll Free: (866) 476-5101 www.generalaire.com
Owner’s Manual
GeneralAire
®
Evaporative & Fan-Powered Humidifiers
®
®
Purchasing Replacement Vapor Pads and Parts
You can purchase vapor pads and replacement parts:
• Through your local contractor or installer.
• Use our “Find a Contractor” or “Find a Wholesaler” at www.generalaire.com.
• At www.generalaire.com. Click on “Shop”.
Purchase only GeneralAire
®
replacement parts and Vapor Pads.
Technical Assistance or Other Questions
• Contact your local contractor.
• Call General Filters technical support at (248) 476-5100.
• Visit www.generalaire.com to watch maintenance videos for your model.
Evaporative Models: 3200, 4200, 1042LH, 1099LHS
Fan-Powered Models: 1000, 1137
Performing Maintenance on Your 1137 and 1042LH
IMPORTANT: Unplug your humifier prior to performing maintenance.
1. Unscrew the two thumbscrews at the bottom of the unit, holding onto the bottom drain pan. The drain pan and Vapor Pad
assembly will release through the bottom of the humidifier.
2. Slide the old Vapor Pad
®
out of the drain pan.
3. Remove any visible sediment with a combination of water and vinegar. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
4. Insert a new Vapor Pad
®
with the black spot on top and insert through the bottom of the humidifier.
5. Return the drain pan to the bottom of the humidifier.
6. Return / screw in the thumbscrews.
7. Check the water distribution tube at the top of the humidifier to ensure that it is firmly seated.
8. Turn the humidistat to desired setting.
9. Test the unit to ensure water is flowing through the solenoid valve and the humidifier is producing humidity.
43800 Grand River Avenue Novi, Michigan 48375 Toll Free: (866) 476-5101 www.generalaire.com
®
®
Performing Maintenance on Your 3200, 4200, 1000, and 1099LHS
IMPORTANT: 1000 Series Only - Unplug your humifier prior to performing maintenance.
1. Pull the tabs at the bottom of the cover towards you (away from the humidifier) and lift the cover off the top tabs.
(1000 humidifier only: Keep in mind the motor assembly is housed within the cover, so it will carry a little weight.)
2. Remove the entire Vapor Pad
®
assembly by pulling the tab at the top of the frame towards you, and then lifting the
assembly out of the drain at the bottom.
3. Pull the distribution tray on the top of the frame off the assembly and slide the old Vapor Pad
®
out of the frame. Discard.
4. Remove any visible sediment from any portion of the frame with a combination of water and vinegar. Do not use harsh
chemicals or abrasive materials.
5. Insert a new Vapor Pad
®
with the black spot on top and replace the distribution trough to the top of the assembly.
6. Insert the entire assembly first at the bottom and then press the top in place until you hear a click.
7. Return the cover.
8. Turn the damper to winter (open position).
9. Restore power to the unit.
10. Turn the humidistat to desired setting.
11. Test the unit to ensure water is flowing through the solenoid valve and the humidifier is producing humidity.
Owner’s Manual
GeneralAire
®
Evaporative & Fan-Powered Humidifiers
1099LHS
1042LH
1000
3200
4200
1137
