Essick H12 300HB, H12 400HB Owner's Manual

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READ AND SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

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CONSOLE

EVAPORATIVE
HUMIDIFIER

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H12SERIES

USEANDCAREGUIDE

 AdjustableHumidistat
 FourSpeedFan
 

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EasyFillWaterBottle

TOORDERPARTSANDACCESSORIESCALL 1.800.547.3888

COMFORT IS IN THE AIR

1B72893 11/2014 Printed in China

H12 300HB;
H12 400HB

Français ………….13
Español ………..…25

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
General Safety Instructions

READ BEFORE USING YOUR HUMIDIFIER

DANGER: means if the safety information is not followed someone will be seriously
injured or killed.

WARNING: means if the safety information is not followed someone could be
seriously injured or killed.

CAUTION: means if the safety information is not followed someone may be injured.

1. To reduce the risk of fire or shock hazard, this humidifier has a polarized plug
(one blade is wider than the other.) Plug humidifier directly into a 120V, A.C.
electrical outlet. Do not use extension cords. If the plug does not fully fit
into the outlet, reverse plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to
install the proper outlet. Do not change the plug in any way.

2. Keep the electric cord out of traffic areas. To reduce the risk of fire hazard, never
put the electric cord under rugs, near heat registers, radiators, stoves or heaters.

3. Always unplug the unit before moving, cleaning or removing the fan assembly
section from the humidifier, or whenever it is not in service.

4. Keep the humidifier clean.

5. Do not put foreign objects inside the humidifier.

6. Do not allow unit to be used as a toy. Close attention is necessary when used by
or near children.

7. To reduce the risk of electrical hazard or damage to humidifier, do not tilt, jolt or
tip humidifier while unit is running.

8. To reduce the risk of accidental electrical shock, do not touch the cord or controls
with wet hands.

9. To reduce the risk of fire, do not use near an open flame such as a candle or
other flame source.

WARNING: For your own safety, do not use humidifier if any parts are

damaged or missing.
WARNING: To reduce risk of fire, electric shock, or injury always unplug before

servicing or cleaning.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or shock hazard, do not pour or spill water

into control or motor area. If controls get wet, let them dry completely and have
unit checked by authorized service personnel before plugging in.

2

INTRODUCTION

Your new humidifier adds invisible moisture to your home by moving dry air
through a saturated wick. As air moves through the wick, the water evaporates
into the air, leaving behind any white dust, minerals, or dissolved and suspended
solids in the wick. Because the water is evaporated, there is no messy mist or
spray, just clean and invisible moist air.

As the evaporative wick traps accumulated minerals from the water, its ability to
absorb and evaporate water decreases. We recommend changing the wick at the
beginning of every season. In hard water areas, more frequent replacement may
be necessary to maintain your humidifier’s efficiency.

Use only AIRCARE
order parts, wicks and chemicals call 1-800-547-3888. This humidifier uses wick part
number 1045. Only the AIRCARE® or Essick Air® evaporative wick guarantees the
certified output of your humidifier. Use of other brands of wicks voids the certification
of output and may void your warranty.

HOW YOUR HUMIDIFIER WORKS

LEGEND:

1. Water bottle

2. Chassis/power pack
(motor/fan assembly)

3. Evaporative wick

4. Water reservoir

5. Dry room air intake

6. Moist air output

Water capacity 5.4 gallons
Sq. ft. coverage*
Fan Speeds 4

Replacement wick 1045
Adjustable humidistat Yes
Auto shutoff Yes
Refill indication Yes
Control type Analog with digital display
Casters Yes (4)
ETL Listed Yes
Volts 120
Hertz 60
Watts 80

®

or Essick Air® brand replacement wicks and chemicals. To

Once the wick becomes saturated,
air is drawn in, passes through the
wick and moisture is circulated into
the air.

All evaporation occurs in the
humidifier so any residue
remains in the wick. This natural
process of evaporation creates
no white dust like some other

FEATURES

humidifiers.
Dry air is drawn into the humidifier

Up to 3000 (tight constr.)

though the back and moisturized
as it passes through the
evaporative wick. It is then
circulated out into the room.

* Output based on 8’ ceiling.
Coverage may vary due to tight
or average construction.

3

ASSEMBLY

UNPACKING AND SETTING UP THE UNIT

1. Remove the two inserts from the top of the humidifier.

2. Open the water bottle covers. Remove the water bottles, lift off the
chassis/power pack and then remove the humidifier cabinet from the carton.

3. Remove the evaporative wick and all of the remaining packaging materials from
the cabinet. Check to see that you have all of the following items removed from
the boxes, accessory kit, and cabinet before discarding the packaging:

♦ Filler Hose ♦ Water Bottle with cap

♦ Caster kit ♦ Float, float rod and retainer

♦ Bacterial treatment sample ♦ Manual

♦ Evaporative Wick

CASTERS

4. With access to the bottom of the
cabinet, insert each caster stem
into a caster hole on each corner
of the humidifier bottom. The
casters should fit snugly and be
inserted until the stem shoulder
reaches the cabinet surface. Turn
the cabinet right side up.

EVAPORATIVE WICK

1. When placing the wick back into the humidifier, the rod and float assembly
must also be reattached. Insert the top of the float rod through the hole on the
extended wick retainer (attached to the top of the wick frame)

NOTE:

To ensure bottle empties properly, use a bubble
level to verify the humidifier cabinet is placed on
a level surface.

4

2. Holding the float in place, lower the wick and

float assembly together into the cabinet. The
wick has a mounting rib on the top edge which
hooks over a rib at the inside back of the
cabinet.

NOTE: The float rod retainer must be extended prior
to inserting the float rod. The white float must be
positioned into the pocket in the bottom of the
cabinet.

FILLING INFORMATION
CAUTION:

In order to reduce the possibility of

WICK

BUILT-IN CLIP
FOR RETAINER

WATER BOTTLE
(REFERENCE)

FLOAT ROD

FLOAT ROD
RETAINER

STYROFOAM
FLOAT

electrical shock, ensure the control panel stays dry.

1. Your humidifier is equipped with one water bottle. A fill hose that fits most faucets
is provided with your humidifier. Fill the bottle with cool, fresh (preferably unsoftened)
water. If you only have softened water available in your home, you can use it, but
mineral buildup will occur more quickly.

2. For optimum running time, fill the water bottle, tighten the
cap,

and place inside unit. The bottle will drain until the

reservoir is filled. Remove and refill bottle.

3. Place the water bottle into the left side of the humidifier with
the valve cap end down, so that the groove in the water
bottle faces the inside. Replace the water bottle cover.

CAUTION: When filling, be careful not to pressurize the bottle
by overfilling it. Bottle damage can result from this, and unit will
not drain properly.

NOTE: On initial fill up, it will take approximately 20 minutes for
the reservoir to fill because the dry wick has to absorb water.
Subsequent fillings will take approximately 12 minutes, since the
wick is already saturated.

CAUTION: Use only EPA Registered Bacteriostat. Under no circumstances
should you use Water Treatment products intended for Rotobelt or Ultrasonic
humidifiers.

NOTE: We recommend using Essick Air Bacteriostat treatment when you refill the

water bottle to eliminate bacterial growth. Add bacteriostat according to the
instructions on the bottle and then tighten the valve cap on your water bottle. This is
available for purchase by calling 1-800-547-3888.
instructions on the bottle.

Add bacteriostat according to the

4. When both the water bottle and reservoir have emptied, the humidifier fan will
automatically shut off, but will start again automatically when the water bottle and
reservoir are refilled.

CHASSIS/POWER PACK

Place the chassis/power pack unit into the cabinet, so it fits without tipping or
rocking.

5

OPTIONAL AIR CLEANING FILTER

If available, install the 1051 AIRCARE® air filter at the
back of the unit. The filter has four tangs that engage into
four keyhole slots that mount the air filter onto the
outside of the back of the cabinet. See page 8 for more
information on the AIRCARE® air filter.

NOTES ON LOCATION:

In order to get the most effective use from your humidifier, it is important to position
the unit where the most humidity is needed or where the moist air will be circulated
throughout the house such as near a cold air return. If the unit is positioned close to
a window, condensation may form on the window pane. If this occurs the unit should
be repositioned in another location.

Place humidifier on a flat level surface. Do NOT position
the unit directly in front of a hot air duct or radiator. Do
NOT place on soft carpet. Due to release of cool, moist
air from the humidifier, it is best to direct air away from
thermostat and hot air registers. Position humidifier next to
an inside wall on a level surface at least 2 inches away
from the wall or curtains.

Be sure that the humidistat, which is located on the
power cord, is free from obstruction and away from any
hot air source.

2”

(5cm)

ABOUT HUMIDITY

Where you set your desired humidity levels depends on your personal comfort
level, the outside temperature and the inside temperature.

NOTE: Recent CDC tests show that only 14% of flu virus particles could infect
people after 15 minutes at levels of 43% humidity.

You may wish to purchase a hygrometer to measure the humidity level in your
home. The following is a chart of recommended humidity settings.

IMPORTANT: Water
damage may result if
condensation starts to form
on windows or walls.
Humidity SET point should
be lowered until
condensation no longer
forms. We recommend
room humidity levels do not
exceed 50%.

Model 1990 digital hygrometer is available for purchase by calling 1-800-547-3888.
NOTE: External hygrometer readings and humidistat readings may differ.

Humidity levels can vary significantly even in one room.

*When Outdoor

Temperature is:

°F ° C

-20

-10°
2°
10°
20°
30°

*Or above

-30°

-24°

-18°

-12°

-6°

-1°

Recommended
Indoor Relative

Humidity (RH) is

15 - 20%
20 - 25%
25 - 30%
30 - 35%
35 - 40%
40 - 43%

6

CONTROLS AND OPERATION

A

This unit has a hybrid control panel with knobs for adjustment and a digital display to
monitor humidity and fan settings.

1. Plug cord into wall receptacle. Your humidifier is now ready for use.

2. Push in on the Power (lower) knob to turn the unit on.

Digital Display Shows:

ctual Humidity %
Desired Humidity
(From 25 - 65%
in 5% increments)
Water refill (F)
Check Filter (CF)

Humidity Control

Turn to increase
humidity

Power

Push in to turn ON/OFF
Fan Speed
Turn to increase speed

®

FAN SPEED

3. Rotate the fan speed knob clockwise to increase the speed.
The 4 speed settings will be shown on the LED display.

NOTE: When excessive condensation exists, a lower speed setting
is recommended.

HUMIDITY CONTROL

NOTE: Allow 10 to 15 minutes for the humidistat to adjust to the room when setting up the

unit for the first time.

NOTE: This model has an adjustable humidistat with settings from 25-65%. The

humidistat will turn the humidifier on when the humidity in your home is below the
humidistat setting and will turn the humidifier off when the humidity reaches the
humidistat setting. When set at 65%, the humidifier will operate continuously.

4. For initial operation, set the humidity knob at a midpoint setting
(45-50% is recommended) and adjust up or down from there to
achieve the desired humidity level. The digital display will show
the desired setting momentarily, and then revert to displaying
the actual humidity.

CONTROL PANEL DISPLAYS:

Several functions of the humidifier can be monitored through the LED display on the
control panel.

REFILL INDICATION:

5. The letter F on the display indicates when the unit is entirely out

of water. The motor will cut off at this point.

FILTER INDICATION:

The filter’s condition is critical to the humidifier’s effectiveness. A
check filter function (CF) will display every 720 hours of operation
to remind the user to check the condition of the wick. Water
quality significantly affects the life of a wick, so replacement of
wick may be required more often if hard water conditions exist.

6. When the Check Filter (CF) message is displayed, turn off,
disconnect the power cord and check the condition of the wick.
Replace wick as necessary. The CF function is reset after plugging the unit back in.

PUSH

7

OPTIONAL AIRCARE® AIR FILTER (Sold Separately)

The air filter number model 1051 is an excellent means of cleaning the air while
using your humidifier. The first stage of the air filter is a high-efficiency,
electrostatically charged filter media which traps dust, pollen, and airborne
pollutants. The second stage is an activated carbon media which absorbs odors
from cooking, pets, and tobacco smoke.

®

We recommend replacing the AIRCARE

air filter at least once a year and more
often if necessary. When the white filter media is coated with a layer of dust and
dirt, it is time to replace the air filter. The certified water output of your humidifier
will be reduced when using the air filter. The air filters are optional and are not
required for normal operation of the humidifier. The 1051 is available for purchase
by calling 1-800-547-3888.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

CAUTION: Disconnect power before, cleaning or servicing unit. Keep grille dry at

all times.
Cleaning your humidifier regularly helps reduce odors and bacterial and fungal

growth. Ordinary household bleach is a good disinfectant and can be used to wipe
out the humidifier base and bottle/reservoir after cleaning. We recommend
cleaning your humidifier at least once every two weeks to maintain optimum
environmental conditions for your home.

We also recommend using AIRCARE® or Essick Air® Bacteriostat Treatment each
time you refill your humidifier to eliminate bacterial growth. Add bacteriostat
according to the instructions on the bottle. Please call 1-800-547-3888 to order
Bacteriostat Treatment (part # 1970).

1. Turn off unit completely and unplug from outlet. Open bottle covers.

2. Lift out the water bottle and remove the chassis.

3. Carry bottle and base to cleaning basin. Lift wick from the base allowing the

water to drain. Rinse wick under fresh water only. Do not use soap, detergent,
or any other cleaners on the wick. Leave in sink to drain.

REMOVING SCALE

4. Empty the water from the reservoir and water bottle. Fill reservoir and water

bottle ½ full with water and add 8 oz. (1 cup) of white vinegar to each.
Let stand 20 minutes. Then empty solution.

5. Dampen a soft cloth with white vinegar and wipe out reservoir to remove scale.

Rinse the water bottles and reservoir thoroughly with fresh water to remove
scale and cleaning solution before disinfecting.

DISINFECTING UNIT

6. Fill the water bottle and reservoir ½ full with water and add 1 teaspoon of bleach

to each. Wipe all surfaces on water bottle and cabinet. Let solution stay for 20
minutes, then rinse with water until bleach smell is gone. Dry with clean cloth.
The outside of the unit and water bottle may be wiped down with a soft cloth
dampened with fresh water.

7. Refill unit and re-assemble per ASSEMBLY instructions.

8

SUMMER STORAGE

1. Clean unit as outlined in Care & Maintenance section.

2. Discard used wick and any water in the reservoir or bottles and allow to dry
thoroughly before storage. Do not store with water inside reservoir or bottles.

3. Do not store unit in an attic or other high-temperature area, as damage will
occur.

4. Install new filter at beginning of season.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Trouble Probable Cause Remedy

Unitdoesnotoperate
onanyspeedsetting

 Unithasrunoutofwater

 Refillswitch

MotordoesnotTurn
On.

Nopowertounit. Ensurepolarizedplugisfullyinserted

–fanwillnotoperate
withoutwaterispresent.

operation/improper
positioningoffloatassy.

Checkmotor/fan
operation.

inwalloutlet.
Refillwaterbottle.

Ensurefloatassemblyiscorrectly
positionedasdescribedin

“ImportantFillingInstructions”,page4

CAUTION:Donottouchthefan
whenaccomplishingthistest,asthe
motormayturnon.

Totestthemotor,turnunitONand
turnalldialsfullyON.

Turnthechassisoverandinsert
fingerintotabwherefloatrodis
supposed
fanandmotorareworkingcorrectly.



togo.Iffanturnson,the

9

Trouble Probable Cause Remedy

Waternotdraining
intoreservoir

Waterbottleincorrectly
positioned.

Unplugunit.Removewaterbottle
andreassemblewithoutwater
bottle.Turnonandseeiffancomes
on.Ifso,replacewaterbottleand
continueoperation.

 Ifunithasoverheated,

motortemp‐sensingfuse
mayhavetripped.

Notenoughhumidity. Wickisoldand

ineffective.



Humidistatisnotsethigh

Takeunittoauthorizedservice
station.DONOTATTEMPTelectrical
repairsyourself.

Replacewickwhencloggedor
hardenedwithminerals.

Increasehumiditysettingoncontrol
panel.

enough
Toomuchhumidity.
(condensation

Humidistatissettoohigh. Reducehumidistatsettingor

increaseroomtemperature.

becomesheavyon
foldsurfacesinroom)

Waterleak Waterreservoirmayhave

beenoverfilled.Orbottle

maybereleasingtoo

DONOTOVERFILLbottleand
reservoir.DONOTpuncturebottle
tomakebottledrainfaster.

muchwater.

Odor Bacteria may be present. Clean and disinfect cabinet following Care and

“CF”messagedoesnot
appearevenwhenwickis
dirtyorhumidifier
performanceisclearly

Lossofpowerora
powerfailurehascaused
theCFmessageto
prematurelyreset.

Maintenance instructions.
Add EPA registered Bacteria Treatment

according to instructions on the bottle.
It may be necessary to replace the wick if odor

persists.

Replacewick.



reduced.
Displayblinksorfan

Normal Noactionrequired.
movesslightlywhen
humidifierispluggedin.

Alternating“F”and
roomhumidity
displayed.

Alternating“CF”and
roomhumidity
displayed.

Reservoirisempty.

Floatisnotactivating

switchonchassis

Fillhumidifierwithwater.
Repositionchassissothatfloat

andswitcharealigned.

Wickmaybedirty. Replacewick,ifneeded

Unplugunitfor30seconds
andplugbackintocleardisplay.

10

LIST OF REPLACEMENT PARTS

1

8

9

2

3

4

5

6

7

10

11

Item
No.

10
11
12

To order parts, call 1-800-547-3888, or visit: http://store.essickair.com.

Part Number Description Qty

4V5096101 BLK Bottle cover lid 1

1

1B72344 Chassis 1

2

1B71676 Float Rod Retainer 1

3

1B71674 Float Rod 1

4

1B71675 Styrofoam float 1

5

1B5060120 Water Bottle 1

6

1B5060000 Bottle Cap Assy. 1

7

1045 Wick 1

8

1051 Air Filter (Optional - sold separately) 1

9

1B5060140 Fill hose 1
1B5460070 Casters 4
1B72893 Manual ( not shown) 1

11