AprilAire 2200 Upgrade Kit Installation: How to Install the 1213 Filter Upgrade
In this project I installed the AprilAire 1213 upgrade kit in an AprilAire 2200 whole-home air cleaner. This upgrade replaces the older filter frame setup with a newer rail system that accepts the AprilAire 213 replacement filter.
The same upgrade kit is also compatible with AprilAire 2250, AprilAire 2400, and Space-Gard 2200 systems.
Quick Summary #
The basic process is to shut off power to the furnace, remove the old filter, clean the filter housing, install the new support rails, slide in the AprilAire 213 filter, add foam sealing where needed, and reinstall the cover.
The biggest improvement is that future filter changes should be easier and cleaner than dealing with the older AprilAire 2200 frame.
Tools and Materials #
- AprilAire 1213 Upgrade Kit
- AprilAire 213 Replacement Filter
- Vacuum or cleaning supplies for the filter housing
- Foam strip included with the kit
- Additional foam sheet, if your existing cover has a gap that needs to be filled
Why Upgrade the Original AprilAire 2200 Filter Setup? #
One common problem with the original filter system is that dust can bypass the filter edges over time. After years of use, the original frame can also get messy and harder to clean.
The AprilAire 1213 upgrade kit replaces that older setup with metal support brackets and a newer AprilAire 213 filter. Once installed, the system is simpler to service during future filter changes.
Installation Steps #
First, turn off power to the furnace for safety. Then remove the filter cover and use the handle to slide out the existing filter.
Once the old filter is out, clean the inside of the air cleaner housing. The filter cover on this system had a soft foam seal attached to it, but it was very dusty, so I removed the old material and cleaned the area before moving on.
Next, unpack the new AprilAire 1213 upgrade kit. Inside the box you should find the new AprilAire 213 filter, a sticker, foam strip, and the metal support brackets.
The metal brackets slide into the existing filter housing and create the new support rail system for the filter.
After the brackets are assembled, insert the new frame into the filter box. Then unpack the AprilAire 213 filter and check the airflow arrow printed on the filter.
Air should flow from the ductwork toward the furnace, so make sure the filter is oriented correctly before sliding it into the new rail system.
Sealing the Cover #
The kit includes a foam strip intended for the newer style cover, but I used it with the existing AprilAire 2200 cover to help improve the seal.
On my setup, there was also a gap at the top, so I used an additional foam sheet. I folded it three times to match the thickness I needed and placed it where it would fill the gap.
Final Result #
After the filter is in place and the foam seal is fitted, reinstall the cover. At that point the AprilAire 2200 upgrade is complete and the system is ready to use with the newer AprilAire 213 replacement filter.
Tips From the Install #
- Turn off power to the furnace before opening the air cleaner.
- Clean the inside of the housing before installing the new frame.
- Pay attention to the airflow arrow on the AprilAire 213 filter.
- Check the cover seal before calling the job done, especially if you are reusing an older AprilAire 2200 cover.
- Use extra foam only where it is needed to fill gaps and improve the cover fit.
FAQ #
What systems are compatible with the AprilAire 1213 upgrade kit? #
The upgrade kit is compatible with AprilAire 2200, 2250, and 2400 systems, as well as Space-Gard 2200 systems.
Which filter does this upgrade use? #
After the upgrade, the air cleaner uses the AprilAire 213 replacement filter.
Which direction should the airflow arrow point? #
The airflow arrow on the filter should follow the direction of air movement through the system, from the ductwork toward the furnace.