The catch
Santa Fe Ultra70
The apparent low-height advantage can be eaten up by trap elevation. Replaceable filter media is also used.
Side by side
Santa Fe Ultra70 vs AprilAire E080 Compared: E080 avoids the external trap, Ultra70 uses a lower body
Quick verdict
Ultra70 is the choice when its narrower body and eight-inch connections suit an installer-approved system. The 12-inch body of Ultra70 needs six inches above the secondary drain pan for the trap, so a lower cabinet does not automatically mean lower installed height. E080 is the choice when its 80-pint rating, ten-inch duct route and washable filter fit the job. E080 does not require an external drain trap. Both need a suitable drain and service access.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
At twelve inches high, vertical planning may still be needed
As a bare cabinet, Ultra70 is three inches lower. Its current manual, though, also puts the base six inches above the secondary drain pan to make room for the P-trap. In a low attic or crawlspace, that can overturn a quick choice made from the 12-inch headline. E080’s body is 15 inches high and needs no external trap, but it still needs its instructed drain slope, pan protection and access. Compare complete drawings and do not just subtract the two cabinet heights.
Where this comes from
Body height and the Ultra70 trap-elevation instruction, set against installation in a low space. No universal minimum enclosure height is claimed, since other clearances and the pan geometry also apply.
The catch
AprilAire E080
The body is taller and wider, and 8 lb heavier. Side withdrawal of the filter takes 15 inches of space.
Santa Fe Ultra70
- Why pick it
- Your planned system suits the eight-inch duct design and narrower cabinet.
- You have verified the complete A2L installation, including the raised trap arrangement and filter access.
- The catch
- The apparent low-height advantage can be eaten up by trap elevation. Replaceable filter media is also used.
AprilAire E080
- Why pick it
- Your design needs the 80-pint class and can take ten-inch collars.
- A washable filter and the lack of an external trap make maintenance and drainage simpler.
- The catch
- The body is taller and wider, and 8 lb heavier. Side withdrawal of the filter takes 15 inches of space.
We may earn a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases. How we make money
What this page compares
Santa Fe Ultra70 4044100 vs AprilAire E080 for a low attic or crawlspace, with the full drain-trap height, duct connections and recurring filter work to check.
Permanent ducted dehumidification is supported by both. A homeowner after a low-profile installation can reasonably pick between Ultra70’s body shape and E080’s higher capacity and different drain arrangement.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
A suitable eight-inch system, but narrow body space
Eight-inch collars and a 12-inch-wide cabinet are what Ultra70 uses.
- Santa Fe Ultra70
- Better fit
- AprilAire E080
- Caution
A ten-inch system, with a preference for a washable filter
Ten-inch collars and washable media come together in E080.
- Santa Fe Ultra70
- Caution
- AprilAire E080
- Better fit
A low gap assessed by cabinet height alone
Clearances for the trap, drain, pan and service still have to be checked.
- Santa Fe Ultra70
- Caution
- AprilAire E080
- Caution
Installing above finished living space
Look at the whole pan and drain design. For the trap, Ultra70 specifically needs its base six inches above the secondary pan.
- Santa Fe Ultra70
- Caution
- AprilAire E080
- Caution
In practice
Differences you will notice
At twelve inches high, vertical planning may still be needed
As a bare cabinet, Ultra70 is three inches lower. Its current manual, though, also puts the base six inches above the secondary drain pan to make room for the P-trap. In a low attic or crawlspace, that can overturn a quick choice made from the 12-inch headline. E080’s body is 15 inches high and needs no external trap, but it still needs its instructed drain slope, pan protection and access. Compare complete drawings and do not just subtract the two cabinet heights.
How we worked this out
Body height and the Ultra70 trap-elevation instruction, set against installation in a low space. No universal minimum enclosure height is claimed, since other clearances and the pan geometry also apply.
An existing eight-inch path and reusable media point the choice two ways
Eight-inch collars are on Ultra70, and ten-inch collars on E080. Where the home already has a suitable eight-inch dedicated duct route, Ultra70 may spare you a change in connection size, once an installer has confirmed resistance and airflow. E080 offers washable filter media in contrast, and Ultra70 requires replacement MERV13 media at its prescribed intervals. If you are paying for difficult attic access, weigh both the initial duct work and the later filter routine. A nominal filter rating is not a health result.
How we worked this out
Duct connection size and filter maintenance as a separate matter, set against an existing system and difficult recurring access.
A small leak above living space shifts the installation's priorities
Appropriate protection is needed for both when they are installed above finished space. A secondary pan with a float switch is specified for Ultra70, and E080’s manual likewise calls for drain-pan and float protection in that setting. This requirement can count for more than the ten-pint rating difference. For a buyer who wants the unit out of sight in an attic, the quote should cover protection and service access that can be reached. A larger capacity or a remote control does not replace those safeguards.
How we worked this out
The finished-space protection requirements in both manuals, set against an attic installation. Nothing guarantees against leakage or property damage.
Option A
Santa Fe, Ultra70 exact current part 4044100 A2L
Ultra70
Your planned system suits the eight-inch duct design and narrower cabinet.
- Best for
- Your planned system suits the eight-inch duct design and narrower cabinet.
Facts we checked
- Matched removal rating: 70 pints at 80 F and 60% RH
- Body dimensions: 12 W × 28 D × 12 H inches
- Duct collars: Eight inches
- Drain and filter: External trap, replaceable MERV13
Option B
AprilAire, E080 standalone, E080Z package code, no separate controller or pump assumed
E080
Your design needs the 80-pint class and can take ten-inch collars.
- Best for
- Your design needs the 80-pint class and can take ten-inch collars.
Facts we checked
- Matched removal rating: 80 pints at 80 F and 60% RH
- Body dimensions: 14 W × 26 D × 15 H inches
- Duct collars: Ten inches
- Drain and filter: No external trap, washable MERV8
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Santa Fe Ultra70 | AprilAire E080 | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matched removal rating | 70 pints at 80 F and 60% RH | 80 pints at 80 F and 60% RH | Match the rated capacity to the actual load. |
| Body dimensions | 12 W × 28 D × 12 H inches | 14 W × 26 D × 15 H inches | Two inches longer, Ultra70 is nonetheless lower and narrower. |
| Duct collars | Eight inches | Ten inches | Work needed depends on existing duct size. |
| Drain and filter | External trap, replaceable MERV13 | No external trap, washable MERV8 | Apart from capacity, installation and recurring care differ too. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Santa Fe Ultra70
- Count in the trap, pan protection where it is required, filter replacements and any external pump.
With AprilAire E080
- The standard package does not cover the drain hose, optional pump and external controls.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
What decides it is the verified eight-inch installation and the narrower body
Go with Santa Fe Ultra70. That physical design is matched by Ultra70.
A ten-inch installation, higher capacity and a reusable filter are what count
Go with AprilAire E080. Those requirements are met by E080.
Decision guide
Before you buy
You want a low unit above or below living space, and you do not want to bury a drain or service problem in the installation.
What this page can’t tell you
- There is no guaranteed winner on complete installed height. The wording on airflow clearance in the Ultra70 manual differs between pages, so no minimum cupboard size is asserted.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the dehumidifiers we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
Show the facts and the math
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe Ultra70 |
|
|
|
| AprilAire E080 |
|
|
Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Santa Fe Ultra70
Your planned system suits the eight-inch duct design and narrower cabinet.
You have verified the complete A2L installation, including the raised trap arrangement and filter access.
See price & reviews on AmazonAprilAire E080
Your design needs the 80-pint class and can take ten-inch collars.
A washable filter and the lack of an external trap make maintenance and drainage simpler.
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
We may earn a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases. How we make money