- Unit cannot be used with an extension cord
- Protects your home from mold and mildew caused by excess moisture
- Helps eliminate bacteria in the air that can make breathing difficult
- Effortless humidity control allows you to control the exact percentage of humidity in your room
- Continuous operation is possible when unit is located near a suitable drain
- Effortless full tank alert system with auto shut-off
Frigidaire Energy Star Dehumidifier
50-Pint Dehumidifier
The Frigidaire FAD504DWD Energy Star 50-pint Dehumidifier protects your home from mold and mildew caused by excess moisture. It also helps eliminate bacteria in the air that can make breathing difficult. Frigidaire’s 50 pints-per-day dehumidifier is capable of continuous operation when the unit is located near a suitable drain. It features full-function electronic controls, an easily accessible collection container with level indicator, and a washable filter that reduces bacteria, room odors and other airborne particles. Its effortless humidity control allows you to control the exact percentage of humidity in your room. The SpaceWise portable design includes a top handle, integrated side handles and caster wheels making it easy to move your unit from room to room. Plus, you'll save money with its Energy Star efficiency.
By PappyLove
There is misinformation floated in some of the comments. Hopefully this will clear up most of it. As an engineer type, I do more of the detail thing but hey, whatever floats your boat.
NOTE: Although I own this model, this is mostly information on dehumidifiers in general. Other reviewers offer detailed specifics so no duplication needed here.
This covers 1-how it works; 2-sizing tips; 3-general tips, 4-cautions and user reflections.
HOW DEHUMIDIFIRES WORK
First, a dehumidifier is just like an air conditioner except for the location of the warm coil [technically the condenser coil]. With an A/C system the warm coil is outside the house [needs a 2nd fan], so an A/C unit has its cooling coil [technically a DX or expansion coil] inside the house [cooling it] and the heat it absorbs from the house air is transferred to the warm coil outside the house. Basically it is simple; the heat in the house is dumped outside. It's gotta go somewhere!
With a dehumidifier, the warm coil is inside, so the air cooled by the cooling coil blows across the warm coil [one fan needed]. Why? What happens? Well the cool air passing through the cool coil is warmed by the warm coil before exiting the unit.. The net result is that air discharged from the dehumidifier leaves the unit at about 100F [or about 20F warmer than room temperature]. What happens is that a dehumidifier does a better job removing moisture from the air but does not cool the house.
If you are a little confused, try this. Turn your dehumidifier off for about 5 minutes [this is important, trust me]. When you turn it on, put your hand immediately over the discharge air from the unit. You will feel cold air. As the warm air coil heats up, the discharge air changes from cold air to warm air. What you feel is how the cool coil is transferring the heat it absorbed from the incoming air to the warm coil.
Last, how humidity is reduced: When the cool coil cools the air, it lowers the air to below its "dew point". What is that? That is the temperature where the air can't hold any more water vapor. Then water begins to collect on the coil surface and drip down to the collection bucket. That is the whole story except that the efficiency of the dehumidifier decreases as the house humidity is reduced.
Forgot to mention that its ability to remove moisture from the air also drops as the humidity drops, so your bucket does not fill as often. Bottom line: It runs longer trying do the same amount of work [efficiency, get it?]
NOTE: If you try to drop the humidity too low, the reduction in efficiency will begin to show up in a warmer discharge air and longer run times. This results in the temperature of your living space increasing. Raise the dehumidifier humidity set point to correct that and do not run continuously,
WHAT SIZE IS NEEDED FOR A LIVING SPACE [NOT A BASEMENT]
Most comments concern basement applications. This is for a small house, some of which applies to larger homes. Also it assumes the house is at least 15 years old. Newer houses usually have their living space wrapped by a vapor barrier, thus protecting it from the outside. That makes a big difference in the dehumidifier size needed.
For example, my 1200sqft house is a 50 year old brick [brick seals better than wood siding]. During and after a rain if the 50pint dehumidifier is turned off, the humidity goes from 50 to 70% in an hour. It then takes 3 hours to drop it back to 50%.
If you have a house larger than 2000 sq ft, you may need a two or more dehumidifiers. Some will tell you that you're A/C reduces your humidity but it makes it colder too. With a dehumidifier you can control humidity AND temperature; something you cannot do with just the A/C alone. There is no wrong answer as to sizing unless yours is too small. Too large and it will tend to heat up your room a little; so when in doubt go bigger.
If you have the equipment needed, Internet search for "how to size a dehumidifier".
No equipment? Here is a simple way to "guestimate" a size. FIRST, does your area usually have high summer humidity? Ask your local radio or TV station. Or check the Internet. High=65% or more. Low= 40% or less. 40% means that a dehumidifier will not help.
For high humidity, a dehumidifier works well. If you want to also reduce your electric bill, keep your humidity below 50% and your temperature in the low 80's. [adjust to your comfort level]. However, look for you savings in comfort, not money; don't expect it to be paid for in big reductions in electricity bills. It does reduce your bill somewhat.
FOR A 1,000 TO 1,400sqft home: choose a 45-55 pint unit.
FOR A 1,400 TO 2,000sqft home: choose a 70 pint unit
TIPS FROM EXPERIENCE
Dehumidifier compressors "WILL" fail; usually within 2-4 years. I rarely buy extended warranties so this is my exception. Buy a three year guarantee that is tied to a local store. Mine cost $20 for a 50pint unit. Do not buy a factory guarantee [see note below]. A guarantee that requires shipping will cost a boatload to return, making the guarantee meaningless. BE SURE TO RETURN YOUR WARRANTY CARD and keep your receipt in a safe place. They do honor their 5 year compressor warranty and from what I hear gere, often by giving your money back, no return required. WOW.
LAYING DOWN ETC
The compressor is designed to pump refrigerant GAS. Turning a unit back on quickly or laying it down causes LIQUID refrigerant to enter the compressor. This puts a severe strain on the compressor that shortens its life if it fails to destroy it completely.
MY EXPERIENCES WITH THIS MODEL
I have a "DWD" the 2013 Frigidaire model and feel it is the best choice on the market, despite its tech support [NOTE: one reviewer said they got a cash refund from Frigidaire for a unit with a bad compressor - solving ship costs]. It is well designed, including an efficient "squirrel cage" fan [slightly increased noise but much better].
Our dehumidifier is centrally located and reduces the humidity throughout the whole house. If you have a problem with that, see if one or two room fans help.
Noise is subjective [different strokes for different folks]. Personally, we eat and have conversations in our small dining room with the unit less than 3 feet behind my wife and it is running on high. If I listen for the noise, I can hear it but the noise does not interfere with us. I am hard of hearing; background noise can really bother me. I do not feel it is overly loud but you must decide what you want. You know, most folks are strong enough to move it somewhere else; do you think? I say buy the size Frigidaire you need.
My senior citizen wife has no problem with removing or dumping a full bucket. Any problem must be caused by "technique," rather than design.
The tech support is only by email and you get a list of standard problems after several days. WARNING; save on a guarantee and pay the price. I've dealt with many tech support systems. I always get helpful people to talk to. Email only? Give me a break.
Price? Amazon's price is great. Balance its price considering warranty cost, taxes and decide. I imagine it varies by state.
NOTE: Although I own this model, this is mostly information on dehumidifiers in general. Other reviewers offer detailed specifics so no duplication needed here.
This covers 1-how it works; 2-sizing tips; 3-general tips, 4-cautions and user reflections.
HOW DEHUMIDIFIRES WORK
First, a dehumidifier is just like an air conditioner except for the location of the warm coil [technically the condenser coil]. With an A/C system the warm coil is outside the house [needs a 2nd fan], so an A/C unit has its cooling coil [technically a DX or expansion coil] inside the house [cooling it] and the heat it absorbs from the house air is transferred to the warm coil outside the house. Basically it is simple; the heat in the house is dumped outside. It's gotta go somewhere!
With a dehumidifier, the warm coil is inside, so the air cooled by the cooling coil blows across the warm coil [one fan needed]. Why? What happens? Well the cool air passing through the cool coil is warmed by the warm coil before exiting the unit.. The net result is that air discharged from the dehumidifier leaves the unit at about 100F [or about 20F warmer than room temperature]. What happens is that a dehumidifier does a better job removing moisture from the air but does not cool the house.
If you are a little confused, try this. Turn your dehumidifier off for about 5 minutes [this is important, trust me]. When you turn it on, put your hand immediately over the discharge air from the unit. You will feel cold air. As the warm air coil heats up, the discharge air changes from cold air to warm air. What you feel is how the cool coil is transferring the heat it absorbed from the incoming air to the warm coil.
Last, how humidity is reduced: When the cool coil cools the air, it lowers the air to below its "dew point". What is that? That is the temperature where the air can't hold any more water vapor. Then water begins to collect on the coil surface and drip down to the collection bucket. That is the whole story except that the efficiency of the dehumidifier decreases as the house humidity is reduced.
Forgot to mention that its ability to remove moisture from the air also drops as the humidity drops, so your bucket does not fill as often. Bottom line: It runs longer trying do the same amount of work [efficiency, get it?]
NOTE: If you try to drop the humidity too low, the reduction in efficiency will begin to show up in a warmer discharge air and longer run times. This results in the temperature of your living space increasing. Raise the dehumidifier humidity set point to correct that and do not run continuously,
WHAT SIZE IS NEEDED FOR A LIVING SPACE [NOT A BASEMENT]
Most comments concern basement applications. This is for a small house, some of which applies to larger homes. Also it assumes the house is at least 15 years old. Newer houses usually have their living space wrapped by a vapor barrier, thus protecting it from the outside. That makes a big difference in the dehumidifier size needed.
For example, my 1200sqft house is a 50 year old brick [brick seals better than wood siding]. During and after a rain if the 50pint dehumidifier is turned off, the humidity goes from 50 to 70% in an hour. It then takes 3 hours to drop it back to 50%.
If you have a house larger than 2000 sq ft, you may need a two or more dehumidifiers. Some will tell you that you're A/C reduces your humidity but it makes it colder too. With a dehumidifier you can control humidity AND temperature; something you cannot do with just the A/C alone. There is no wrong answer as to sizing unless yours is too small. Too large and it will tend to heat up your room a little; so when in doubt go bigger.
If you have the equipment needed, Internet search for "how to size a dehumidifier".
No equipment? Here is a simple way to "guestimate" a size. FIRST, does your area usually have high summer humidity? Ask your local radio or TV station. Or check the Internet. High=65% or more. Low= 40% or less. 40% means that a dehumidifier will not help.
For high humidity, a dehumidifier works well. If you want to also reduce your electric bill, keep your humidity below 50% and your temperature in the low 80's. [adjust to your comfort level]. However, look for you savings in comfort, not money; don't expect it to be paid for in big reductions in electricity bills. It does reduce your bill somewhat.
FOR A 1,000 TO 1,400sqft home: choose a 45-55 pint unit.
FOR A 1,400 TO 2,000sqft home: choose a 70 pint unit
TIPS FROM EXPERIENCE
Dehumidifier compressors "WILL" fail; usually within 2-4 years. I rarely buy extended warranties so this is my exception. Buy a three year guarantee that is tied to a local store. Mine cost $20 for a 50pint unit. Do not buy a factory guarantee [see note below]. A guarantee that requires shipping will cost a boatload to return, making the guarantee meaningless. BE SURE TO RETURN YOUR WARRANTY CARD and keep your receipt in a safe place. They do honor their 5 year compressor warranty and from what I hear gere, often by giving your money back, no return required. WOW.
LAYING DOWN ETC
The compressor is designed to pump refrigerant GAS. Turning a unit back on quickly or laying it down causes LIQUID refrigerant to enter the compressor. This puts a severe strain on the compressor that shortens its life if it fails to destroy it completely.
MY EXPERIENCES WITH THIS MODEL
I have a "DWD" the 2013 Frigidaire model and feel it is the best choice on the market, despite its tech support [NOTE: one reviewer said they got a cash refund from Frigidaire for a unit with a bad compressor - solving ship costs]. It is well designed, including an efficient "squirrel cage" fan [slightly increased noise but much better].
Our dehumidifier is centrally located and reduces the humidity throughout the whole house. If you have a problem with that, see if one or two room fans help.
Noise is subjective [different strokes for different folks]. Personally, we eat and have conversations in our small dining room with the unit less than 3 feet behind my wife and it is running on high. If I listen for the noise, I can hear it but the noise does not interfere with us. I am hard of hearing; background noise can really bother me. I do not feel it is overly loud but you must decide what you want. You know, most folks are strong enough to move it somewhere else; do you think? I say buy the size Frigidaire you need.
My senior citizen wife has no problem with removing or dumping a full bucket. Any problem must be caused by "technique," rather than design.
The tech support is only by email and you get a list of standard problems after several days. WARNING; save on a guarantee and pay the price. I've dealt with many tech support systems. I always get helpful people to talk to. Email only? Give me a break.
Price? Amazon's price is great. Balance its price considering warranty cost, taxes and decide. I imagine it varies by state.
By Night Wolf Entertainment
and I certainly don't, there's a way around it. We purchased a female garden hose fitting to 1/2 inch hose barb and six feet of 1/2 inch plastic tubing to reach the floor drain in the garage. Slide the tubing end over the hose barb, put the other end of the tubing in the floor drain Lay a rag rug or carpet mat over the tubing and you're done. Easy peasy. No more stumbling over a big honkin' garden hose in the road.
A word to the wise: upon receipt, remove the unit from the box to inspect for possible shipping damage. Then allow it to stand upright for a day at least before plugging it in. This ensures that gravity returns the refrigeration system oil to the compressor where it needs to be. The shipper may have laid the unit on its side or upside down during transit which allows the oil to run out of the compressor. If run in this condition, the compressor will be wrecked. So avoid the temptation to fire it up right out off the box. Let it set upright for a day first, please.
But I digress. On to the review. To start, the owner's manual is written in clear, concise language, not chopped up wording that seems to be the norm nowadays. Easy to follow and so simple that even I can understand it.
For no more than it costs, this dehumidifier does an excellent job and it's fast. Much faster than the old one it replaced. It's whisper-quiet as well, similar to a good quality window AC unit. I can barely hear the compressor running. If used in sleeping quarters it won't keep you awake, even with fan setting on High. The condensate collection bucket sports a visual level float. When the bucket is full, the unit shuts down automatically.
Also, I think you'll appreciate the digital humidity setting. A big improvement over the rotary knob controls of old. The unit contains an intake air filter that is easily removed for cleaning. Air intake is on the front of the unit, exhaust is on the top. It can be placed close to a wall without restricting air flow. The optional hose drain connector is on the back and angled downward to reduce the chance of a kinked hose.
If you need the unit to run continuously without constantly having to empty that darn drip bucket, simply unscrew the hose connection cap on the back (it has a captive tether so it won't get lost) and thread a garden hose connector to it. The other end of the hose goes to a floor drain, or outside if you prefer. The condensate bucket doesn't fill when the hose drain option is used.
A word to the wise: upon receipt, remove the unit from the box to inspect for possible shipping damage. Then allow it to stand upright for a day at least before plugging it in. This ensures that gravity returns the refrigeration system oil to the compressor where it needs to be. The shipper may have laid the unit on its side or upside down during transit which allows the oil to run out of the compressor. If run in this condition, the compressor will be wrecked. So avoid the temptation to fire it up right out off the box. Let it set upright for a day first, please.
But I digress. On to the review. To start, the owner's manual is written in clear, concise language, not chopped up wording that seems to be the norm nowadays. Easy to follow and so simple that even I can understand it.
For no more than it costs, this dehumidifier does an excellent job and it's fast. Much faster than the old one it replaced. It's whisper-quiet as well, similar to a good quality window AC unit. I can barely hear the compressor running. If used in sleeping quarters it won't keep you awake, even with fan setting on High. The condensate collection bucket sports a visual level float. When the bucket is full, the unit shuts down automatically.
Also, I think you'll appreciate the digital humidity setting. A big improvement over the rotary knob controls of old. The unit contains an intake air filter that is easily removed for cleaning. Air intake is on the front of the unit, exhaust is on the top. It can be placed close to a wall without restricting air flow. The optional hose drain connector is on the back and angled downward to reduce the chance of a kinked hose.
If you need the unit to run continuously without constantly having to empty that darn drip bucket, simply unscrew the hose connection cap on the back (it has a captive tether so it won't get lost) and thread a garden hose connector to it. The other end of the hose goes to a floor drain, or outside if you prefer. The condensate bucket doesn't fill when the hose drain option is used.
By BookAce
Several reviewers have commented on the noisy fan. The fan on my Frigidaire FAD504DWD Energy Star 50-pint Dehumidifier, unlike my Whirlpool e-Humidifier (which sounds like a prop plane on a windy day) is muted, and cannot be heard from 2 rooms down - and this is with the fan setting on HIGH.
The Frigidaire FAD504DWD Energy Star 50-pint Dehumidifier arrived well packed (Styrofoam), battened down, with taped-to-body bucket, and did not need any assembly, other than removing the tape, moving it on its gliiiding casters (great handle on top too -- I had to pick this up and it is not lightweight-- the handle withstood the tugging and the hefting). It is handsomely designed, looks more-than-just-utilitarian, is pleasing to look at.
There is a drain in the back, for continuous use. A beeper lets you know that the bucket needs to be looked at (full, or not all the way tucked back into the body). The bucket has a handle -- oh joy!! I had to be so careful with the Whirlpool's bucket-- using one hand on each side of the bucket as I slooowly removed it from the body to keep things from splashing. Now all I have to do with the Frigidaire is pull the bucket forward, boldly pick up the bucket by the handle, and go to the balcony to water my plants with the excess water. I have found that adding a tiny bit of bleach to the water in the bucket, in-between bucket removal, helps to keep mold and mildew at bay (a lesson I learned from a former Dehumidifier that had to be Put To Sleep way before its time, as the green and black 3-D mold and mildew had crawled their way into inaccessible areas of the unit).
The controls are EZ to read and use - no buttons, just a touch pad. The Instructional booklet in English, Spanish and French, was easy to understand and is quite thorough, including a page's worth of trouble-shooting advice. Just keep things clean, wash the filter, replace it when indicated, and of course keep dumping the bucket, or draining the water (the drain outlet looks well-built and up to the task.
I have not used the timer-function but it will come in handy when I need it. The lack of noise is wonderful-- my old Whirlpool De-Humidifier was so noisy that although I was pretty sure my downstairs neighbors don't sleep in their livingroom/dinette, the noise from the Whirlpool was floor-rattling.
I live in a climate with three seasons -- Spring/Summer (summer is hot hot hot, with humidity that almost rolls thru the air), Autumn (with sometimes very rainy Septembers) and Winter (usually dry, but sometimes host to a Mega Snowstorm). So this Frigidaire FAD504DWD Energy Star 50-pint Dehumidifier has arrived at just the right time - as soon as Spring affirms its dainty-sweet existence, Summer will be leapfrogging over it to assert its dominance, with at-times scorching heat and mega humidity. I look forward to using this Frigidaire Dehumidifier for six months of almost-constant use. Yes I have A/C in all rooms except kitchen and bathroom, but when the AC is on in the brutish part of the summer, you would not know it.
The Whirlpool? Will be relegated to the kitchen -- where so much of my food can be prone to spoiling because there is no heat or air-conditioning in the kitchen.
UPDATE-- I can't believe how quickly the bucket fills-- even on "just" a humid day in April--- Zounds! this is a great dehumidifier!UPDATE 2 -- May 2013 -- I can't believe how quickly and how much water this takes out of the air!! I have to drain the bucket (which does not lend itself totally well to the act of draining, since water wants to spill out from mor e than one area while draning into the sink -- but I'm getting the hang of it) at least once a day -- I'd like to add a hose to the drain so it drains automatically but there is simply no place to drain this automatically in my apartment-- unless I want the water to go over the balcony -- and I don't think my downstairs neighbors will be amused by that.
PS-- My Westinghouse Dehumidifier is now in the kitchen where it makes a lot of noise and does its job slowly.
UPDATE.......May 2015 -- this thing ain't a-workin' anymore-- it runs but does NOT collect any water in its bucker-- or anywhere else for that matter -- In contrast, another dehumidifier that I bought 2 yrs before I got this one-- works, pulls out so much water that I have PLENTY of water for my outside garden every day. Since I do not want to send this Frigidaire in for service (budget, budget) I fear that its glory days are over.
The Frigidaire FAD504DWD Energy Star 50-pint Dehumidifier arrived well packed (Styrofoam), battened down, with taped-to-body bucket, and did not need any assembly, other than removing the tape, moving it on its gliiiding casters (great handle on top too -- I had to pick this up and it is not lightweight-- the handle withstood the tugging and the hefting). It is handsomely designed, looks more-than-just-utilitarian, is pleasing to look at.
There is a drain in the back, for continuous use. A beeper lets you know that the bucket needs to be looked at (full, or not all the way tucked back into the body). The bucket has a handle -- oh joy!! I had to be so careful with the Whirlpool's bucket-- using one hand on each side of the bucket as I slooowly removed it from the body to keep things from splashing. Now all I have to do with the Frigidaire is pull the bucket forward, boldly pick up the bucket by the handle, and go to the balcony to water my plants with the excess water. I have found that adding a tiny bit of bleach to the water in the bucket, in-between bucket removal, helps to keep mold and mildew at bay (a lesson I learned from a former Dehumidifier that had to be Put To Sleep way before its time, as the green and black 3-D mold and mildew had crawled their way into inaccessible areas of the unit).
The controls are EZ to read and use - no buttons, just a touch pad. The Instructional booklet in English, Spanish and French, was easy to understand and is quite thorough, including a page's worth of trouble-shooting advice. Just keep things clean, wash the filter, replace it when indicated, and of course keep dumping the bucket, or draining the water (the drain outlet looks well-built and up to the task.
I have not used the timer-function but it will come in handy when I need it. The lack of noise is wonderful-- my old Whirlpool De-Humidifier was so noisy that although I was pretty sure my downstairs neighbors don't sleep in their livingroom/dinette, the noise from the Whirlpool was floor-rattling.
I live in a climate with three seasons -- Spring/Summer (summer is hot hot hot, with humidity that almost rolls thru the air), Autumn (with sometimes very rainy Septembers) and Winter (usually dry, but sometimes host to a Mega Snowstorm). So this Frigidaire FAD504DWD Energy Star 50-pint Dehumidifier has arrived at just the right time - as soon as Spring affirms its dainty-sweet existence, Summer will be leapfrogging over it to assert its dominance, with at-times scorching heat and mega humidity. I look forward to using this Frigidaire Dehumidifier for six months of almost-constant use. Yes I have A/C in all rooms except kitchen and bathroom, but when the AC is on in the brutish part of the summer, you would not know it.
The Whirlpool? Will be relegated to the kitchen -- where so much of my food can be prone to spoiling because there is no heat or air-conditioning in the kitchen.
UPDATE-- I can't believe how quickly the bucket fills-- even on "just" a humid day in April--- Zounds! this is a great dehumidifier!UPDATE 2 -- May 2013 -- I can't believe how quickly and how much water this takes out of the air!! I have to drain the bucket (which does not lend itself totally well to the act of draining, since water wants to spill out from mor e than one area while draning into the sink -- but I'm getting the hang of it) at least once a day -- I'd like to add a hose to the drain so it drains automatically but there is simply no place to drain this automatically in my apartment-- unless I want the water to go over the balcony -- and I don't think my downstairs neighbors will be amused by that.
PS-- My Westinghouse Dehumidifier is now in the kitchen where it makes a lot of noise and does its job slowly.
UPDATE.......May 2015 -- this thing ain't a-workin' anymore-- it runs but does NOT collect any water in its bucker-- or anywhere else for that matter -- In contrast, another dehumidifier that I bought 2 yrs before I got this one-- works, pulls out so much water that I have PLENTY of water for my outside garden every day. Since I do not want to send this Frigidaire in for service (budget, budget) I fear that its glory days are over.
By CadensGramma
For the past couple of years I have used an older Dehumidifier and Damp Rid to get rid of excess moisture and dampness in my home. Until I plugged up the Frigidaire FAD504DWD 50-pt Dehumidifier I had no idea just how much excess moisture was in my home. I have run the dehumidifier every day for two weeks and the water bucket has filled up every day.
The dehumidifier arrives assembled and ready to use right out of the box (some parts are taped together so be sure and remove the tape). The enclosed instruction manual is very easy to understand and you can have the unit up and running in a matter of minutes. It has a carry handle on top, hand holds on each side and wheels to make moving around easy. The slim design is a huge space saver and makes it easy to locate the unit almost anywhere. The electronic controls are simple to understand and operate and the continuous drain option is easy install with a simple 1/2" garden hose that you place into a drain or through the floor to the outside of your home. I recommend using the continuous drain option if you have high humidity levels in your home as the enclosed bucket is very heavy when full. If you live in a high humidity state, as I do, you will have to empty the collection container quite frequently if you don't install the continuous drain. Before I installed the hose option I had to empty the container at least once every 12 hours.
The unit shuts off when the water collection container is full and alarms to let you know it needs emptying. You can adjust the settings to choose continuous or pick the humidity level you are comfortable with. You can also program the timer to have the unit turn on and off as needed.
The filter is easy to remove and clean and does help in eliminating odours from the home. The person who lived in the home prior to me was a smoker and when humidity levels would go up I could still smell lingering cigarette odours even though I had the house professionally cleaned to remove the cigarette smells before we moved in. When this unit is running I can't smell the cigarette odours.
If you need a dehumidifier I highly recommend this unit. It does everything a dehumidifier should and so much more.
The dehumidifier arrives assembled and ready to use right out of the box (some parts are taped together so be sure and remove the tape). The enclosed instruction manual is very easy to understand and you can have the unit up and running in a matter of minutes. It has a carry handle on top, hand holds on each side and wheels to make moving around easy. The slim design is a huge space saver and makes it easy to locate the unit almost anywhere. The electronic controls are simple to understand and operate and the continuous drain option is easy install with a simple 1/2" garden hose that you place into a drain or through the floor to the outside of your home. I recommend using the continuous drain option if you have high humidity levels in your home as the enclosed bucket is very heavy when full. If you live in a high humidity state, as I do, you will have to empty the collection container quite frequently if you don't install the continuous drain. Before I installed the hose option I had to empty the container at least once every 12 hours.
The unit shuts off when the water collection container is full and alarms to let you know it needs emptying. You can adjust the settings to choose continuous or pick the humidity level you are comfortable with. You can also program the timer to have the unit turn on and off as needed.
The filter is easy to remove and clean and does help in eliminating odours from the home. The person who lived in the home prior to me was a smoker and when humidity levels would go up I could still smell lingering cigarette odours even though I had the house professionally cleaned to remove the cigarette smells before we moved in. When this unit is running I can't smell the cigarette odours.
If you need a dehumidifier I highly recommend this unit. It does everything a dehumidifier should and so much more.
By Menthol Rum
We have an old, old unit in the family room downstairs that has run for years. It was time to go and the Frigidaire FAD504DUD replaced it. To give you an idea of the room, it gets enough moisture that if we the dehumidifier isn't running for a week, the room has a musty odor.
The FAD504DUD arrived and setup was just it unpacking and putting it in the same out of the way location. I didn't know that there was a nozzle output until I unpacked it. This allowed me to run a hose to the sump pit behind the wall and into the furnace room where there is a sump pit. Now the water can drain and the sump pump comes on when there's enough water accumulated. No more emptying the dehumidifier!
The unit is quieter and it took a little getting used to, as we no longer hear the fan and the clang when it turns off. To be fair, it's decades newer so the new unit to us is just fantastic. It uses less electricity as well and we just set the humidity level and let it run. We'll clean the filter when the unit tells us to, which is another nice touch on this unit. The controls are simple; timed, on or set a humidity level. We've only used the humidity level setting and it has worked perfectly.
The unit is lighter, quieter and more efficient that our old one, so it seems to run for less time. The self-draining is really so nice to have, I had to mention it twice. If we were away or just forgot to empty the bucket, we had to empty the very full bucket often spilling on the way and the room became very musty. Now that will no longer happen. This one of our favorite features for certain!
It's such a simple device, but this one looks better than the old one, is more efficient and quieter. For us, what more can we ask for?
The FAD504DUD arrived and setup was just it unpacking and putting it in the same out of the way location. I didn't know that there was a nozzle output until I unpacked it. This allowed me to run a hose to the sump pit behind the wall and into the furnace room where there is a sump pit. Now the water can drain and the sump pump comes on when there's enough water accumulated. No more emptying the dehumidifier!
The unit is quieter and it took a little getting used to, as we no longer hear the fan and the clang when it turns off. To be fair, it's decades newer so the new unit to us is just fantastic. It uses less electricity as well and we just set the humidity level and let it run. We'll clean the filter when the unit tells us to, which is another nice touch on this unit. The controls are simple; timed, on or set a humidity level. We've only used the humidity level setting and it has worked perfectly.
The unit is lighter, quieter and more efficient that our old one, so it seems to run for less time. The self-draining is really so nice to have, I had to mention it twice. If we were away or just forgot to empty the bucket, we had to empty the very full bucket often spilling on the way and the room became very musty. Now that will no longer happen. This one of our favorite features for certain!
It's such a simple device, but this one looks better than the old one, is more efficient and quieter. For us, what more can we ask for?
By gnadren
Our basement movie room was damp and cold! Till I bought this dehumidifier I got use to the noise its not an annoying loud to me and its worth it cause it works hard getting all the moisture out of the making making our room alot warmer and alot more enjoyable! Been using it a year now and no problems!
By Mike
I gave this 5 stars because this dehumidifier does what it is supposed to do. I have 1200sqft basement which was smelling musty and very damp! plugged this bad boy in and it's been dry ever since. i would recommend this to anyone with a damp musty basement in their home, although i would advise against putting it in a living room because it is pretty Loud. you will not be sorry you bought this!!!!!!!!!
By James H
Quick Review for this Dehumidifier, we recently bought a house with a basement (roughly 800sqft) and decided to get a dehumidifiers, as the same goes, if you have a basement, you also have a dehumidifier. The big question was which one to get, I took some time and went to the big brick stores and found this one on Amazon for less.
Here is what I like:
The Output air comes out of the top.
Pulls about a tank of water a day.
The unit is quiet. (a box fan on low is louder)
Great design and easy to use.
Tells your rooms current humidity level.
Here is what I don't like:
Output air is rather warm, but this is true for all dehumidifiers of this type.
Unit is heavy, not ideal to take around the house etc. (however it is on wheels and can be rolled if on the same level)
Overall, I HIGHLY recommend this unit. We had "basement" smell and after putting this in for a few days, the basement smells fresh and feels great. We were on the fence on ordering one, but so glad we did we are going to order a second for the upstairs.
Here is what I like:
The Output air comes out of the top.
Pulls about a tank of water a day.
The unit is quiet. (a box fan on low is louder)
Great design and easy to use.
Tells your rooms current humidity level.
Here is what I don't like:
Output air is rather warm, but this is true for all dehumidifiers of this type.
Unit is heavy, not ideal to take around the house etc. (however it is on wheels and can be rolled if on the same level)
Overall, I HIGHLY recommend this unit. We had "basement" smell and after putting this in for a few days, the basement smells fresh and feels great. We were on the fence on ordering one, but so glad we did we are going to order a second for the upstairs.
By Tradesman
I found that this 50 pint unit works very well in a 1600 sq.ft basement. Noticed a difference in one day of use. I put mine on a timer that lets it run in the evening hours about 4-6 hours and 1-2 hours during the middle of the day. Easier on the electric bill. This unit will keep it's memory as tested. My basement had a little odor with some small amounts of mold present during the summer season. Unless you have a very bad water issue present, this unit should solve or lessen a damp basement greatly. Very happy with purchase. My numbers on the energy used in a 6-8 hours run time a day to be only $25 - $30 bucks tops, a month. Draws less than 5 amps of power. The 70 pint draws close to 8 amps. I use the drain hose option and place the unit fairly close to the center of the floor. Also noticed that I do not hear it running unless I'm standing very close to it. Hope this helps.
By Raja
I am very pleased with this dehumidifier! I recently purchased a temperature and humidity monitor and was shocked to see that it was getting up to 75% humidity! With recently installed new hardwood flooring, this could be a disaster. Not to mention that potential for mold and mildew to run rampant.
After extensive research, I settled on this unit and have been very happy with it. It keeps the humidity to around 45-60 (I set it to 50 or 55).
To address some concerns or negative things posted in other reviews:
Noise level: The unit is actually very quiet. If you have the fan on high, you will hear a good bit of noise but not any different than if you had any other fan on high. It's just a regular wind wooshing sound. It does get slightly louder when the compressor kicks on but I only noticed if I was really listening for it.
Heat: Yes, the air coming out will be warm to very warm. This is just how dehumidifiers work. No way around it. However, because it is lowering the humidity in the area, you should feel cooler. Before I got this unit, I was having to keep the AC temp to around 76 or 77 to not sweat. Since I've been running this, at 77 I actually feel chilled and have bumped the AC up to 79 and feel very comfortable at this temp.
Compressor issues: Due to how compressors work, I highly advise that you let this unit sit upright, unplugged and powered off for at least a few hours after you receive it. Overnight would be even better. This will allow any fluids to settle that might have moved during shipping. The compressor will thank you!
Collection Tank: I noticed that some people complained about water splashing everywhere when emptying the tank. Thus far, I haven't had this issue. The top of the tank has a clear plastic cover over most of it. I've been pouring the water out the side with the shutoff float and it pours out nice and smooth, no splashing. I've been using it to water plants outside. Free water! *do not drink the water!*
Fan constantly running: How this unit operates is that it will run until it is 5% below the set amount. At which time, the compressor will turn off but the fan will continue to run for, about 15 minutes (or there about). If during this time the humidity doesn't go to 5% above the set value, the fan will turn off. It will turn back on with the compressor once the humidity gets to 5% above set value. If it's constantly running, either the overall humidity in the environment is damp or the unit is under sized. Try running the unit on constant (keep pressing down until it says con) and let it run like this for a day. That should help to dry everything out.
Overall, very pleased with this purchase and highly recommend it.
After extensive research, I settled on this unit and have been very happy with it. It keeps the humidity to around 45-60 (I set it to 50 or 55).
To address some concerns or negative things posted in other reviews:
Noise level: The unit is actually very quiet. If you have the fan on high, you will hear a good bit of noise but not any different than if you had any other fan on high. It's just a regular wind wooshing sound. It does get slightly louder when the compressor kicks on but I only noticed if I was really listening for it.
Heat: Yes, the air coming out will be warm to very warm. This is just how dehumidifiers work. No way around it. However, because it is lowering the humidity in the area, you should feel cooler. Before I got this unit, I was having to keep the AC temp to around 76 or 77 to not sweat. Since I've been running this, at 77 I actually feel chilled and have bumped the AC up to 79 and feel very comfortable at this temp.
Compressor issues: Due to how compressors work, I highly advise that you let this unit sit upright, unplugged and powered off for at least a few hours after you receive it. Overnight would be even better. This will allow any fluids to settle that might have moved during shipping. The compressor will thank you!
Collection Tank: I noticed that some people complained about water splashing everywhere when emptying the tank. Thus far, I haven't had this issue. The top of the tank has a clear plastic cover over most of it. I've been pouring the water out the side with the shutoff float and it pours out nice and smooth, no splashing. I've been using it to water plants outside. Free water! *do not drink the water!*
Fan constantly running: How this unit operates is that it will run until it is 5% below the set amount. At which time, the compressor will turn off but the fan will continue to run for, about 15 minutes (or there about). If during this time the humidity doesn't go to 5% above the set value, the fan will turn off. It will turn back on with the compressor once the humidity gets to 5% above set value. If it's constantly running, either the overall humidity in the environment is damp or the unit is under sized. Try running the unit on constant (keep pressing down until it says con) and let it run like this for a day. That should help to dry everything out.
Overall, very pleased with this purchase and highly recommend it.
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