The new Frigidaire dehumidifier range includes three models; the 70 pint FAD704DUD, the 50 pint FAD504DUD and the 30 pint FAD301NUD. Unlike the "new" ranges marketed by some other manufacturers the DUD/NUD units from Frigidaire are significantly different from the models they replace.
The most obvious difference is that the FAD251NTD, a 25 pint dehumidifier, is replaced by the 30 pint FAD301NUD. This may seem relatively unimportant to the casual observer but there are two reasons why the small increase in capacity is of significant value to consumers.
1. The Energy Star qualification requirement, the Energy Factor (EF), for a 30 pint dehumidifier is 1.4 litres (of water extracted) per kilowatt hour of energy used (1.4Lt/kwh). The equivalent EF for a 25 pint unit is 1.2 Lt/kwh. This means that the larger capacity FAD301NUD removes nearly 17% more water from the air for every energy dollar you spend, a considerable saving.
2. Low capacity dehumidifiers are generally less popular in North America than the more powerful 50 pint and 70 pint models as the main application for portable dehumidifiers is in the basement, which in most homes is typically an area of 800 to 1200 square feet. Lower capacity dehumidifiers are more often used in smaller areas within the home or, in some cases, in a recreational vehicle (RV). In these locations the noise produced by a dehumidifier can be more intrusive and while the 30 pint model is no quieter than its 25 pint predecessor its larger capacity means that it will run for fewer hours per day in a space of given size causing less noise nuisance.
Despite its higher capacity the new 30 pint Frigidaire dehumidifier is slightly smaller in all three dimensions than the 25 pint FAD251NTD. Both the 70 pint and 50 pint "DUD" models are also more compact than the models they replace. In a basement the modest reduction in size may be relatively unimportant for many but in a bedroom or RV it will be much appreciated by the majority of users. I have already touched on the subject of dehumidifier noise and, since this has as much to do with noise quality as sheer volume, the main source of information on the noise "level" is the increasing number of dehumidifier reviews written by consumers about the new range.
It is clear from the hundreds of published reviews that the new Frigidaire Dehumidifier range has impressed large numbers of owners with its relative quietness when compared with other brands and the preceding models. Noise from dehumidifiers is unavoidable but with this range Frigidaire appears to have done its best to minimize the discomfort. It should be noted that there is a marked difference in reported noise level between the higher (louder) and lower fan speeds on all three models.
There is always a down side and there are two aspects of the new Frigidaire dehumidifier range that have disappointed many customers.
1. All three models cycle on and off very frequently. To be fair this is a curse that seems to afflict all current dehumidifier models but it is a source of concern because of the additional strain it places on the compressor and the rest of the refrigeration system. This may be a result of humidity sensors being too sensitive and/or because the sensor is measuring the humidity of the air inside the dehumidifier casing which may be higher than that of the air in the room. Whatever the cause it is an issue which all dehumidifier manufacturers need to address.
2. Users of the 50 pint and 70 pint models in the new Frigidaire dehumidifier range have reported problems with the continuous drainage option available on these models. This seems to result from the relocation of the discharge port for the water to the rear of the dehumidifier casing. Frigidaire have responded to this problem with a "fix" in the form of a new drainage kit which is now supplied with both these models and has apparently solved the problem.
Frigidaire is to be congratulated on having the courage to introduce a genuinely new range to replace models of proven success and popularity. Perhaps the flaws are the price of that courage but the new range offers significant advantages over the older models and the Frigidaire dehumidifier remains one of the most competitively priced, popular and successful brands in the North American home dehumidifier market.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tom Warren is an expert on dealing with moisture problems in the home. He writes articles about dehumidifiers and publishes reviews of the leading brands and models.
http://www.best-dehumidifier-choice.com
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