Frigidaire 50-Pint Dehumidifier FAD504DUD

Bottom line

The Frigidaire 50-Pint Dehumidifier FAD504DUD is a solid buy if you're looking for a medium-capacity dehumidifier that can get the job done with minimal maintenance requirements. This Energy Star-rated dehumidifier works well in living areas as well as areas with cooler temperatures, such as basements, and also removes airborne particles.

Performance

Excellent performer. The Frigidaire 50-Pint Dehumidifier earns excellent scores for water removal and humidistat accuracy in one professional roundup. More than 700 owners (combined) posting feedback to Walmart.com and Amazon.com agree, noting that this dehumidifier performs excellently.

In professional tests, this dehumidifier earns good ratings for its ability to perform in cooler-temperature areas, such as basements. This model will perform in temperatures down to 41 degrees Fahrenheit. The filter not only removes excess moisture, but airborne particles as well.

In older reviews, there are some complaints that the drainage system doesn't work well for continuous drainage. However, Frigidaire has released a modification kit that will remedy this problem.

Ease of use

Simple to operate. The Frigidaire FAD504DUD is intuitive to setup, according to owners at Walmart.com. All it takes is removing the unit from the box, plugging it in and adjusting the settings to your ideal preferences.

When the hose is attached for continuous draining, there's no need to empty the collection canister. Owners also say the filter is easy to remove and clean. The push-button controls allow users to adjust the desired humidity level and other settings easily. When set to collect moisture in the collection canister, the dehumidifier can be emptied easily thanks to its front-loading function and carrying handle for easy portability.

Noise

Mixed opinions on noise. One professional testing organization gives this 50-pint dehumidifier a very good rating for noise level. Owners posting feedback to sites such as Amazon.com and Walmart.com have mixed opinions, with some complaining that this unit is noisy, while others say it's only bothersome when the fan is at the high setting.

The noise is less of an issue when this dehumidifier is located in areas of the house that aren't frequented, such as an unused basement. One Walmart.com reviewer says, "Since it is in the basement I can't comment on the noise level. However, I can say that I don't notice any additional noise in the house, and I would say it is fairly quiet."

Cost of ownership

Low operating costs. The Frigidaire 50-Pint Dehumidifier FAD504DUD is a reasonably priced Energy Star appliance, so it runs more efficiently than non-rated dehumidifiers. There are no replacement parts available other than the filter, according to one owner posting feedback to Amazon.com. However, the same owner points out that the unit is backed by a one-year warranty (five years for the sealed refrigeration system), and when his system failed within a few years Frigidaire replaced the unit free of charge because he had registered it at the manufacturer's website.