Best Frigidaire Dehumidifiers

Buying guide for best frigidaire dehumidifiers

Dealing with high humidity levels in your home can be a serious headache. Humidity  can damage belongings like furniture and electronics and cause serious problems for the house itself, including peeling wallpaper, rotting wood, water stains, and musty odors. It can also affect your health by allowing allergy triggers like mold, mildew, and dust mites to grow uncontrolled. That’s why, if you live in a humid climate, it can be so important to invest in a dehumidifier.

When it comes to high-quality dehumidifiers, it’s difficult to beat the models from Frigidaire, which consistently rank among the top options on the market. But Frigidaire offers so many dehumidifiers that choosing the best one for your home can get a little overwhelming. You have to figure out the right size for your needs, the type of drainage system you prefer, and other features that will allow a dehumidifier to successfully remove the moisture from your home. If you’re not sure what to look for, shopping can be a real hassle.

That’s where we come in. Our convenient shopping guide is loaded with helpful tips for choosing the best Frigidaire dehumidifier for your needs and using it most effectively to keep your home – and health – in top condition. If you’re still a little unsure about which Frigidaire model to choose, check out the product list for our top picks.

In most areas of the home, a 45% to 50% humidity level is ideal.

Key considerations

Size

The size of a dehumidifier is measured by the total amount of moisture it can remove from the air per day. Frigidaire dehumidifiers range in size from smaller models rated for 30 pints per day to large models that can handle up to 95 pints per day.

To determine the best size for your needs, start by measuring the area where you want to use the dehumidifier, as well as how humid the air is. Here are some basic guidelines to help you choose the best size Frigidaire dehumidifier:

• 300 square feet: For an area that’s slightly to moderately damp, choose a 30-pint dehumidifier. In an area that’s extremely damp to wet, opt for a 40- to 45-pint dehumidifier.

• 500 square feet: For an area that’s slightly to moderately damp, choose a 40- to 45-pint dehumidifier. In an area that’s extremely damp to wet, opt for a 50- to 60-pint dehumidifier.

• 700 square feet: For an area that’s slightly to moderately damp, choose a 50-pint dehumidifier. In an area that’s extremely damp to wet, opt for a 60- to 70-pint dehumidifier.

• 1,000 square feet: For an area that’s slightly damp to moderately damp, choose a 60-pint dehumidifier. In an area that’s extremely damp to wet, opt for a 70-pint dehumidifier.

• 1,500 square feet:  For an area that’s slightly to moderately damp, choose a 70-pint dehumidifier. In an area that’s extremely damp to wet, opt for a 90-pint or larger dehumidifier.
   

Drainage system

Once a dehumidifier removes moisture from the air, the water collects inside the unit, which must be drained in some way. Frigidaire dehumidifiers are available with three drainage types: bucket, continuous, and pump.

• Bucket: All Frigidaire dehumidifiers are fitted with a water bucket inside the unit. When the bucket fills up with water, you must remove and empty it. Frigidaire models feature a bucket with a convenient carrying handle and splash guard to make emptying the unit as convenient as possible.

• Continuous: Some Frigidaire dehumidifiers are equipped with a continuous drainage system that uses gravity to remove the water. You attach a hose to the dehumidifier and angle it downward so gravity drains the water. To use this function, the dehumidifier must be positioned close enough to a floor drain for the hose to reach.

• Pump: A few Frigidaire dehumidifiers have a built-in pump that automatically removes the water from the unit. You must connect a hose to the pump and direct it to a sink or drain or out a window.
   

Auto humidistat

To have the most control over the humidity, choose a Frigidaire dehumidifier with an auto humidistat. This feature allows you to set the desired humidity level for the room, such as 50%, and the unit will turn itself on and off to maintain that level.

Low-temperature operation

Some Frigidaire dehumidifiers are designed to operate at temperatures below 65°F, which allows you to use one in cooler areas of the house like a basement or crawlspace. These models can be used in spaces with a temperature as low as 42°F, so frost doesn’t form on the condensing coils and cause the unit to keep turning on and off without removing any moisture.

Frigidaire dehumidifier features

Fan speeds

In order to maintain the desired humidity level in your home, opt for a Frigidaire dehumidifier with multiple fan speeds or modes. Some models have two speeds – low and high – while others have three or more. The more speeds a dehumidifier has, the more control you have over the humidity level in your home.

Auto defrost

Auto defrost is an important feature if you’ll be operating your Frigidaire dehumidifier in a colder location. It enables the unit to keep working no matter how cold it gets because it automatically removes frost that builds up on the condensing coil.

Auto restart

Not all dehumidifiers are able to automatically turn back on once the power is restored after an outage. Frigidaire dehumidifiers with an auto restart feature automatically turn on, so they can continue working as soon as the power comes back on.

Programmable timer

In some cases, it’s unnecessary to run a dehumidifier continuously throughout the day. If you choose a Frigidaire dehumidifier with a programmable timer, you can set the times when the unit turns on and off to keep the humidity level exactly where you want it without wasting energy or money.

Filters

Some Frigidaire dehumidifiers are equipped with air filters that help remove allergens and other particles from the air and keep them away from the unit’s components where they might do damage. Look for a model with a washable filter, so you don’t need to spend money to replace it.

Casters and handles

You might not want to buy a dehumidifier for every room of your house, so a unit that’s portable and easy to move can come in handy. Choose a Frigidaire dehumidifier with casters so you can easily roll the unit from room to room. Also, a model with handles is easier to carry up and down stairs.

Cord length

Using an extension cord with a dehumidifier is not recommended, so cord length is an extremely important feature. With a long cord, you can keep the unit plugged in a single outlet and move it around the room to dehumidify multiple areas. Most Frigidaire dehumidifiers have a cord that’s approximately six feet long, which is longer than many other dehumidifiers.

Frigidaire dehumidifier prices

Frigidaire dehumidifiers range in price from $165 to $500 based mainly on size.

Small models with a 30- to 50-pint capacity generally cost between $165 and $279.

Midsize models with a 50- to 70-pint capacity typically cost from $279 to $349.

Large models with a 70- to 95-pint capacity usually cost between $349 and $500.

Tips

• Position the dehumidifier away from walls, curtains, and furniture. Ideally, you should place it as close to the center of the space as possible.

• Vacuum the dehumidifier before using it. Vacuuming helps prevent the unit from dispersing dust and other allergens throughout the space when it’s removing the moisture.

• Empty the water out of your dehumidifier after you run it. It’s especially important to empty any water before you move the unit to another room.

• Keep doors and windows of the home closed. A dehumidifier works more effectively when the doors and windows are closed.

Another product we considered

Frigidaire offers a wide range of dehumidifiers that vary in size and features. We also love the Frigidaire Energy Star 50-Pint Dehumidifier because it features electronic controls that provide a digital humidity readout to help you maintain the perfect level. It can also operate in low temperatures, and the antibacterial filter helps cut down on bacteria, odors, and other allergens.

Most dehumidifiers can last up to eight years before needing to be replaced.

FAQ

Q. Do Frigidaire dehumidifiers include a warranty?

A. Every Frigidaire dehumidifier offers some sort of warranty coverage, but it varies from model to model. All units have at least one year of warranty protection, but some are covered for as long as five years. Read the warranty conditions for your model carefully, so you can be certain that you understand what sorts of issues are covered.

Q. Does a Frigidaire dehumidifier make much noise?

A. Like most dehumidifiers, Frigidaire models are somewhat noisy when they’re working. However, when operating on lower settings, the sound often functions as white noise, which shouldn’t disturb your household. On higher settings, you might need to close bedroom doors at night so as not to disturb the household.

Q. Do Frigidaire dehumidifiers use a lot of energy?

A. It depends on the model’s wattage. If you want an energy-efficient dehumidifier, look for an Energy Star-rated Frigidaire model.