One of the most advanced dehumidifier models by Electrolux, Frigidaire FAD704DWD is still one of the best-selling dehumidifiers on the market backed up by a high percentage of positive user reviews. This Energy Star rated, 70-pint dehumidifier does a good job removing excess humidity from living spaces (including basements), and offers not only efficient performance but also quiet operation, especially in comparison with other 70-pint models (with the exception of Frigidaire’s newer FFAD7033R1 which is even quieter).
FAD704DWD offers advanced features including continuous operation mode, effortless humidity control, an accurate hygrometer, full tank alert, on-off timer, and an antibacterial mesh filter.
Features
- Can remove 70 pints of humidity in spaces as big as 1400 sq. ft.
- Low temperature operation (down to 41 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Energy Star rated
- Improved mobility with top and side handles and caster wheels
- Removes bacteria, odors and airborne particles with antibacterial mesh filter
- Continuous operation mode when placed near a suitable drain
- Full tank alert and auto shut-off features
- Effortless humidity control allowing precise humidity control
- Digital humidity readout
- 3 front-pull bucket with splash guard
- Quiet operation
- 2 fan speeds (high and low)
- 24 hour on-off timer
Effortless humidity control
Frigidaire FAD704DWD allows precise humidity control with 5% increments so that you can set the humidity in your room in accordance with your comfort/health needs. Once you set the desired humidity level, the compressor kicks in, and the unit starts to remove excess moisture from the air.
Once the desired and set humidity level is reached, the compressor stops until the humidity rises again (which is then detected by the hygrometer). You can set the humidity level between 35 and 85% with 5% increments. Although there are some models that allow settings between 30 and 90%, we found the range offered by this model more than enough in most cases.
Continuous Operation
FAD704DWD offers two operation modes: you can either use the condensation collection bucket which you would need to empty when it’s filled with water, or use the continuous drainage mode by simply placing the dehumidifier near a suitable drain and connect a garden hose that will automatically and continually remove the water collected.
Frigidaire also offers optional pumps that you may use for more efficient drainage. With that said, you really don’t need the extra pump as the unit does a good job draining the water using the power of gravity.
Bucket Full Alert and Auto Shut Down
This Frigidaire model is equipped with a 16.3 pint front pull bucket with handle and splash guard. If you don’t use the continuous drainage option, you will need to empty the bucket every time it’s filled with water. Although the bucket has a splash guard in place, we found that it’s pretty hard to empty the water without spilling if the bucket is completely full. Our recommendation is not to wait until it is full to empty it if you don’t want to spill water.
The unit is also equipped with a bucket full alarm and an auto shut down feature that stops the operation if the bucket is filled and not emptied, providing protection against water flowing out and causing a mess or even an electric hazard should it come in contact with electric sources.
Energy Efficiency
As an Energy Star rated dehumidifier, FAD704DWD is an average dehumidifier in terms of energy efficiency. The dehumidifier draws about 640 watts in 50% relative humidity, and the amount of energy consumption increases in higher humidity levels. You can expect it to be close to the 745 watts rated by the manufacturer if you live in an area with higher humidity levels (about 75-80% relative humidity). All in all, FAD704DWD is quiet energy efficient.
Noise Level
As a powerful 70-pint dehumidifier, this Frigidaire model is surprisingly quiet. In fact, it’s noise output is lower than all other 70 pint models except for the newer FFAD7033R1 which is specifically designed to be quieter. Despite the fact that the unit has a top exhaust, it still manages to be quieter than models with side exhausts that direct the noise away to create the perception of quieter operation.
As we have seen some users complain about the noise despite the fact that this is a quiet model, we should emphasize the fact that dehumidifier models with caster wheels are prone to something called the “compressor shake” which causes the unit to move a little on the casters when the compressor starts working. If the unit is placed on an uneven or vibrating surface, this may cause excessive vibrations and hence annoying noises. So, make sure that you place the dehumidifier on solid and even ground if you choose to purchase it.
Moisture Removal
Frigidaire seems to have made a choice between fast moisture removal and quiet operation and reliability. It does not remove excess moisture as fast as some other models on the market, but it does so quietly and reliably, and at the end of the day it manages to remove 70 pints of humidity (with a speed of about 0.82 lbs per hour). The slight delay with which the FAD704DWD removes excess humidity does not make a real difference in our opinion. We can safely say that this is a true 70-pint dehumidifier that strikes the right balance between speed and reliable operation.
Digital Humidity Readout
The dehumidifier also features a digital readout that shows the relative humidity level in the environment. We found the readout to be quite accurate with a tolerance of about 5% (since it displays the humidity with 5% increments). However, if you have any medical condition that requires a specific level of humidity, we would recommend getting your hands on a separate and more accurate device to measure the exact level of relative humidity.
On-Off Timer
Although it is equipped with a 24 hour on-off timer, the functionality of the timer is not as good as we’d like. You can set the dehumidifier to start or stop working at a specific time. You can set half hour increments up to 10 hours and 1 hour increments between 11 and 24 hours. But you should be aware that this setting works only once, and the next day you need to set it again.
Verdict
- One of the quietest 70-pint dehumidifiers currently available on the market
- Continuous drainage allows for hands-free usage
- Bucket full alert and auto shut-off provide protection against water spilling when the bucket is full and unattended
- Can remove 70 pints in rooms as big as 1,400 sq. ft.
- Low temperature operation (the unit can perform optimally between 41 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Optimum mobility with top and side handles and caster wheels
- 16.3 pint condensation collection bucket
- Energy star rated dehumidifier
- No defrost mode
- You may need a separate hygrometer if you need exact calculation of the relative humidity
- Bucket is a bit awkward to empty if it’s filled to the top
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