Frigidaire FAD251NTD
25 Pint Dehumidifier

The Frigidaire FAD251NTD is a compact portable dehumidifier for smaller areas of your home. It is certified by Energy Star®, is a fairly light appliance and will fit into a room where space is tight.

Models in this class are usually used in areas such as bedrooms and bathrooms and are not powerful enough for anything but the smallest basement. It has always been popular with users and most reviews have been positive.

This model is no longer in production. In its place the manufacturer has introduced a new 30 pint model, the FAD301NUD. New examples of the 25 pint unit are now almost impossible to find but there are some pre-used units available. Although these will be cheaper to buy than the FAD301NUD the new model is as effective and more energy efficient so may be a better choice.

The information posted here is intended as a reference for any of you who may be considering a pre-used example and need details of its specifications or a copy of the manual. I have also included a brief summary of consumer experiences of this model and my recommendations.

Features

Portable

This model is fairly light and compact. Carrying handles are fitted and the unit is mounted on casters so it is easy to move from room to room.

Auto-Defrost

The unit works best at a temperature of 65°F or above. Auto-defrost protects the unit from damage caused by ice formation on the cold coil in cooler conditions.

Adjustable Humidistat

The humidistat senses changes in humidity and cycles the appliance on and off to keep moisture at the level you select.

Continuous Drainage

You have a choice of relying on the water collection bucket and emptying it every day or attaching a hose to the appliance and allowing the water to run continuously to a nearby drain.

Simple Manual Controls

The appliance is controlled using a manual dial and switches. Although less "sophisticated" than electronic controls these are easy to use and less likely to fail.

Anti Microbial Filter

The filter, which should be cleaned about once every two weeks, protects the appliance and will also capture some of the harmful bacteria carried in the air.

Full Water Tank Alert System

This lets you know when the bucket is full and needs to be emptied.

Automatic Shut-Off When Full

If you don't notice that the tank is full this system automatically shuts down the appliance to prevent water over-flowing from the bucket.

Manual

Click on the link to download the Owner's Manual (PDF)

Specifications

• Maximum room size - 400 square feet
  
  
• Water extraction - 25 pints per day at 80°F and 60% RH
  
  
• Water container capacity - 8.5 pints
  
  
• Container full indicator - Yes
  
  
• Auto cut-off when full - Yes
  
  
• Continuous drainage - Yes
  
  
• Carrying handle(s) - Yes
  
  
• Casters - Yes
  
  
• Weight - 29lbs
  
  
• Height - 20.5"
  
  
• Width -14.75"
  
  
• Depth - 12.25"
  
  
• Minimum operating temperature - 41°F (65°F recommended)
  
  
• Auto-defrost - Yes
  
  
• Air flow volume - 142 CFM/177 CFM
  
  
• Electronic controls - No
  
  
• Adjustable humidistat - Yes
  
  
• Fan Speeds - 1
  
  
• Noise level - 48.1dB
  
  
• Power requirement - 115 volts/3.8 amps/410w watts
  
  
• Energy Factor - 1.2 litres per kilowatt hour
  
  
  

Consumer Reactions

Small dehumidifiers are less popular than larger models so the number of reviews of this model has always been limited. Most of the reviews that have been published are positive.

Users say that this appliance is easy to operate. They also report that it is effective in the smaller areas for which it was designed. This model has been found to be reliable by most users.

My Recommendation

I would not now recommend the FAD251NTD as a new purchase if it was available. The new 30 pint FAD301NUD is around 17% more energy efficient (Energy Factor 1.4 vs. 1.2 for the FAD251NTD).

The FAD251NTD is still a decent small dehumidifier so if you are looking for a used example in good condition, and the price is right, there is no reason not to buy.

Bear in mind that even the best portables have become "throw away" items in recent years. The sad truth is that a model that lasts longer than two years is becoming the exception and repairs, if you can find anyone to do them, are usually too expensive to be worthwhile.

You may like to take a look at the new model by following this link to my review of the Frigidaire FAD301NUD.

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