Below is an overview of key differences and similarities between the two dehumidifiers, including their unique features and functionality.
FGAC7044U1E
FFAD5033W1
Construction and Design
Appearance:
The main difference regarding the appearance of the two units is mainly due to the huge honeycomb grate pattern on the front of the Frigidaire FGAC7044U1E, which gives it an industrial rather than contemporary vibe.
It’s also hard to ignore the rectangular shape finished with a white hue, which allows it to complement different interior décors,which literally fades in comparison to the glossy white surface on the Frigidaire FFAD5033W1.
The Frigidaire FFAD5033W1 also features a top air outlet which facilitate efficient airflow through the unit. Its control panel is conveniently placed at the top of the unit, which makes it easily accessible.
From the front, the FFAD5033W1 have a sleeker, contemporary-looking design. The opposite is true from the back. Since the intake and filter comprising the FGAC7044U1E are situated at the front and the back is sleek.
When placing the Frigidaire FFAD5033W1 against the wall, users are often compelled to turn the unit around for enhanced efficiency as the air intake occurs from the rear, which exposes the unsightly filter.
Users who are overly concerned about how their home appliance looks like when placed against the wall are advised to go for the Frigidaire FGAC7044U1E.
Also, both units come with a full-tank alert that notifies users when the tank fills up as well as a viewing window at the front of the dehumidifier.
Winner: FFAD5033W1
Build Quality and Durability
At a glance, it’s quite apparent that FFAD5033W1 is an improved version of its predecessor regarding build quality. For instance, the LED display is clearer, and the buttons comprising the control panel appear to be of higher quality. Also, the Frigidaire FFAD5033W1 comes with four casters and inbuilt handles that allow the user to carry or push it from one point to another effortlessly.
Winner: FFAD5033W1
Power and Dehumidification Capacity
Tank Capacity:
One of the downsides of the Frigidaire FGAC7044U1E is the tank capacity. The FFAD5033W1, have a huge 16.9-pint bucket, the Frigidaire FGAC7044U1E comes with a small 16.3-pint water tank. However, this shouldn’t be a problem if users utilize the unit’s external drain port to discharge the condensate.
Winner: FFAD5033W1
Moisture Removal
While both models are designed to extract different amount of indoor humidity within 24 hours, FFAD5033W1 / FGAC7044U1E both draws air rapidly; at 194 CFM. Between FFAD5033W1 has three fan speeds as opposed to the two fan speeds available for FGAC7044U1E.
Expedient moisture removal ultimately results in lower electricity bills for the user as the unit won’t need to run for long. It’s, however, imperative to place the Frigidaire FFAD5033W1 at the center of the room rather than close to the wall to maximize its efficiency.
Winner: FGAC7044U1E
Purification of Indoor Air:
Both the Frigidaire FGAC7044U1E and FFAD5033W1 models utilize a removable, washable filter to clean the indoor air. By ridding the indoor environment of airborne allergens, odors, and bacteria, the units provide users a more breathable air, making them particularly ideal for allergy sufferers.
Energy Efficiency:
FFAD5033W1 uses more energy 760 watts as compare to FGAC7044U1E that use 690 Watts This means reduced utility bills for the users of this model.
Both units operate efficiently within a wide temperature range of 41-90 degrees F, which further reduces the user’s electricity bills.
Winner: FGAC7044U1E
Noise Output:
Both Frigidaire FFAD5033W1 and FGAC7044U1E outperforms significantly regarding noise output due to the latter unit’s higher CFM. Also, the FGAC7044U1E model draws air via the front of the unit and subsequently discharges the same via the top.
The newer model, on the other hand, draws air via the back and exhausts it through the sides of the unit. Drawing air via the back means that once the unit is placed close to a wall, the fan is compelled to pull air towards the wall rather than towards the center of the room, resulting in less audible noises. Additionally, an exhaust located on the sides which means that the user can direct the unit to discharge air in a certain direction.
Conversely, since the FGAC7044U1E dehumidifier exhaust via the top, users find it a lot harder to control the noise levels. This is because they’ve no freedom to orient the unit to discharge air in a certain direction.
Tie: FFAD5033W1/FGAC7044U1E
Setup and Usability
Setting up both the Frigidaire FGAC7044U1E and FFAD5033W1 is a very easy as all the features are marked clearly devoid of ambiguous buttons. Users can even operate these units without reading the manual!
Controls:
Both the Frigidaire FGAC7044U1E and FFAD5033W1 models flaunt a digital electronic display featuring simple, intuitive controls. You can control your dehumidifier FGAC7044U1E from anywhere at your convenience with Frigidaire’s Smart Appliances app; turn the unit on or off, change humidity levels, and get notified when the water bucket is full.
Also compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant. Which makes it fit for users. Also both units conveniently display an updated moisture-level reading as informed by the internal humidity sensor.
Winner: FGAC7044U1E
Ease Of Use:
Both the Frigidaire FGAC7044U1E and FFAD5033W1 models feature a continuous drainage option that facilitates unattended operation
Both units come with front-loading tanks with a splash guard and carrying handles for easy portability and emptying with minimal spillage
Note: While the Frigidaire FFAD5033W1’s huge water tank comes in handy in reducing the frequency of emptying, it also means that the reservoir is heavier and more difficult to maneuver.
Size and Portability
When it comes to size, the Frigidaire FFAD5033R1 is a tad bit narrower than the FGAC7044U1E. However, the difference is only an inch; unless the user is tight on space, this probably won’t matter. Both units come with castor wheels for enhanced mobility. The Frigidaire FGAC7044U1E comes with a top extendable handle and side pocket handles.
Its successor also features a top extendable handle coupled with perfect cord storage but lacks side pocket handles.
The lack of pocket handles on the Frigidaire FFAD5033W1 is quite a disappointment to users because the top extendable handle tends to break after some years. This makes the pocket handles an invaluable feature. Besides, it’s often easier and more comfortable to lift a dehumidifier by its side handles rather than the top handle.
Winner: FGAC7044U1E
Cleaning and Maintenance
Maintaining both the Frigidaire FGAC7044U1E and FFAD5033W1 models is pretty easy as users are only required to clean the filter once per month. However, removing the filter for cleaning from the Frigidaire FFAD5033W1 is much easier compared to its predecessor. Users can access the newer model’s filter easily from the back of the unit.
Tie: FFAD5033W1/FGAC7044U1E
Extra Features
The Frigidaire FGAC7044U1E and FFAD5033W1 have similar accessories apart from the defrost mode, auto-restart feature and 24-hour timer, which is where the newer model reigns. Both models lack some extra features like ambient temperature indicator and a warning light that would otherwise illuminate upon the activation of defrost mode.
None of the models come with a built-in pump, which means that users will need to purchase one in the event that they wish to drain their unit to a level higher than its location.
Winner: FFAD5033W1
Areas for which It’s Best Suited
Thanks to the larger collection bucket coupled with more flexible placement options, the Frigidaire FGAC7044U1E is best suited for damp basements. On the other hand, the Frigidaire FFAD5033W1 is ideal for living spaces thanks to the sleeker styling, smaller footprint, not to mention lower noise levels.
Unlike the older Frigidaire version that features an industrial vibe with its front-facing intake, the FFAD5033W1 is sleeker and fits seamlessly in most modern homes.
Key-Take Away
While the Frigidaire FGAC7044U1E and FFAD5033W1 are pretty much similar in their features and functionality, their differences are sufficiently significant to influence your buying decision. While Frigidaire FFAD5033W1 does not dehumidify 70 pints of moisture per day as compare to Frigidaire FGAC7044U1E still is the better performer when it comes to expedient removal of indoor moisture.
This unit operates expediently and thus saves the user substantial energy costs.
While the Frigidaire FGAC7044U1E is the more expensive appliance, the price tag is well justified by the added features that include the 24-hour timer, auto-defrost function, and auto-restart feature and not to mention its apparent toughness and durability. Among the biggest improvements made Frigidaire include energy efficiency, expedient moisture removal, and noise suppression.
