If you are living in an area with an unbearably hot climate, then you’ve probably come to the conclusion that life is not worth living without a proper air conditioner. And if you’ve allowed such questions to float in your mind, then you also must have asked yourself: Do I need a split air-conditioning system or a mini-compact one? While split air conditioners are technically the newer technology, it can be argued that mini-compact A/Cs give more for less.
Now, a simple glance at the mini-compact air conditioners’ market reveals two Frigidaire models that are excellent alternatives to split air conditioners: the Frigidaire FFRE0533S1 and the Frigidaire FFRA0511R1 – which for convenience we will abbreviate to FFRE and FFRA, correspondingly.
Let’s examine how they fare against each other.
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Overview of the models
FFRE
Mini-compact air conditioners are ideal for quick and efficient cooling of rooms as large as 350 square feet. If you have a favorite room in your home where you spent most of your time, then the logical decision would be to install a mini-compact A/C there.
The FFRE fits into most standard-sized windows. It is lightweight and easy to install and covers areas of up to 150 square feet, which is perfect for single rooms. Rated at 12.2 on the EER scale (Energy Efficiency Ratio), it is estimated that this unit can save you as little as $8 a year on your energy bills. While this figure is not impressive on its own, this air conditioner can give you a peace of mind in the knowledge that you are doing your share for a greener world.
FFRA
Fitted with adjustable side panels, this model is extremely easy to install, accommodating windows with a minimum height of 13 inches and a width of 23 to 36 inches. It comes with an extra-long power cord, making the installation of the unit possible anywhere within 6.5 feet of a power outlet.
Its quiet mode of operation makes it the ideal cooling choice for living rooms, offices, kitchens and bedrooms.
Filtration and dehumidification
FFRE
Prepare to open that bottle of wine that you’ve been keeping for special occasions because this Frigidaire model also provides a cool 2-in-1 air purification process. First, the air is stripped off of tiny particles such as dust and bacteria thanks to an easy to maintain fine-mesh filter.
Ideally, the mesh should be washed under running water every week or so. Additionally, the unit dehumidifies the air at a rate of about 1.1 liters of water per hour – contributing to a healthier and cleaner home environment.
FFRA
If installed correctly, the window air conditioner gathers around 1.1 liters of moisture from the air every hour and evaporates the accumulated water instead of draining it somewhere. This is good because you won’t get paddles of water accumulating underneath your window in hot weather or dangerous and slippery ice patches that could lead to accidents in the colder days.
Also, this model offers protection from harmful airborne particles and bacteria via a fine mesh. The filter can be taken off and refitted with ease and requires only a few minutes of cleaning every few weeks.
Verdict: Tie. Both models are equipped with fine-mesh filters that capture bacteria and larger particles such as dust and hairs. The filters are easy and straightforward to service. In addition, both models dehumidify the air of around 1.1 liters of water per hour. The accumulated water is then immediately evaporated rather than getting drained out.
Control options
FFRE
The FFRE can be controlled remotely. You have four options for the cooling and fan speed, plus the extra options of auto-switch on and auto-switch off. A small digital display shows the exact temperature that the A/C will aim to achieve and maintain.
Additionally, a filter indicator light tells you when it’s time to change or clean the filter – usually after 250 hours of running time. The display will also show a number of codes in case of a malfunction – for easier identification of technical issues.
FFRA
Basically, there are two mechanical rotary controls which allow you to manage the cooling and fan speeds. The bottom one has four options: Low cool, High cool, low fan and high fan. We don’t think there is a need for translation here. It’s pretty straightforward.
The top rotary switch sets the room temperature. This is achieved by rotating it clockwise to reduce the temperature for a higher cooling effect. Once a setting is chosen, the thermostat will turn the compressor on and off to maintain the desired temperature.
Two louvers at the top of the machine allow you to set the direction of the air flow as you see fit.
Verdict: The FFRE comes out on top, hands down. While both models allow you to choose between two settings each for cooling and fan speed, the FFRE holds an advantage as it can be controlled remotely and has the additional automatic shut-off and turn-on features that the FFRA does not have.
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Frigidaire FFRE0533S1 vs FFRA0511R1: Conclusion
If you want to stop feeling like you are in a sauna in your own home, mini-compact A/Cs are the way to go. Mini-compact AC systems are the logical and cheaper alternative to split air conditioners. Easy to install and operate, these machines often save you hundreds of dollars over on your energy bills in the long run.
We have concluded in this review that the Frigidaire’s FFRE0533S1 and Frigidaire FFRA0511R1 are two very similar A/C units in terms of performance. The FFRE, however, gives users the additional comfort of controlling it via a remote control, and also scheduling it to shut off or turn on at a desired time.
Nevertheless, both Frigidaire models are undoubtedly ideal alternatives to the much more expensive split air conditioners.
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Last Update: 2024-04-19 | Affiliate links/Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
