Not only that the best window fan can cool an entire room or home, but such a unit can also eliminate stale, hot air while replacing it with fresh air from the outside. In the same respect, window fans get rid of unpleasant odors, significantly enhancing the air quality in your house.
Did you know that indoor air pollution is considered one of the most crucial problems at the moment? Statistically speaking, roughly 2.6 million people have died prematurely in 2016, due to an illness partially caused by household air pollution.
But what causes indoor air pollution? This is largely attributed to the utilization of solid fuels for cooking or cleaning, among other things. To that end, it’s essential to pay more attention to the quality of your indoor air. Even if it’s often overlooked, it directly impacts your family’s wellbeing. So, do consider our window fan reviews if you are clueless regarding the right purchase for your needs.
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Why You Should Use a Window Fan
Before you consider making an investment, it’s important to take the time to analyze the ins and outs of the purchase. We want to make it easier for you to make a decision by briefly presenting the benefits associated with using a window fan.
- Convenient, energy-saving alternative. In comparison to a typical AC system, a window fan is much more affordable, not to mention that you can save a lot of money on the energy bill by choosing this alternative. Most notably, it can efficiently be used for home cooling. And, presumably, the best part is that it really fights against the unbearable summer heat, without the astronomical costs.
- Excellent addition to your AC system. If you already have an AC system installed, then you might consider adding a window fan to your household to maximize its efficacy. That’s specifically because an AC system isn’t equipped to clean the air around the same way a window fan would normally do. To that end, combining these two appliances will ensure that the quality of your indoor air is good.
- Fresh air circulation. We’ve briefly outlined the perils of indoor pollution, which is just as severe as outdoor pollution. The good thing about a window fan is that it is fully equipped to eliminate unwanted odors from the bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, living room, so on and so forth. At the same time, whenever something gets burnt in the oven, thanks to the exhaust function, you’ll get rid of the smell right away. Check out the top-rated outdoor ceiling fans here!
- Reduce the costs associated with your AC system. When you use an AC system and a window fan, you’ll manage to significantly cut down the costs of the AC system. Usually, these bills can be quite high, especially in the summertime.
- It easily fits most windows. If you’re worried that the installation process for a window fan is time-consuming and difficult to follow, you can rest assured; that is hardly the case. In fact, most state-of-the-art models incorporate adjustable panels, which significantly simplify the installation process.
Top 4 Things to Consider Before Buying a Window Fan
Window Fit
Categorically, the fit should be on your list of priorities. There’s no use to invest in a unit that won’t fit
exactly on your type of window. Many buyers are tempted to factor in other state-of-the-art features such as automated thermostats, electronic reversibility, so on and so forth while overlooking this tiny detail.
That is to say, if you select a fan that is too large for your window, then it is likely to fall and break. Obviously, you don’t want that. On the other hand, picking out a fan that is too narrow or short and installing it in a large window won’t work either. In fact, it will make it nearly impossible to remove it, granted that you want to change its location, or you want to remove it because you’re leaving on vacation for an extended period. We’re not saying that your measurements should be expressly precise.
As you’ve seen in our reviews, the majority of the products we present come with extenders. You can utilize those extenders for a customized, decent fit. At the same time, the reason why most manufacturers feature extenders is to ensure that they keep bugs and other insects out. Moving on, some of the units on the market incorporate detachable legs so that you can easily transform them into standalone fans. This is a nice characteristic; you should establish whether that’s important to you or not.
Type of Window Fan
Moving on, perhaps the second most important consideration is the type of window fan you purchase. In this view, we could divide window fans into two major categories – expressly intake and exhaust window fans. How do they work, though? And what are the main distinctions between the two?
When it comes to intake fans, such a unit works according to a principle of pulling cold air from the outside, while the exhaust type pushes out the stale air from the inside of the house. Considering that you want to optimize the performance of your window fan operations, then we advise you to factor in this characteristic.
Nevertheless, there are other considerations worth outlining. For instance, always factor in the intended placement of the unit. Considering that you plan on installing the unit on the sunny side of your house, perhaps it would be a good idea to get the exhaust type of fan, and vice versa.
Still, as you’ve seen in our reviews, there are fans that incorporate both functions. This is convenient as they combine the benefits of both types of units.Reversibility
Another thing that should be present on your agenda is reversibility. To that end, the function of exhaust is linked to how fast a window fan can eliminate unwanted odors such as cigarette smoke, odors from burnt food, pet odors, not to mention that the stale air will also be refreshed.
As a rule of thumb, most window fans are capable of circulating and cooling the room inside the house at the same time; thus, they fulfill two important functions. Nevertheless, what if you intend to change the directions of exhaust and cooling?
Unfortunately, at times, one needs to remove the window fan from the window and to flip it around. We’re referring to manual reversibility. Of course, this may be a tad inconvenient. On the other hand, there is the option of electronic reversibility, which is much more convenient. That is to say, it facilitates this switch with the push of a button.
So, in this respect, in case the temperature outside changes unexpectedly, what you have to do is reverse the fan. It’s as simple as that.
Safety and Durability
We could say that safety and durability and key characteristics that should be considered whenever you’re shopping for an important appliance. To that end, granted that you want to invest in an efficient evaporative cooler, or a ceiling fan, you should always assess whether the unit is durable and safe or not.
An appliance’s longevity is imminently connected with its manufacturing material. On a different note, the aspect of safety is just as crucial – especially if you have children or pets. For example, the blades of the window fan shouldn’t be exposed. Ideally, they should be secured by the outer grill. Always factor in this detail; as insignificant as it may seem, it matters. If you own pets, you may also be interested in our reviews on air purifiers for pets.
Best Window Fans Comparison Chart
PRODUCT | DETAILS | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Air King 9166F Whole House Window Fan |
| View On Amazon | ||
Bionaire BW2300-N Twin Reversible Airflow Window Fan |
| View On Amazon | ||
Genesis Twin Window Fan |
| View On Amazon | ||
Holmes HAWF2043 Dual Blade Twin Window Fan |
| View On Amazon | ||
Lasko 2155A Electrically Reversible Window Fan |
| View On Amazon | ||
Holmes HAWF-2041 Twin Window Fan |
| View On Amazon |
Best Window Fan Reviews – Editors’ Choice
1. Air King 9166F 20″ Whole House Window Fan
This window fan does a decent job of circulating the air around your space. It is perfectly suited for commercial and residential places alike, making it quite versatile. A unique feature is that the fan is available in various sizes. Therefore, depending on the size of your window, you can pick the one that fits best.
Moving on to the construction of the window fan, it is made from sturdy, durable plastic. Concurrently, the steel front grill and blade are powder coated.
Considering that the unit is equipped with a powerful motor, you can depend on it to enhance the air quality in your room. More specifically, since this is an industrial-grade motor, it will effortlessly produce high-velocity air circulation without requiring a lot of maintenance.
There are three primary speeds to choose from. On a different note, the motor also features a sleeve bearing and permanent split capacitor.
Nonetheless, bear in mind that this unit is rather noisy. Therefore, you should avoid installing it in the proximity of your bedroom, as it can be quite disturbing. At the same time, take into consideration that you should use a mounted position so that you prevent it from falling out the window. This is important for child safety reasons, as well.
2. Bionaire BW2300-N Twin Reversible Airflow Window Fan
This double window fan is a sensible investment, due to numerous reasons. It can draw in cool, fresh air from the outside, or, alternatively, exhaust stale air from the inside. Note that it is capable of both functions simultaneously.
Furthermore, it’s worth outlining that this operates both manually and automatically. The unit comes with a programmable thermostat. This thermostat either turns the fan on or off, in an attempt to regulate the desired temperature.
Moving on, the unit comes with three different speeds, an LCD screen that indicates important aspects such as the room temperature and the selected temperature. Concurrently, it has electronic controls.
In regard to the installation of the window fan, this is designed specifically to fit double-hung, vertical slider and casement windows.
It is reassuring to know that this window fan comes with a five-year warranty against defects. To that end, if something is wrong with the unit, you will get assistance right away.
The included remote control is meant to offer matchless convenience. You can use it to set the temperature of the fan, to regulate the airflow direction, change the speed, so on and so forth. We would also like to outline that the motors are water-resistant while being UL approved.
3. Genesis Twin Window Fan
This is another window fan that is worthy of your attention, due to a wide range of reasons. For one thing, it is the definition of versatility, in the sense that you can install it wherever you need it – be it in the bedroom, in the living room, etc., granted that it’s compact.
Most notably, though, this window fan is portable. Being relatively lightweight and portable, you can move it around the house as you please. What is more, the unit can be used freestanding, as it incorporates two removable legs.
To that end, you can easily position it on the floor, on a counter, or so on. The handle is really useful, as well. Being concealed, it doesn’t interfere with the functions of the window fan in any way. So, you don’t have to worry about this aspect.
In regard to the unit’s characteristics, this fan incorporates three-speed settings, LED indicator lights and an adjustable thermostat. Since it features two individual copper motors, you can utilize one of the heads of the fans for intake, whereas the other can be used for exhaust simultaneously.
What about the amount of noise produced by this unit? Well, when it works on low or medium, the sound is barely distinguishable. Nonetheless, on high it’s quite loud. Even so, it’s not terribly loud. Meanwhile, the adjustment knobs located on the sides could be firmer and more durable.
4. Holmes HAWF2043 Dual Blade Twin Window Fan
This is a cost-efficient alternative for a reliable window fan, whose performance is likely to win you over. What this does is draw in fresh air from the outside while exhausting stale air from the inside.
As pointed out by the manufacturer, this utilizes approximately 60 percent less energy than similar units on the market. Thus, if you’re concerned about the environment, and you want to reduce your energy bills, this is the right unit for you.
Since the screen is adjustable, it easily expands to fit the greater majority of double-hung and slider windows. Extender panels are included with the product.
By using the one-touch thermostat, you can set and regulate the fan temperature and speed for a high level of comfort and optimal airflow. In addition to that, you can depend on this unit’s reliability, since its motor is water-resistant.
For instance, if you’re not too keen on letting the unit run round the clock, especially at nighttime, you can choose not to use the thermostat feature. It is entirely up to you.
According to the manufacturer, this window fan produces 9.3741 cubic feet per minute airflow. Nevertheless, some customers have voiced their complaints concerning the noisiness of the unit, which is a tad disturbing for most people. For the money though, it offers good value.
5. Lasko 2155A 16″ Electrically Reversible Window Fan
This reversible window fan does a decent job at making the air inside your house more breathable, and not only. Considering that it comes with three powerful speeds for each direction, this fan aims at cooling either your entire home or a designated room.
Thanks to the expandable side panels, you won’t have to worry that the fan won’t fit your window. Quite the contrary, thanks to the panels, you can install the fan on windows measuring up to 34.5 inches in width and larger than 22 inches in height.
When it comes to air movement performance, it is quite impressive, so to speak. We’re talking about a high-performance unit, which is fully capable of moving the air in your entire house.
Another highlight of the product is its user-friendliness. That to say, the installation process itself is not too complicated. Therefore, you can attempt to DIY and save some money.
You can also depend on the durability of the unit, considering that the powder-coated grills are resistant to rust. Nonetheless, perhaps it isn’t the most durable window fan on the market since it is made from plastic. Even so, on the whole, it is a decent purchase.
6. Holmes HAWF-2041 Twin Window Fan
This window fan is created so that it easily fits most slider and hung windows. The extender screen is fully adjustable, as well as the bonus extender panel. The purpose of these additional elements is to enable you to position to fan into larger windows.
Considering that the motors are electronically independent, this facilitates easy air intake, air exchange or air exhaust. There are also three individual speed settings to choose from.
The unit incorporates a manual thermostat. You can use it to manually regulate the desired airflow so that the fan manages to maintain a specific comfort level.
To offer peace of mind, the motors are made to withstand water and rainy weather. In regard to the warranty provided by the manufacturer, you benefit from a 3-year limited warranty when purchasing this window fan.
Concerning the noise level of the unit, it isn’t too noteworthy or disturbing. In fact, as outlined by former customers, they installed it in their master bedrooms and the noise didn’t prevent them from sleeping at night.
Nonetheless, if you are a light sleeper, you might find this to be quite inconvenient, as it’s a fairly subjective aspect. At the same time, as pointed out by other customers, the thermostat itself isn’t the most reliable, in the sense that it needs recalibration every now and then.
7. Homebasix Window Fan 9 in Reversible
Furthermore, our list of recommendations goes on with this window fan manufactured by Homebasix. As noted by the manufacturer, we’re talking about a high-performance unit, which is made to easily cope with all kinds of spaces.
Moving on, the unit consists of a digital thermostat control, which definitely comes in handy. It enables you to customize your desired temperature while selecting the settings that work best for your specifications.
Another characteristic of the unit is the fact that it automatically converts from intake to exhaust.
Weighing 3.97 pounds, it is relatively lightweight. Since it has a carrying handle and separate removable legs, these facilitate the portability of the unit, granted that you want to change its location.
In regard to the speed control of the window fan, there are three speeds to choose from, as it is the case for most units in the marketplace: namely low, medium and high. As for the fan functions, there are also three to start with – cool, exhaust and circulate.
Is there anything else worth noting about this unit? Yes, the fact that it comes with remote control is an added convenience. In fact, once you use a window fan that comes with remote control, you’ll find it nearly impossible to go back to using one without a remote.
Understanding How a Window Fan Works
So, how does a window fan work? The principle behind the operation of such a unit is surprisingly simple, yet efficient. Expressly, it can operate in two ways. One of them is by pulling in cold air from the outside. The second one is by pushing out the stale air from the inside.
In this view, it’s worth outlining that the way in which you decide to position the appliance will influence the principle behind the unit’s operation. There is also the option of installing a window fan for pulling in cold air and installing a different window fan for eliminating the stale air. This way, you can create the perfect indoor environment.
Still, we’ve pointed out before that some models facilitate a reverse function. To that end, you don’t need to use two separate fans to enjoy these benefits. All you have to do is simply change the operating mode, and that’s about it. Plus, there are many models on the market that incorporate two sets of blades that run independently. This is why these models can perform both functions at the same time.
Using a good air freshener in front of the fan can also boost the level of fresh air in your place.
Key Guidelines on Using a Window Fan
Without a doubt, investing in a high-quality window fan will enable you to cool down your house without having to pay a small fortune in this direction. We could say that such a unit is an energy-saving, economical solution. In fact, you can even use it as a supplement to your air conditioning system, granted that you position it correctly – this is very important.
Make sure you follow our guidelines to learn how to use window fans to cheaply cool your home.
While most windows are likely to easily fit into a common double-hung window frame, there are still some exceptions to the rule. In this respect, you have to lift the lower window frame. The next step is inserting the fan into the frame while lowering the sash back. This way, you can be 100 percent confident that the fans remain sealed in place by the support and weight of the window.
On a different note, many window fans on the market are specifically personalized for sliding windows that are made to open horizontally. However, note that the installation process remains the same, as similar principles are followed.
The Importance of the Fan Direction
During the day, as the level of humidity rises, the air inside the house changes, as well. To that end, one of the most efficient techniques of keeping the air inside the house cool is by pulling cool air in overnight by facing your fan out.
In fact, some models even turn on automatically, as soon as the temperature and humidity levels outside are lower than indoors. On the other hand, during the warm part of the day, the window fan will concentrate on pushing the hot air outside the house.
How to Install an Extractor Fan in a Window?
If you want to pursue the DIY approach for installing an extractor fan in a window, then you’ll definitely find the next tips helpful. If you’ve already installed a unit like this, such as a bathroom fan, you’ll find the process quite easy and accessible.
- Pick the right place for the fan. This is important; as picking the right window will contribute to removing condensation and eliminating unpleasant odors. As a rule of thumb, fans have to be located at least 1.8 meters from the floor. Concurrently, they should be positioned in the proximity of the place in which condensation is likely to occur.
- Measure up space. Before proceeding with the installation process, you should measure up the exact spot where you’ll position the window fan. Depending on the type of fan you’ve chosen, you’ll have to measure the size of the hole. Bear in mind that the fan housing is larger than the whole. Thus, you should leave enough space around the hole for this purpose.
- Cut the glass. Make sure that, if you do cut the glass yourself, you have appropriate safety equipment, such as gloves, goggles, so on and so forth. In addition, you should cut around the marked glass, for the best results.
- Install the extractor fan. You should complete this step only if you have the right tools for it. At the same time, bear in mind that you must respect the IEE regulations (institution of electrical engineers’ regulations). If you’re not knowledgeable in doing wiring and electrical work, it would be best to request the assistance of a professional, to be on the safe side.
- Link the fan to a switch. Before doing this, you should determine whether you want the window extractor fan to work off a switch or a pull switch. Afterward, you can go on and connect the cable, according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Don’t forget to check our space heater reviews, it will help you make a healthy buying decision and save you money.
We also reviewed tower fans and small box fans to make the warm seasons a bit cooler!
FAQs
- What window placements should I avoid?
Typically, you should steer clear of placing your window fan in the proximity of parking areas, or garbage areas. That’s because the fan will redirect the odors from those areas into your house, and you don’t want that, of course. At the same time, it isn’t necessarily a good idea to locate a window fan near a fridge or a freezer. That’s because this will maximize the load of the unit. - When is using a window fan not recommended?
If the nighttime air in your area isn’t cool, then perhaps you shouldn’t invest in a window fan. At the same time, granted that the air outside is excessively polluted or humid, an intake fan isn’t recommended. There are other ways to cool your house. - How to pick an energy-efficient window fan?
Window fans are generally energy-efficient, but there are no particular window fan models that are exceptionally more energy-efficient than others. These fans have shaded pole motors with efficiencies of around 50%-60%. Since these fans are very small, they don’t use that much electricity, meaning they are going to save you some of the costs. Overall, they are all efficient in saving energy, but none of them is advertised as being exceptionally energy-efficient. Therefore, you will have to pick your own model according to your preferences. - Will a window fan cool a room?
Window fans are able to cool a room if used effectively. For example, if the temperature outside is cooler than the one inside, you can use the fan to draw cold air from outside and thus end up cooling your own room. This is a great option when you’re barely able to handle the hot temperature inside the room. But having window fans face inwards is not the only way to get the cooling benefit. Window fans that face outwards are able to blow hot air out of the room and replace it with cold air. So, since the cold air will enter your room from outside, the temperature will drop, and you will have a much better time in your own house.
To make this work, you need to make sure the temperature outside is indeed cooler compared to the one inside. This is when the fan is most effective. If used properly, window fans can cool a room just like an AC does, so they’re definitely great choices in this regard. - Is it bad to sleep with a fan blowing on you?
Sleeping with a fan blowing on you is not the most dangerous thing. Many people make it seem like it’s a deadly thing, but it’s actually not that bad. Fans simply circulate the air and nothing more, so there’s no huge danger. However, there is something that will make you uncomfortable during sleep, which is one of the negative effects of fans being left on during the night.
Basically, since fans make air move rapidly, they usually get rid of the humidity inside your room and dry the air out. As a result, your nasal passages are going to dry too, and this could get very uncomfortable and make you sleep badly. Thus, you’ll wake up tired the next day. Moreover, since they circulate air, they may also circulate dust, pollen, and other such particles. These could be irritable for someone with asthma or allergies. If you suffer from these conditions, the best decision would be to keep some distance between you and the fan so it’s not blowing directly on you. - Are ceiling fans more efficient than rotating floor fans or window fans?
Efficiency all depends on what you need the fan for, as well as how much air the fan moves per watt. These devices simply move air; thus, they don’t generate cool air or anything of the sort. Ceiling fans work amazingly in a room, but you can only feel the effect by sitting under them. Rotating floor fans just move the air in the areas you need. Window fans are more efficient here since they have the power to either get cold air inside the room or take hot air outside.
Wrap Up
In summary, investing in the best window fan is a sensible decision, as it will help you to enhance the quality of your indoor air while being a decent solution to keeping the air inside your house cool. A window fan is likely to work excellently in combination with your AC system while allowing you to keep your costs under control and still have a breathable temperature inside the house. In short, you’ll manage to address the issue of indoor pollution at a relatively low cost.
On a different note, if don’t know what unit will most likely address your needs, you might get some inspiration from our window fan reviews. The units we’ve carefully chosen are some of the best ones on the market at the moment. The positive customer feedback is a testimony to this, among other things.
So, which of the products we presented seems to be the best option for you? We would be curious to know!