With climate change causing the weather to get hotter and hotter every year, air conditioning and ceiling fans are just not enough anymore. Indoor fans simply keep circulating the hot air inside your rooms without providing much relief. Air conditioning, on the other hand, is expensive and bad for the environment. This is where window fans come in.
Although you will probably still need A/C during summers, window fans can help a lot in cooling the air inside your home. This will bring down your A/C costs, since the system will work more efficiently when your home is already cooler than before due to window fans. Just avoid using both devices at the same time, because obviously you need to close all the windows before cranking up the A/C.
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Spending a significant amount of time in hot places can have various adverse effects on your mental and physical health. This makes it important to maintain a controlled temperature, and most people look for cost-efficient ways of managing it. Chances are, you can get through the pre-summer months without any air conditioning at all if you use your window fan smartly. This is achievable by using a reversible model that allows you to throw warm air out of the house and allow cool air to come in.
You can get window fans designed to cool small rooms or you could opt for the larger ones that circulate the air in your whole house. If you want it for the entire home, it is best to develop a system where you use two window fans to keep the cool air coming in and let the stale air out at the same time. Using the fans this way can bring down room temperatures considerably, and they will be well worth the investment.
Read our complete guide about the best tower fans.
If you are still not sure how a window fan would make your life easier, let’s have a look at all the ways it can benefit you.
For most people, one of the biggest incentives of getting a window fan is the fact that it is an affordable option that can help you save big on energy compared to air conditioning – especially HVAC systems. It is also a great way to supplement air conditioning. While an A/C simply keeps stale air locked inside, using a window fan in conjunction with it will ensure that the air circulating inside your home is always clean as well as cool.
That is not all. Your A/C running costs will go down when it doesn’t need to work so hard to cool a hot room. This way you can optimize energy consumption and make it cost effective.
Window fan installation is fast and easy. It does not require much effort to fit it into the frame of your window. Adjustable panels are usually provided with the window fans and installing them is a simple operation.
Air circulation through window fans can make your home a better place in several ways. Most models double as exhaust fans which provide you with a constant supply of fresh air. Warm air is not the only thing they get rid of, however. A window fan is truly a blessing when you need to eliminate bad odors from your home. Kitchen vents are often not effective enough if your food is burnt and there’s smoke all around. Window fans can remove strong odors like pet and smoking smells more effectively and quickly.
There are two basic types of window fans: single and dual blade. These two types have further variations as different window fan models offer different features in addition to its primary function.
What most window fans have in common is the basic design of either one or two sets of steel blades, a grill in front and a plastic housing. If you look for older models, you will find that they are heavier and have metal bodies. A rotary switch or buttons at the front enable you to adjust the speed.
Single window fans are ideal for smaller windows and easy to install. There are usually two or three speed settings. Features may vary depending on the model you buy, but more on that later. Window fans with twin blades are another option. These will take up more size but will obviously provide double the air. You can also use them to simultaneously let out stale air through one side and let fresh air in through the other.
Another way to classify window fans is into the type used for air intake and the ones used as exhaust fans. However, many reversible and two-in-one options are available which provide both functions in a single window fan. You can also opt for smaller ones suitable for air circulation in a single room, or get a whole house window fan which regulates the air throughout your living spaces.
Design
First off, take a look at all the features that you can find in different window fan models. A rudimentary version of a window fan would be one that has a single set of blades, circulates air or functions as an exhaust, has some buttons or a rotary switch for speed adjustments, and comes with an installation kit. Then there are advanced models which can have a host of extra features.
These attributes may include the relatively common reversible function which allows dual functionality. Other models come with more advanced features such as a remote control, thermostat, LCD displays and programmable temperature settings. These settings allow you to program your desired room temperature into the window fan so that it automatically switches on and off to maintain it at the preferred levels.
Window fans with twin blades can rotate in opposite directions to continuously provide fresh, clean and cool air in your rooms. However, another effective air circulation method is to install two separate window fans – one for intake and one for exhaust. If installed strategically, this can ensure that the entire house has a steady supply of cool air from one fan while warm air is thrown out by the other.
Durability
A good window fan can only give its best performance if it is fitted properly. Be sure to get one according to your window size, because if there is extra space on the sides the fan cannot work optimally. Check to see whether adjustable panels are included with the model, as this will facilitate in properly fixing it in place. If you plan on using it for cost saving on energy, getting a bigger fan is better for more air circulation. Furthermore, check the rotations per minute, as a higher number will mean more efficiency in cooling the air.
To ensure higher durability, observe whether the window fan is made from reliable materials and has a powerful, industrial grade motor. This increases the chances of it lasting a few years without any issues, even if you keep it on all day long. A warranty is also a positive indicator of quality and may be useful just in case there are any defects. In addition to reading the specifications, examine the grill, blades and body to determine whether they are made from sturdy materials that will not be easily damaged by impact. A window fan made from high quality material will remain stable and quiet even on high speeds.
Window fans do not require much maintenance, but it is a good idea to clean them from time to time to ensure that they circulate clean air and to prevent clogging of dirt in the motor. This is usually easy to do by removing the front grill and cleaning the blades, and it will prolong your fan’s life.
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Name | Features | Price | Rating |
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Name | Material/Features | Price | Rating |
1. Air King Whole House Window Fan |
OSHA approved. dB – (High/Med/Low) 64 / 57 / 50 | $$$ | 4.8 | |
2. Bionaire Window Fan with Remote Control |
Electronic control with LCD screen | $$ | 4.7 | |
3. Air King 16-inch Window Fan |
3 Speed front mounted rotary switch | $$ | 4.7 | |
4. Lasko 16-inch Window Fan |
Expandable Side Panels | $$$ | 4.6 | |
5. Holmes Twin Window Fan with 8-inch Blades |
Adjustable extender screen | $$ | 4.6 | |
6. Comfort Zone Bovado Twin Window Fan |
360-degree adjustable tilt | $$ | 4.5 | |
7. Genesis 9-Inch Twin Window Fan |
built in thermostat | $$$ | 4.5 | |
8. Bionaire 8.5-inch Twin Window Fan |
13 inches high overall | $$ | 4.4 | |
9. Vornado Flat Panel Fan |
3 speed settings with horizontal or vertical airflow positions | $$ | 4.3 | |
10. Optimus Twin Window Fan |
2-speed rain resistant motor | $$ | 4.3 | |
11. Holmes Twin Window Fan with Dual Blades |
Adjustable extender screen | $$ | 4.2 | |
12. COSTWAY 7-inch Twin Window Fan |
Removable Legs | $$ | 4.1 | |
13. Optimus Twin Window Fan |
rain resistant motor | $$ | 4.0 | |
14. Comfort Zone 9-inch Twin Window Fan |
removable fabric cover | $$ | 4.0 | |
15. Holmes Group Bionaire Slim Window Fan |
3 electronic speed settings | $$ | 3.9 |
This window fan effectively fulfils its purpose and facilitates air circulation in homes and offices. The Air King 9166 is both affordable and reliable, and comes with a sturdy body and motor. The rotary at its front makes it convenient to switch between three different speeds.
Design and features
The Air King 9166 has an industrial grade 120-volt, single-phase motor, a permanent split capacitor and a sleeve bearing. It can be operated at three speeds; Low, medium and high with an RPM of 1100, 1450 and 1600 respectively and a CFM (cubic feet per minute) of 2510, 3120 and 3560. The rotary switch is front mounted, the grill and blade are made from powdered steel while the housing is plastic and impact resistant.
The Air King is accompanied by an instruction manual, mounting hardware, a power cord and Storm Guard sliding panels. It is suitable for windows that are from 27 inches to 38 inches in width, and 26.25 inches in height, and can be installed on both horizontally and vertically opening windows.
The Storm Guard is one of its more noteworthy features; unlike other window fans which have to be manually removed every time you need to shut the window, these sliding panels make it convenient to do this while the Air King is still mounted.
Durability
This window fan is ETL and OSHA compliant, and weighs approximately 8 pounds. The industrial grade parts are designed to ensure maximum durability, and a one-year warranty will cover any construction and material defects. At 1/25 horsepower, the motor is pretty powerful and works efficiently. The Air King 9166 functions well in both large and small spaces, enabling air circulation at high velocity. It can be kept running continuously for the entire day, and the general consensus is that this whole-house window fan will stand the test of time.
Pros
Cons
This Bionaire is a reliable, smooth functioning window fan that comes with a few extra features that can be quite useful. It offers a flexibility that allows it to be used in windows of widely varying sizes.
Design and features
The Bionaire cooling device weighs 7.7 pounds. It can be run on three speeds and comes with twin fans that allow more air to be circulated in your home. The fans are also reversible so you can convert it into an exhaust whenever necessary to throw warm air and/or odors out of the room.
This window fan fits into 24-27 inch windows on its own, but it also comes with extenders which enable its installation in windows up to 34 inches wide. You can secure it into even wider windows by separately buying extenders. The Bionaire has a control panel but can also be operated with a remote control, making it a convenient choice for your bedroom.
The thermostat on this window fan can let you monitor the room temperature. It is also programmable for temperature control, but you can keep running the fan manually if you prefer it that way.
Durability
While the motor may not be too powerful, the Bionaire is a trustworthy option and the fans run very quietly with little noise, particularly if the fan is set to a low speed. It can reliably run for years and you should have no problem keeping it switched on the entire day. This window fan is inexpensive and cost effective. It works very well if you first reverse the blades to drive out warm air and later change the settings to allow the fresh, cool air inside.
While closing your window is not possible with the Bionaire in place, removing this window fan will not be much of an issue considering it is lightweight and easy to install/uninstall.
Pros
Cons
This is a trustworthy model and you’ll feel the difference in room temperature as soon as you switch it on. It is a basic reversible window fan that is effective for both intake and exhaust, and gets rid of odors quite efficiently.
Design and features
The 120-volt motor comes with a permanent split capacitor and can run on three speeds; high, medium and low. The Air King window fan has a metal grill at the front, with blades made from ABS plastic and a housing of high impact styrene. This product is OSHA and ETL compliant and weighs just 6.17 pounds. There is a rotary switch at the front that allows you to change the fan’s settings.
The RPM at each setting is 1370 at high, 1140 at medium and 855 at low. CFM is 2470, 1700 and 1360 respectively. It can run on all three speeds for both exhaust and intake. The Air King is suitable for windows 22-inch high with a length between 26.5 and 34.5 inches. Storm Guard sliding panels are provided with the window fan to allow easy securing of windows when the fan is not in use.
Durability
Air King motors are generally reliable and made from industrial grade materials, so this window fan is likely to run at least two years without any problems. Although it is less powerful than whole-house window fans, it will still work well for both large and small spaces. You can safely keep it on the entire day. For best results, switch it to exhaust mode when it is hot outside and reverse it to intake when the air gets cooler. This window fan will bring the cool air inside pretty quickly and effectively.
Since the body of this model is plastic, it can feel a bit flimsy, but overall users have reported satisfactory performance as long as you fit it properly and make sure there are no cracks at any side of the window which could adversely affect air circulation.
Pros
Cons
This is a reversible window fan that can fit into both horizontal and vertical windows. The Lasko can prove to be an effective air circulator for your bedroom or living room.
Design and Features
This window fan fits into 22-inch high windows that are between 26.5 to 34.5 inches wide. It has three speeds for both intake as well as exhaust. The settings dial on the Lasko reversible fan is at the front so you can easily adjust the speed to your liking. It weighs 14.3 pounds with a plastic body and a powder coated grill.
The model comes with Storm Guard which is great when you need to close the window to prevent rain from coming in or you need to lock the house. Storm Guard lets you secure your windows without removing the window fan. You will also get side panels with the Lasko which can be extended to ensure that it fits snugly into your window.
Durability
The Lasko window fan is ETL compliant. Its grills are rust resistant, and the safety fuse technology is Blue Plug patented. A one-year warranty is provided with this model. Many users find the housing a bit flimsy due to the quality of the plastic used. The blades are plastic too and while they may work fine, they are likely to circulate less air compared to window fans that come with steel blades.
The price is slightly high considering its build and design are average. Instead of relying on the Lasko for whole house ventilation, you can get better results by using it for one room or in a small space. It is effective in removing bad smells through the exhaust function.
Pros
Cons
This window fan is a handy solution to get rid of the stale air and odors that get trapped in your home while letting clean air into your home. The Holmes twin fans allow efficient operation with a built-in thermostat for temperature control.
Design and features
The dual blade window fan can be operated at low and high speeds with an easy, one-touch button. This Holmes model has a digital thermostat which enables it to automatically switch on or off for indoor temperature maintenance. This window fan weighs just 7.5 pounds and can be fitted into slider as well as double-hung windows. It works with most window sizes because you can fix it both horizontally and vertically. With the help of the provided extender panel and extender screen, the Holmes can extend to up to 37 inches to ensure a perfect fit.
The dimensions of this model are about 13.3″ x 25.5″ x 6″. The twin fans each have a toggle that you can set to either intake or exhaust, and this enables simultaneous operation to both remove stale air and odors from your home and bring clean air inside at the same time. You have the option to let the thermostat run automatically or you can opt for manual operation.
Durability
This Holmes window fan model comes with a limited warranty of three years. The motors are water resistant so it stays safe even if it is raining outside. It is also more energy efficient compared to other room cooling methods. The extender screen is built into one side of the window fan, while extender panels can also be used for custom fitting. If you have a sliding window, it is best to keep the extender panel at the top while placing the fan vertically.
Pros
Cons
This window fan is electronically reversible so you can conveniently set it to intake or exhaust as required. It is a reliable fan for air circulation in your kitchen or rooms and comes with a remote control for extra ease of use.
Design and features
The Bovado weighs 6.75 pounds and measures 25.2 x 14 x 4.8 inches. It runs on three speed settings: low, medium and high. The fans can be reversed with one touch between intake and exhaust. It can also be set to circulate so that one fan gets rid of warm indoor air and the other pulls cool and fresh air from outside. This window fan is also convenient to use because of the included remote control, which makes it the ideal option for bedrooms.
The twin window fan has extenders at both sides to enable proper securing in windows. With the panels fully extended, it can fit windows up to 34 inches wide. The fan can also be installed vertically. Alongside this product you will also get a bug screen and cloth cover. This helps keep insects out when the fan is fitted into your window, while the cover protects and prevents dust and humidity from entering your home when the window fan is switched off.
Durability
The Bovado’s housing, blades and remote control are plastic, but they may feel a bit flimsy and cheaply made. However, the window fan still performs well. The motors are reliable but not powerful enough for high velocity air circulation in large spaces. The fan performs best in kitchens and small rooms. This model is ETL approved, with fan blades designed for efficiently moving air. The extenders and screens come with locks and loops for secure attachment.
Pros
Cons
Whether you fit this window fan into your window using the extendable panels on both sides, or set it up anywhere on its removable legs, the Genesis can effectively bring in fresh air, remove stale air or use both functions at once to maintain a pleasant atmosphere in your home or office.
Design and features
This model weighs 8.4 pounds and measures 24 x 12 x 4 inches. However it can fit in windows up to 37 inches wide or tall with the help of the extender panels on either side of it. There are twin fans which can be set to bring in cool, clean air or flipped with the press of a button for exhaust. The fans can also function separately at the same time – one for intake and the other for exhaust. This is great to keep clean air circulating indoors.
The Genesis also comes with removable legs which means you can place it simply anywhere without the need to fix it into a window. The fans have three speed settings and a thermostat that can be adjusted to maintain temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees. LED lights help indicate which settings have been chosen.
Durability
The Genesis window fan has ETL certification, and there are two separate copper motors for the twin fans. They are quite durable, weather resistant and powerful, and allow the fans to operate quietly but with high velocity at low, medium and high speeds. This model is lightweight and portable, with a handle at the back that makes it easy to carry the fan. It is energy efficient and effective in eliminating bad odors from your home. Owing to the larger blades and more powerful motor, it cleans air more effectively
Pros
Cons
The Bionaire window fan is an easy solution to solve your air circulation problems and maintain a temperature of your choosing with both intake and exhaust functions.
Design and features
This Bionaire window fan weighs 8 pounds and measures 25 x 14 x 6 inches. It can fit in windows between 24 and 37 inches both horizontally and vertically, and is suitable for casement, double hung and slider windows. The twin fans ensure a steady supply of cool air from outside and can be electronically flipped to function as an exhaust. The fans can also work independently to provide both operations and ensure that the air gets circulated properly in your home. You can set it to low, medium and high speeds for both intake and exhaust.
The Bionaire comes with some extra features that come in handy for optimal results. A digital thermostat is placed at the front of the window which shows the room temperature. It can be set to automatically turn the window fan on or off for temperature maintenance. You can also choose to keep it on and adjust the settings manually instead. This model also comes with a remote control so you can change the settings from the comfort of your bed without the need to approach the fan each time.
Durability
Any defects in the Bionaire twin fan are covered by a five-year warranty. The UL approved motors are water resistant so your window fan can be safely kept switched on when it is raining. Extender panels ensure that it can be fitted into a wide variety of window sizes. The temperature is displayed on an LED screen that can be read in the dark. The fan’s fuse can be temperamental and sensitive to changes in the electrical output in some units, so that can adversely affect durability. Overall, this Bionaire window fan works effectively for air circulation in large and small spaces.
Pros
Cons
This compact air circulator is a nifty solution to cooling the entire room with multi-directional airflow. The Vornado is great for air circulation in a room or office space, and can be conveniently placed anywhere.
Design and features
The Vornado stands 11 inches tall and weighs 3.8 pounds. It has a knob which lets you set it to one of three speed settings. The housing is finished in a glossy black coat which looks quite sleek and will complement the room décor. There are several great features that contribute to the functionality of this fan, such as the spiral grill which enables the air to circulate around the whole area. It can provide air up to a distance of 60 feet, and its RPM at high speed is 2000, while the CFM is 236.
This small fan can be placed horizontally to cool the air during summers, and vertically to circulate warm air during the winter. While it does not rotate, it is designed to use Vortex air circulation to ensure that the entire room remains free of stagnant air.
Durability
A 5 year warranty is provided with the Vornado, and it is tested and approved for safety. It has several components inside the housing which ensure durability and effectiveness. The blades are deeply contoured to maximize impact, the air accelerator and air duct ensure that airflow of a high velocity is increased. The grill at the front can be removed for cleaning. For a relatively small sized model, this air circulator has a motor with enough power to throw air 60 feet away. The body has a glossy finish and appears to be sturdy.
Pros
Cons
The Optimus is a lightweight twin fan model which can simultaneously intake and exhaust air, ensuring constant air circulation. This window fan can either be fitted into windows or placed as a standalone fan in your room or office.
Design and features
This window fan weighs 6.5 pounds and measures 23.5 x 5 x 12 inches. There are separate buttons to set each fan to your preferred settings. They can both bring fresh air in, remove stale air and odors, or do both at the same time for air circulation. The Optimus also features thermostat settings so that it can automatically turn on or off when necessary. There are three speed settings for each fan. Extenders on both sides of this dual window fan are adjustable and come with a lock. They can be expanded to fit windows up to 37 inches wide. This model can also be used without fitting it into a window owing to the included removable legs.
Durability
The Optimus window fan has a water resistant motor that makes it safe to use even when it is raining. However, it is not as powerful as some other models, resulting in less air circulation at high speeds. It is better suited to small spaces or as a desk fan. The blades are made from plastic and the safety grill is UL certified. This window fan runs fairly quietly.
Pros
Cons
This is a lightweight window fan that can be conveniently moved for intake and exhaust functions. It is a basic Holmes model that will effectively circulate air your room without making a lot of noise.
Design and features
The dimensions of this window fan model are 22.5 x 11.7 x 4.9 inches and it weighs 5.5 pounds. With the side panels extended, it can fit a window up to 32 inches wide, and an extra extender panel is also provided. There is no need to remove the window screen when fixing this fan. It runs on two speed settings, high and low.
The Holmes dual window fan cannot be electronically changed from intake to exhaust and back, so you need to flip it manually. However, it is easy to do this because of the lightweight design.
Durability
The housing and blades are plastic. It is not an advanced model and does not have many extra features, but the Holmes will work reliably for air circulation. The 5-amp fuse can be replaced when necessary.
Pros
Cons
This model is a lightweight design with great portability and an option to use it for both intake and exhaust through manual reversal. It can be secured to your window or used as a freestanding fan.
Design and features
This window fan weighs 6 pounds and measures 21.5 x 5 x 11 inches. There are expanders on both sides of the Costway and when fully stretched out, it can fit a window up to 37 inches wide. It can run on two speed settings which are adjusted with the help of a knob. For secure fitting, the extender panels and screen help give you a custom fit for various window sizes.
The window fan can be used for both intake and exhaust, but it has to be manually removed from the window and turned over in order to do this. The speed adjustment knobs are given on both sides so you can easily access it both ways. The Costway also comes with removable legs if you prefer placing it around the house or on a tabletop instead of fixing it into a window.
Durability
The Costway is made from lightweight plastic with 7-inch blades and extender screens. The motor works well for small areas but still lacks the power needed for high velocity air circulation. You will feel a greater difference in indoor temperature by setting it up to exhaust and removing the warm, stale air. The extension cord is about 6 feet long, the motor is 120-volt and power usage is 50 watts.
Pros
Cons
If you are looking for a basic window fan that does not have many fancy features but will do the job, this Optimus twin fans model may be a good choice. It is easy to use, lightweight, portable and can be used for exhaust or intake.
Design and features
This window fan weighs 5.7 pounds and measures 22.6 x 5.3 x 11.8 inches. The extension panels on the sides are 6.5 inches each, so the window fan can fit a window up to 34 inches wide. There are two possible speed settings that can be adjusted with the knob given at the front.
The Optimus can be fitted in a window but also comes with removable feet for freestanding functionality. The extender panels are built into the sides and are adjustable for a custom fit. A handle for easy carrying is given at the back so you can just pick it up and place your fan wherever it is needed on its removable legs.
Durability
The Optimus window fan has a water resistant motor that will remain safe when it rains. A safety grill protects the blades, and there are knobs on both sides of the fan to adjust the speed whether you use it for intake or exhaust. This model comes with removable feet and adjustable side panels.
Pros
Cons
Comfort Zone offers a convenient and lightweight solution to your air circulation needs in the bedroom, kitchen or office. This design can fit in most window sizes and can be reversed manually for intake and exhaust.
Design and features
This window fan weighs 5.3 pounds and measures 22.8 x 5.6 x 11.6 inches. The built-in extenders can help it to expand up to 31.25 inches wide. A dial at the top allows you to choose one of two speed settings for the fans. It does not have an automatic option for changing from intake to exhaust, so the window fan has to be physically removed from the window and flipped to change between the two functions.
A removable cover made from fabric is provided with the Comfort Zone fan so that you can block bugs, rain or humidity from coming through when the fan is not in use. It also has removable legs allowing you to place this lightweight air circulator on your table if you choose not to fix it into a window.
Durability
The housing of this window fan is plastic, with UV protection to prolong its life. The manufacturer provides a money-back guarantee on this Comfort Zone model. There is a handle at the back which makes it easy to move around the house and place the fan anywhere you need. The extension panels are adjustable and auto locking for convenient custom fittings on windows of a variety of sizes.
Pros
Cons
This slim window fan is a smart solution to your ventilation and air circulation needs in your home. It is designed to fit narrow windows and ensures a secure fit in a wide variety of window sizes.
Design and features
The dimensions of this Holmes window fan are 4.5 x 27.2 x 9 inches, but with the extender panels fully extended, it will fit in windows as wide as 37 inches. The fan can be installed both vertically and horizontally, even in windows that do not open wide enough. This is due to the slim design and low profile of this model. There are three speed settings which let you choose whether you need one, two or all three fans running. A thermostat helps facilitate airflow through temperature maintenance.
This Holmes window fan is usable from both sides depending on your air circulation needs. You can fix it into the window for air intake and simply flip it to convert the fan into an exhaust. The built-in side screen can be extended to ensure that the fan perfectly fits into your window. The screen also features a latch which locks onto your window and effectively secures the fan in place.
Durability
This product comes with a five year limited warranty. The control panel has LED lights to indicate speed and temperature settings. The window fan operates with a low level of noise and its performance is not affected by tough weather elements like rain and sunshine. The expandable screen comes with firm-fit locking technology.
Pros
Cons