Best Window Fans

Review & Comparison, Last Update February 25, 2024
No matter where you live, fresh air is what's essential for a well-being. That's why window fans are used worldwide - these appliances ...Read more
PROS

The AirKing window fan boasts incredibly high performance and can handle not only large living spaces but industrial premises also (including cafes, shops, etc). Featuring thoughtful design and impact-resistant housing, the item will last for years.

CONS
This fan might seem noisy at the maximum speed.
OUR VERDICT

This reversible window fan is an excellent option for all kinds of premises. Equipped with a powerful motor, it can take the air in or move it out of the building providing high-velocity air circulation. The Storm Guard feature allows you to close the window behind the unit.

detailed parameters
Type
Reversible
Areas
Large and medium
Performance
3560 / 3120 / 2510 CFM (High/Med/Low)
Noise level
Medium
Extras

Air King's Storm Guard®, 3 speeds, Front mounted rotary switch, 2 fan functions (Intake, Exhaust)

Reliability
Impact-resistant plastic housing, Powder-coated steel front grill and blade
Window size
27"-38"
Dimensions
26.25" x 11.25" x 26.75"
Warranty

1 year limited

PROS

The Bionaire window exhaust fan can boast numerous settings which are displayed on an LCD screen. It comes with a remote control which ensures the ultimate convenience of use. It's a thermostat controlled exhaust fan.

CONS
You can't close fan seals when the device isn't in use.
OUR VERDICT

The Bionaire fan is incredibly easy to install. It can be mounted directly on the window. It has two fans that can turn in different directions and run either simultaneously or independently. Therefore, the unit can intake fresh cool air and exhaust hot stale air.

detailed parameters
Type
Reversible
Areas
Small
Performance
≈ 400 CFM
Noise level
Low
Extras

Remote control, Thermostat, Electronic controls, LCD screen, 3 speeds

Reliability
Impact-resistant plastic housing, 5-year warranty
Window size
24"-37"
Dimensions
6" x 14.1" x 25.5"
Warranty

5 years

PROS

Along with the purchase, you will get a remote control, 2 removable covers, and 2 removable snap-on feet. Besides, the HowPlumb dual window fan has a comfy carry handle integrated into the housing.

CONS
Disassembling the unit for maintenance cleanups might be somewhat difficult.
OUR VERDICT

This twin window fan by HowPlumb is the optimal choice for small and medium premises. Thanks to its elaborate design, carrying this portable appliance from one room to another is a breeze.

detailed parameters
Type
Reversible
Areas
Medium
Performance
812-918 CFM
Noise level
Medium
Extras
3-speed push button control, 3 fan functions, Remote control, Portable (carry handle and removable legs)
Reliability
Tested to exceed UL®, ETL®, SAA, CE, NOM and other global certifications for quality
Window size
23.5"-37"
Dimensions
13.8" x 4.8" x 25.2"
Warranty

1 year

PROS

The Holmes HAWF2043 Dual Blade fan has a built-in screen that extends to fit most double-hung and slider windows (24" to 27"). If you have a 28"-37" window, you can use one or two extension panels that come in the set.

CONS

It has a single button for turning the fan on/off and choosing settings.

OUR VERDICT

The Holmes HAWF2043 is a simple yet powerful twin fan that can draw in or exhaust out the air. Its housing is made of high-quality and durable plastic that is resistant to UV rays. Due to its small size and light weight, the installation is completely hassle-free.

detailed parameters
Type

Reversible

Areas

Small

Performance

High: 410 +/- 20 CFM
Low: 320 +/- 20 CFM

Noise level

Low

Extras

One-Touch thermostat, 2 speeds, 2 fan functions (Intake, Exhaust), Adjustable extender screen and extender panel

Reliability

Water-resistant motors

Window size

up to 37" wide

Dimensions

13.5" x 5.7" x 25.9"

Warranty

3 years limited

PROS

In addition to 3 speeds, the window fan has 3 operating modes: Cool, Exhaust, and Circulate. The first one will help to bring the fresh air in, the second will allow removing the stale air, and the third will do both simultaneously for the most effective airing.

CONS

The button beeps might seem a bit annoying. 

OUR VERDICT

The Comfort Zone CZ310R is a functional and reliable window fan that will be useful in any home. The unit comes with a removable cover and a removable bug screen. It is also equipped with accordion expanders for window use and removable feet for tabletop use.

detailed parameters
Type

Reversible

Areas

Small

Performance

431 CFM

Noise level

Low

Extras

3 speeds, 3 fan functions (Cool, Exhaust, Circulate), Removable feet, Remote control, Expanders

Reliability

Removable cover, Removable bug screen, Impact-resistant plastic housing

Window size

23.5" to 37" wide

Dimensions

13.88" x 4.88" x 25.25"

Warranty

1 year limited

Freshness at Full Speed

Maintaining proper ventilation in large areas is only possible if you have a powerful whole house fan, just like this AirKing model. This high-performance ventilation system will be most helpful during the summer heat since it promotes a welcome air circulation intaking quite a lot of fresh air from outside. The fan has a powerful motor capable of moving up to 3560 CFM and it's reversible. Thus, you can either move stale air out of your room or get some fresh air in.

Surely enough, this window fan is suitable for commercial use - it will be really helpful in any cafe kitchen, in a small workshop, etc. Equipped with an industrial-grade motor, the AirKing window fan can effectively ventilate large and medium spaces and if you have a small room - it will ventilate it incredibly fast. However, the motor makes noise when set to the highest speed, so if the noise is too loud for you, just select a slower mode. The low settings are particularly comfortable at night.

It is not surprising that this top-quality reversible window fan is made to last. The unit is equipped with a powder-coated stainless steel blade and grills and an impact-resistant plastic housing and only requires simple maintenance.

Min Effort - Max Convenience

Apart from performance, a good window fan should be convenient and simple in installation. This fan is suitable for window openings from 27" to 38" wide and installation is a breeze: everything you need is included in the shipping package. Operation is very straightforward; an ergonomic rotary control will allow you to easily preset the desired speed and mode (Intake or Exhaust). The switch is on the front panel of the window fan, so you can change the mode in a matter of seconds.

What makes this model stand out from the crowd is the Storm Guard feature. In case of bad weather, you will be able to close the window behind the appliance, which is impossible with most window fans on the market - you would need to remove them before sliding the window down.

All in all, this AirKing whole house window fan is one of the best window fans in terms of power, durability, and safety. We highly recommend it for both home and commercial use.

Last updated price $171.92
Stock In stock
ASIN B0007Q3RQ6

VIDEO

SMART DESIGN

The Bionaire BW2300 window exhaust fan is an excellent choice if you can't tolerate hot weather and would like to have cool fresh air circulating around your house all year long. The unit has two fans that can move an incredibly large volume of air for their size. Yet, they run without any vibration and are almost whisper-quiet at the lowest speed. By the way, the unit features three different speeds (high, medium, and low) for more controlled airflow. It uses 43 watts on low, 49 watts on medium, and 64 watts on high speed. On the highest setting, the fans run incredibly fast but they are a bit on the loud side.

The 8.5-inch fans are very smartly designed and can work both simultaneously or independently. They can operate in an exchange mode where one fan pushes in fresh cool air from the outside and the other exhausts hot stale air from inside. In other words, two fans can be set independently for a full room air circulation. This reversible fan feature is fabulous, as it gives you an opportunity to draw in cooler air into the kitchen, for example, and exhaust out stuffy air while cooking. This way, it can cool any room you need, however, remember that the outside temperature rules everything. It should be at least ten degrees cooler than the inside temperature.

This twin fan can be mounted on double-hung, vertical-slider, and casement windows. It comes fully assembled and with two solid, and one expandable side extender to fit non-standard windows as well (from 24 to 37 inches wide). The extender panels offer rigid support for either horizontal or vertical orientation. If needed, you can buy additionally the Bionaire 3-inch spacers that can be stacked together to give this fan extra height or width. The Bionaire BW2300 is an excellent 2-in-1 unit that can not only exhaust air from your room but also cool it down a bit. An excellent alternative to AC units.

SO EASY TO CONTROL

Made with a user's convenience in mind, this multi-fan comes with a handy remote control that allows you to change speeds, airflow direction, temperature, and toggle between automatic and manual modes. It requires 2 AAA batteries and can work from up to 15 feet away.

The Bionaire fan has a programmable digital LED thermostat that is extremely easy to use. You can set the desired temperature level (from 60 to 80 degrees F) and the fan will automatically turn off when it reaches the target temperature. If you don't need to use the thermostat function, you can simply turn the fan on and it'll run all night. The unit features an LCD screen showing the selected temperature and the ambient room temperature. Also, there is a button allowing you to change the brightness of the temperature readout.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $56.09
Stock In stock
ASIN B000065DKJ

VIDEO

Effortless Comfort

The HowPlumb window fan is a portable appliance, compact in size, and simple to install. Yet, the unit provides impressive ventilation efficiency. The blades of this fan are designed in a way to provide the maximum CFM rate possible and it varies from 812 to 918 CFM, which is an excellent result for such a compact device. Meanwhile, the unit has a handle that makes it easy to carry, which may come in handy for ventilating different rooms. You can actually place this twin fan in a garage, bathroom, kitchen or any other room to enjoy a breath of fresh air. 

Since this window fan is reversible, it allows for proper ventilation both during the daytime and in the nighttime. The unit offers Cool, Exhaust, and Circulate modes so you will be able to let the cool and fresh outdoor air in at night when there is little traffic and activate an exhaust function to let the stale air out any time of the day. Or, you can use a circulate mode in which the fan's blades rotate in opposite directions, letting the air circulate through your room. All this makes the reversible window fan a great and affordable option for most customers who look for 'effortless' comfort.

Pleasant Little Things

What most consumers like about this set is the little things that the manufacturer has provided for user's enhanced comfort. Right out-of-the-box, you will get a handy remote control using which you will be able to configure and customize the settings, switching between speeds (low, medium, high) and operating modes. Besides, the set includes 2 removable covers: a bug screen to keep any insects out and a fabric cover that you can attach when the appliance is not in use, thus preventing hot and humid air from getting into your house.

The installation process takes very little time as well and is pretty simple thanks to the built-in extenders. This reversible window fan is suitable for window openings from 24.5" to 37" wide. Moreover, the unit has removable snap-on feet, so it's possible to place it upright and use it as a tabletop fan.

To put it in a nutshell, the HowPlumb dual window fan will help you keep your room well ventilated at any time of the day. Lightweight and portable, it is easy to carry from one room to another for tabletop use.

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B00JRB7D0I

Two in One

For less than $40, you can get an extremely effective double window exhaust fan. It features two 8.5-inch fans with six blades each. The fans can run both simultaneously or independently. This way, you can set one fan on intake and the other one on exhaust during hot nights. The fans will circulate the cool night air through your bedroom, keeping a perfect temperature. Or you can install the fan in the kitchen window to draw in fresh air or exhaust out stale air when cooking.

The fan can operate either manually or automatically. It has a thermostat that can maintain a selected temperature in your room. You can preset 60, 65, 70, 75, or 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and the unit will automatically turn itself off once the sensor detects the selected temperature. Also, you can select low or high mode. The fans run relatively quiet at both speeds. The unit uses about 46 watts on low and 63 watts on high modes. It has a one-touch electronic control for switching between temperature settings and switching device on/off. You'll need to push through every mode to get to "off", which is not very convenient. However, for the price, it's a minor sacrifice. Overall, if you need an affordable twin fan to exchange air with outside, this one will fit the bill perfectly.

Pretty Easy to Install

This twin fan is lightweight and will fit your window frame nicely. It's suitable for double-hung, slider, and casement windows with minimum openings of 25 inches wide and 12 inches high. The fan is extremely easy to install.

For double hung and slider windows, you just need to set the unit into your window opening. In case it doesn't fit snugly to the top or the bottom of the window, attach the extender panel (or panels) and pull out the built-in extender screen. If needed, you can buy additional extenders for this very model of fan. Then, close your window. The bottom edge of the window should rest on the flat area on the top of the fan. The power cord runs from the lower left corner, so it won't interfere with the bottom of the window frame.

If you have a casement window, you'll need a special mounting bracket. However, you can order it for free. Just specify the type of your window when making an order. For greater safety, the manufacturer recommends you to leave your window screen in place.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $39.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B000065DK8

Good Value for the Price

If you are looking for a cost-effective device that will help you keep your indoor air fresh and clean, consider the Comfort Zone CZ310R. This reversible window fan offers 3 operating modes. If you need to refresh your room, choose the Cool setting; to quickly remove stale air, use the Exhaust setting. Finally, you can select the Circulate mode in which the blades on each of the fans will move in opposing directions, letting the fresh air in and the stale air out simultaneously. With 3 operation speeds (low, medium, and high), it will be easy to ensure perfect air circulation depending on your needs.

Lightweight and compact, this thoughtfully designed unit is easy to install. Thanks to adjustable expanders on both sides, it will suit most of the windows, just make sure there is a socket nearby. The accordion expanders can be adjusted from 23-1/2" to 37" allowing you to secure the twin fan in place in a snap. Moreover, the unit can be installed vertically so it can be used used in both slider and casement windows. Alternatively, you can place the appliance on your table; ergonomic removable feet are included in the box.

Comfortable Indoor Environment

The appliance comes with a removable bug screen that will keep mosquitos and other insects out in summer, and a removable cover that will prevent the outdoor air from getting inside when the fan is not in use. To ensure the most comfortable use, the manufacturer has also included a remote control that will allow you to adjust all the parameters remotely. The operation could not be easier -just push a power button and use the speed button for setting the fan speed and the mode button for picking the desired setting. Ergonomic indicator lights on the unit's housing will let you know which setting is activated at the moment.

On the flip side of the coin, the beep sound that is made when you press the buttons might seem a bit annoying. Besides, functional as it is, the window fan could be more powerful. However, the appliance offers good quality for the price.

Summing up, this twin window fan by Comfort Zone will help you to provide a comfortable indoor environment in small to medium rooms. Easy to use and install, offering 3 operating modes and variable speed control, it will perfectly suit your needs.

Last updated price $67.71
Stock In stock
ASIN B004TAYQXE

What Is a Window Fan?

Using a window fan is one of the most popular ways to ventilate a room or a house. This ergonomic device can be installed directly into a window aperture so as not to take much space in a house or apartment. The installation process is simple and requires no effort or special skills and experience - you can easily do it yourself and save up. Meanwhile, some window fans are suitable for tabletop use. More often than not, modern models have ergonomic extenders to suit most window sizes.

As usual, window fans are used in summer when it's roasting hot. Allowing you to improve air circulation and ventilate your home, these appliances are way cheaper than regular air conditioners. Of course, window fans are a compulsory accessory for cafes, stores, and so on.

For maintaining an optimal level of humidity and circulation, learn more about misting fans. And a high-quality hygrometer will help you control your indoor humidity level.

What Features to Compare

Type and Use

Choosing the right window fan isn't that simple. You need to know some major features for understanding what kind of appliance will work best for your needs. There are 3 main types of window fans:

  • Exhaust fans - they remove stale, polluted, or smelly air from certain premises. These fans are used mostly in bathrooms, kitchens, workshops, small labs, etc.
  • Intake fans - they are used for taking fresh air into the rooms without an exhaust system. These fans bring fresh air, slightly increasing the pressure in the room, and ensure quite efficient ventilation.
  • Reversible fans - they are the most efficient and can both remove and take in the air.

It is also important to distinguish between single and double window fans. While single window fans can either intake outdoor air or exhaust the indoor air, double window fans are capable of doing both things simultaneously by rotating in opposite directions. In other words, twin window fans are more versatile than their single fan counterparts.

Performance

To decide what kind of window fan you need, keep in mind what premises you need to ventilate. While some compact units may be enough to ventilate smaller rooms, more efficient fans can handle whole-house ventilation. Check how powerful your chosen appliance is - the more power the motor yields, the more air the fan can move. It has a direct impact on the air flow, i.e. the amount of air moved by the fan. The latter is usually measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). Why is this rate important? Because it helps estimate how much space it can handle and if that's what you need. For example, the area of 1,000 cubic feet can be fully ventilated by a window fan with 160 CFM performance.

Convenience

The last issue to take into account is the convenience of use. No need to say, any machine with a motor makes some noise and it's very much unlikely that you'll find sleeping in a noisy room enjoyable. Therefore, it's essential to check on the noise that different window fans produce. Remember, 65 dB and a lower level of noise is considered to be quiet and fully comfortable for most people.

Next, check the peculiarities of design - a device should fit well into a window opening. Window fans with so-called 'French blinds' are the most effective for window installation since they don't let the cold air in. Some elaborately designed window fans will allow you to close the window behind the fan that will come in very useful in case of foul weather.

Finally, make sure to consider the material your chosen window fan is made of. To a big extent, it's the material that predetermines the service life of a device. Most twin fans are made from plastic so they are pretty lightweight and portable. On the other hand, heavy-duty window fans with powder-coated stainless steel parts will serve you for ages.

Sources:

1. Kit Dillon The Best Window Fans, The Sweethome. June 23, 2016.

2. How to Use Window Fans for Home Cooling, wikiHow.

3. Fan Buying Guide, ConsumerSearch. June 2016.

4. Installing Window Fans: What to Avoid, DoItYourself.

5. Mechanical fan, Wikipedia.

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