Finding the best window fan available wont be too much of an issue as they all more or less come with similar features and options. Of course, there IS that little thing called reliability. All of them come with motors and moving parts and when you factor in that many brands simply prefer to use cheaper parts you may have a recipe for disaster if you don’t do your proper research.
One of the best features to owning a window fan is in the cost savings when compared against the cost of running central air conditioning or using a portable AC unit. If you can stand to replace cold air with fresh, circulated air then a window fan will be ideal for your needs. Of course, you’ll also be doing your part in energy conservation – which is more costly during peak hours.
BENEFITS OF A WINDOW FAN
Fresh Air Circulation
This is the obvious benefit of operating a window fan. Many window fans utilize independently operated fans where one will operate as an exhaust while the other supplies fresh air from the outside. Window fans are ideal for Kitchens, Bedrooms, Living Rooms, Laundry and Basement areas.
Supplement to an Air Conditioner
Air conditioning is expensive as we all know, but in warmer temperatures it would be somewhat inefficient to use them around the clock. An excellent alternative is to use a window fan at night to take advantage of cooler outdoor temperatures.
Removes Unwanted Odors
It doesn’t matter if you’re living with a smoker or cook a lot of meals at home, odors linger without the proper circulation. Window fans offer the ideal solution to quickly ridding any area of strong, unwanted smells.
Fits Most Windows
Window fans come with adjustable panels, which means they easily fit most type of windows. That also makes installation hassle free.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A WINDOW FAN
There are a few options you’ll want to familiarize yourself with when looking to purchase a window fan.
Independently Operated Blades – Air Exchange
Strong Air Flow
Noise Factor
Features
In these window fan reviews you’ll only find Dual Blade fans, but single blade options are definitely available. Twin fans obviously blow more air and also routinely feature independently operated blades, which quickly exhausts stale air while at the same time replacing it with fresh, outdoor air. Here’s a tip on effectively using a window fan during the summer.
Also, consumers have long had problems with the flow strength and noise levels created by window fans. They can be on the loud side, so comparing units based on what reviewers actually had to say about these products gives a better impression of the quality of air flow and level of noise you are likely to expect from each window fan.
Lastly, there are a few different options and features that come with each window fan that separate itself from the competition. The more favorable units will include things like Remote Controls, Thermostat for efficient room temperature control and Digital Displays for quick temperature reference.
COMMON COMPLAINTS
Sometimes products just don’t work right and anything with a motor has even more potential to fail. Even the best window fan is not exempt from early wear and tear, product defects from delivery, etc. Here are a few of the most commonly reported issues with window fans.
- Excessive fan noise may cause you to adjust TV volume when it kicks on
- Doesn’t get rid of humidity in the room
- May need additional window extensions, or the use of duct tape to make adequate seal on window
- Bugs can enter when the fan is not operational
SAFETY AND OTHER INFORMATION
Bob Vila – How To Use A Window Fan
Buying a window fan doesn’t guarantee cooler temps in your house. There are of course several ways to maximize your window fan for all its worth, like removing it first thing in the mornings before temps rise or creating enough positive pressure to keep the bugs out.
BEST WINDOW FANS
click image to enlarge
| Image | Model | Exhaust | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Holmes HAWF2041 | Auto | $42 | 4.25/5 |
 | Avalon Twin | Auto | $50 | 4/5 |
 | Holmes HAWF-2021N | Manual | $22 | 3.75/5 |
 | Bionaire BWF0522E-BU | Manual | $40 | 3.75/5 |
 | Comfort Zone Twin | Auto | $45 | 3.5/5 |
1. Holmes Window Fan, HAWF2041
Holmes is one of the more popular indoor air flow product manufacturers and their Dual Blade Window Fan with Thermostat is rated the best on our list. It offers Independent Fan Operation for Intake/Exhaust mode, Manual Controls, a Thermostat that turns the unit on/off at desired temp, 3 Speed Settings for preference and comes with Bonus window extender panels. It fits most double hung and slider windows.
Pros: Thermostat seems to work well – Reversible airflow (no moving unit) – May be a bit more durable than other brands/models – Reasonably quiet
Cons: Some would like to see more power from fan – Very few complaints of early malfunctions
2. Avalon Window Fan, Twin
Although not the top selling or cheapest window fan (both Holmes), the Avalon Twin has a very favorable rating and is feature rich. It has large 9″ fan blades, 3 Speed options, a Thermostat for automatic control, Expander panels to fit your window and has the ability to act as intake and exhaust at the same time, which means not having to physically turn the unit around.
Pros: Reversible without removing and reversing entire fan – Decent air flow – Not many noise complaints at all, Seems pretty durable overall
Cons: Some complaints that it’s a bit loud – Few “unnatural” (motor or bearing sounds) and premature malfunctions
3. Holmes Window Fan, HAWF-2021N
This Holmes Window Fan is the top selling unit overall, most likely due to it’s low price. While it may not have the features that many others on the list have, this fan provides just what you need at an affordable price. It comes with 6″ Fan Blades, 2 Speed settings with Manual control, an Adjustable Extender Screen and comes with a 1 Year Warranty.
Pros: Good value option – Not too heavy for reversing position – Good flow – Works as intended
Cons: May be a bit loud for sound-sensitive people – Cord could be longer – Extenders may not be long enough for wide windows (see user pic in Amazon link above) – Few complaints of early malfunctions, Have to manually reverse unit for exhaust
4. Bionaire Window Fan, BWF0522E-BU
Though Holmes offers a more budget friendly option, this Bionaire Window Fan also presents a great value. It comes with the additional bells and whistles that may be worth the few extra bucks. It has an LED Control Panel, 3 Speed Operation, Electronic Thermostat for auto control and locking extender panels. This Bionaire unit was designed with 3 blades and a slimmer body for vertical or horizontal use. It also comes with a 5-year Warranty.
Pros: Black or white color option – Nice design – Quieter operation than competing brands – Thermostat for auto on/off – Good warranty
Cons: Manually turn fan for exhaust – Few complaints of early malfunctions – Air flow not that great (Slim, not full size blades like others)
5. Comfort Zone Window Fan, Twin
Comfort Zone is another manufacturer that is recognizable in the home controls marketplace. Their Dual Blade window fan offers independently operational fan for intake/exhaust, 3-Speed setting controls, a Remote Control, Accordion-style extender panels and removable feet for tabletop use.
Pros: Remote is handy – Good power – Reversible air flow without moving unit – More combined features than competing units
Cons: May be noisier than other brands – Some early malfunction complaints – Maybe not the best for value
CONCLUSION
As you can see, the difference between the best window fan and a few of the competing brands only vary slightly in price and features. Of course, the big brands hold out as the highest rated and most reliable as per the consumer opinions.
For some, however, a window fan can be somewhat inconvenient in comparison to other types of fan units. Though not typically as strong, tower fans offer a fantastic alternative. Of course, we’ve the rated higher velocity fans as well.