5 Best Window Fans to Fill Your Home with the Desired Coolness

By
Carolina Evans
Carolina Evans
Research Writer
Holds a Master’s degree in Engineering and is keen on her own home’s climate. Sometimes we think that Carolina owns every single product she writes about – that’s ho read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Richard Powell
Richard Powell
Expert Consultant
For 8 years, Richard had been working as an HVAC specialist and AC unit installer since his student years. Now, he’s our main consultant on every technical aspect that may read more
Last updated: September 06, 2023
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Chances are, there’s a fan in your house. If it’s not taking up space in your room or on your dresser, then it’s tucked away in a closet, waiting for the next season to roll around. Fans are necessary to cool us down, but do they really need to take up so much space? Thankfully, if you can find the best window fan, you don’t have to worry anymore.

Window fans are an effective and space-saving tool to cool you down when you most need it. They work to keep hot air out and cool air in, allowing you to live in peace in your own home. When looking for a new window fan, there are a few features to pay attention to. These include the dimensions of the appliance, as it will need to fit in your window, and the power and speed of the fan itself. Bonus features can also include a thermostat and remote control.

To help you find the best window fan, we have scoured the marketplace, looking at manufacturer information, online reviews, and our own personal observations. The result is a list of the five best window fans. This article will give you both an overview of the window fans as well as in-depth product reviews. There will also be a buying guide with more information about features and answers to your most common questions. The result is all the information you need to find the right window fan for your needs.

Quick Summary

  • "A dual-blade unit that boasts of not only incredible functionality but also user-friendly LCD digital display and a remote control capability"
  • Best Workplace Window Fan: Air King 9166F
    "A single-blade unit that has 3 speed settings to choose from, heavy-duty construction, and Storm Guard feature to close the window when you need to"
  • "A budget-friendly model that has water-resistant motors so can easily be exposed to the elements"
  • Best Quiet Window Fan: Comfort Zone CZ319WT
    "This model has two 9-inch blades, auto-locking expanders to fit practically any sized window easily, and removable feet to be used as a tabletop fan"
  • Best Window Fan for Smoking: Lasko 2155A
    "This single-blade unit doesn’t take too much space and can blow the air either in or out with 3 different speeds depending on your needs"

Top 5 Window Fans Review 2024

?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7869 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.7
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.7
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.4
9.8
Features
  • Type: dual
  • Blade size: 8.5 inches
  • Speeds: 3
  • Dimensions: 25.5 x 14.1 x 6 inches
  • Warranty: 5-year limited

More features: programmable thermostat; LCD digital display; remote control

Our Editor’s Choice for best window fan is the Bionaire Twin Reversible Airflow Window Fan. It is a perfect example of how technology can revolutionize life.

Built with two fans that create optimum cooling, you can’t go wrong with this product. The fans themselves have three speed settings and a manual-reverse airflow control.

To select any of these amazing features, just use the control panel. It’s actually quite simple, given all the many options to choose from. It also comes with a handy remote control.

Some people are worried about placing an electrical appliance in a window, as it can be exposed to the elements. Not to worry as the Bionaire Twin Reversible Airflow Window Fan has a water-resistant motor and is safe to use in rainy weather.

The Bionaire Twin Reversible Airflow Window Fan can fit in most standard windows that are double-hung or are sliding. If there is a bit of a gap, no worries as your purchase includes an extender screen and extended panel. Simply install your new window fan and place the extenders around the unit to fill any gaps. This saves you both money and time.

If anything should go wrong with your Bionaire Twin Reversible Airflow Window Fan, you can have complete peace of mind knowing it comes with a five-year warranty. Compared to the standard one-year warranty that most fans come with, this very well be the deciding factor in your purchase.

    What stands out?
  • Impressive warranty
  • Easy-to-use control panel
  • Includes extended panels
  • Remote control
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • Hard to keep clean
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3830 people in the past 30 days
9.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.1
9.6
2
Best Workplace Window Fan

Air King 9166F

Features
  • Type: single
  • Blade size: 20 inches
  • Speeds: 3
  • Dimensions: 26.8 x 11.2 x 26.2 inches
  • Warranty: 1-year limited

More features: OSHA and ETL approved; powder coated steel front grill and blade

Window fans are often used in the home but are also perfect accessories for the workplace. Unfortunately, not all offices will have central air conditioning, so if you’re finding it too hot to work properly, the next best option is a window fan. Luckily, there’s the Air King 9166F.

This single window fan means business. With three settings to choose from you can get up to 1/25 horsepower. That’s impressive for a window fan.

One of the biggest drawbacks of a window fan is it’s hard to actually close the window completely. What’s unique about the Air King 9166F is you can close the window behind the fan, thanks to the Storm Guard feature. No longer will you have to remove a window fan if there’s a storm or heavy weather coming.

The Air King 9166F looks good, too. It has a steel front grill that is powder coated and impact-resistant plastic housing. If you need a window fan for an industrial setting or are looking for the best window exhaust fan for a kitchen, then this will serve you well. This is essential, as the Air King 9166F is quite large and bulky. And because of its weight, you will need a few screws to keep it anchored in.

The biggest downside to the Air King 9166F is also its biggest asset. This is a fan meant for business. While it could work ok in a residential setting, chances are you want something that blends in a bit better with your décor.

    What are its best features?
  • Three powerful settings to choose from
  • Storm Guard feature allows you to close window
  • Cools rooms quickly
    What could be improved?
  • Best in an office setting, not residential
Also Product Ranking:
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4359 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.1
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.4
9.5
Features
  • Type: dual
  • Blade size: 7 inches
  • Speeds: 2
  • Dimensions: 22.7 x 11.7 x 5.3 inches
  • Warranty: 1-year limited

More features: covers rooms of up to 500 sq. ft.; oscillating; water-resistant motors

Let’s face it. Everyone deserves to have a cool home, regardless of how much money you have. If you’re short on cash, or just living in on a budget, you’ll want to consider the Holmes Dual Blade Twin Window Fan.

Don’t be fooled by its price. Even though it’s lower than other models on our list, it still gets the job done well. With two powerful fans, you can be assured that your room will stay cool. You can also have the option of reversing the direction of the fan to blow air out of the room. This feature is nice if there is smoke you want to get rid of.

What’s really impressive about the Holmes Dual Blade Twin Window Fan is that there is an oscillating option. When selected, the fans will rotate on a 90-degree angle, allowing for all areas of your room to capture a delightful breeze. The fans work for you: you don’t have to set up camp right in front of them to work. This then becomes the best window whole house fan.

The Holmes Dual Blade Twin Window Fan can be installed in most standard slider windows. If there is a gap, there’s no need for an extra purchase as this unit comes with extender panels. Just install the window fan and then place the extenders in to eliminate any unnecessary drafts.

If you’re still not convinced about the Holmes Dual Blade Twin Window Fan, just know that it’s actually Amazon’s number one best seller in the household window fans category. That’s pretty impressive and shows that people keep coming back to purchase it.

    What are its best features?
  • Very budget-friendly
  • Oscillating option
  • Includes extender panels
    What could be improved?
  • Limited options and settings
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2281 people in the past 30 days
8.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.8
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.6
8.9
4
Best Quiet Window Fan

Comfort Zone CZ319WT

Features
  • Type: dual
  • Blade size: 9 inches
  • Speeds: 2
  • Dimensions: 22.8 x 11.6 x 5.6 inches
  • Warranty: not specified

More features: auto-locking expanders; removable fabric cover; removable feet for tabletop use

Another dual window fan on our list, the Comfort Zone CZ319WT is a nice option if you need a cooling fan for your room. This window fan has two compartments that work well to cope with their task. There is also the option of reversing the blades to blow hot air or smoke out of the room. Overall, this is a nice, simple, and quiet fan.

What really sets the Comfort Zone CZ319WT apart from others is its extra features. For starters, it comes with a removable cover. You won’t have your window fan on all the time, and as a result, bugs and humid air can enter. When not in use, simply place the cloth cover on your fan.

Another great feature is the built-in extenders. While some fans have extenders you can use, most are not built-in and as a result requite a bit of extra work. With the Comfort Zone CZ319WT, you can pull on the sides to make the window fan as snug as you’d like.

While the Comfort Zone CZ319WT is on our list of best window fans, you’ll be happy to know it can also be a tabletop fan. The fan comes with two sturdy feet on the bottom that allow it to be placed on top of a table without any fear of being knocked over. However, be sure to check the feet as there have been cases of them falling off. Some simple glue will solve the problem.

    What makes it special?
  • Quiet enough to be used at night
  • Can be used as a tabletop fan
  • Includes a cloth cover for when it’s been turned off
    What cons did we find?
  • Bottom feet can fall off
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7212 people in the past 30 days
9.1
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.0
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.8
9.1
5
Best Window Fan for Smoking

Lasko 2155A

Features
  • Type: single
  • Blade size: 16 inches
  • Speeds: 3
  • Dimensions: 26.5 x 8.2 x 22 inches
  • Warranty: 1-year limited

More features: ETL listed; expandable side panels

When it comes to smoking, sometimes it’s just too cold to go outside. If you plan on smoking inside your home, you’ll want to invest in a good window fan to help control the smell. Luckily, there is the Lasko 2155A to help you out.

One of the best window exhaust fans for smokers, the Lasko 2155A has three intakes and three exhaust speeds. Not only can you cool your entire home, but if you want to remove smoke or hot air from your home, you can simply use the reverse intake option, making this one of the best reversible window fans on the market.

It’s easy to install the Lasko 2155A as you actually screw it on in front of your window, instead of placing it on the window ledge. There are built-in extended panels which will help eliminate any extra drafts. One great bonus about the design is the Storm Guard function. Because you install this fan in front of the window, you can close the window behind it in the event of a powerful storm.

One final note about installation is that while it is easy to do so, be sure you follow all of the instructions carefully. If the screws are not fastened properly, you can expect some vibrations which will lead to unwanted noise. This is a fairly quiet fan on its own, so if you hear more noise than you anticipated, check your installation before calling the manufacturer.

    Why did it make our list?
  • Easy to install
  • Powerful setting options
  • Essential for any in-home smokers
    What is not ideal about it?
  • Improper installation may cause noise

Things to Consider

Once you purchase a window fan, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without one. The ability to have air flowing nicely without any added clutter in your room will revolutionize your world. To help you find the best window fan that will meet your needs, we’ve put together this buying guide. We’ve covered all the features of a window fan and answered any questions you might still have.

Why you need a window fan

5 Best Window Fans to Fill Your Home with the Desired CoolnessWindow fans are the perfect way to keep cool all year round. While an air conditioning unit can do the same thing, they are expensive to install, and their mechanical issues can quickly become a nightmare. A simple window fan can do the same job, and you won’t have to worry about calling in a technician multiple times a year.

If you’re someone who isn’t comfortable in the heat, investing in a window fan is a great idea. It saves precious space and eliminates unsightly appliances from the middle of the room. Window fans are also a lot more powerful and efficient. They work to keep cool air in the room and warm air out.

Features to consider while choosing a window fan

Finding the right window fan doesn’t need to be difficult. Instead, with a bit of information, you can know exactly what to look for. The following are important features to be aware of to help you find the perfect window fan.

Single vs. dual

5 Best Window Fans to Fill Your Home with the Desired CoolnessWhen it comes to window fans, there are two major categories: single and dual. Single fans have one set of blades. They blow cool air into the room. Dual fans have two sets of blades. You can alter them, but generally, one set blows cool air into the room, and one set blows hot air out of the room. Dual fans are slightly larger than single fans, so what you choose may come down to a size issue. A single-blade fan can also be adjusted to blow the air either in or out. Plus, it’ll take not so much space as dual-blade ones. On our list, the Air King 9166F and the Lasko 2155A are single fans, while the remaining three are dual fans.

Blade size

The blade size of a window fan refers to how long the blade is. The longer the blade, the more power behind it. The dual window fans on our list have smaller blades, ranging around eight inches. There are two fans in each unit, so the blades need to be smaller for space issues. The single window fans on our list boast of much larger fan blades. The Lasko 2155A actually has impressive 20-inch blades.

Number of speeds

When it comes to cooling down your room, the more options, the better. In the summer, you’ll want a high-velocity fan to beat the heat. Alternatively, at night you might just want a slight dip in the temperature. All window fans on our list come with at least two speed options. And, the Lasko 2155A, Air King 9166F, and Bionaire Twin Reversible Airflow Window Fan come with an impressive three speed options.

Cord length

Window fans are mechanical appliances. As such, they need a power source, which in this case is an electrical outlet. You may want to place your window fan in a high, un-used window, but be sure to check the length of the cord first. While you can use an extension cord if need be, this does increase the risk of fire slightly. Before you purchase a window fan, think about where you want it to go and measure the distance between your window and the nearest power outlet. This will save a lot of hassle in the future.

Dimensions

5 Best Window Fans to Fill Your Home with the Desired CoolnessAbove all else, the dimensions of a window fan are paramount. Just imagine if you bought an amazing new window fan and went to install it, only to discover that the fan is actually larger than the window! Try to find a window fan that is slightly smaller than the window itself. You can always purchase an extender system, or even DIY some plywood to fill in the gap between the machine and the windowpane.

Warranty

Mechanical appliances can be tricky. You just never know when they might default or need extra work. If you’re not mechanically inclined, having an extended warranty on your window fan can put your mind to ease. Most window fans come with a standard one-year warranty. However, the Bionaire Twin Reversible Airflow Window Fan comes with an impressive five-year warranty. If you don’t want to worry about having to ever fix your new fan, this might be the best bet for you.

Extra features

When it comes to window fans, the more you know, the better. In addition to the basic features mentioned above, you might find a until more extra add-ons. A thermostat and advanced control panel can lead to smarter technology. If you can set your fan to work until a specific temperature, it can make your room that much better. A remote control is a great feature, especially if your window fan is somewhere high or out of reach.

A really important feature to look for is the noise level. Mechanics means noise. If you are sensitive to white noise, or plan on using a window fan at night while sleeping, look for a product that has a lower noise output. If you’re not sure, then opt for a device with multiple fan settings. The lower the setting, the less noise that will be produced.

FAQ

What if my window width is larger than the fan’s dimensions?

When it comes to a window fan, dimensions are paramount. But remember: you can go smaller, but you can’t go bigger. Most often, you will find a window fan that is smaller than the opening of your window. Don’t panic! There are a few ways to remedy this. First, close your window as tight as possible so that it touches the side of your window fan. You don’t want to let any hot air in around the unit. If there is still space, particularly on the top of the fan, then you can purchase extended panels. These are sold online, through the manufacturer’s website, or at a home improvement store. Just measure the remaining space and find an extended panel that will adjust to this size.

Can I also use it as a tabletop model?

Yes, you can use a window fan as a tabletop model, but it’s better not to. This is because they just won’t be as effective as fans made for a specific purpose. Tabletop fans will often have the option of oscillating, which means all areas of your room can benefit from the cool air. Window fans don’t have this option. They’ll blow cool air, but only in one direction. It’s always best to purchase an item made for its specific task.

Can a window fan help with getting rid of smoke?

A window fan can be set so that it pulls air from the inside of a room and deposits it outside. Because smoke is in the air, theoretically, a window fan can help get rid of smoke. It’s important to remember, however, that smoke will cling to anything in its path, including fabrics and furniture. While you might be able to get rid of smoke in the air, the smell can still linger on any furniture or curtains in that room.

Our verdict

There are many window fans to choose from. Our Editor’s Choice goes to the Bionaire Twin Reversible Airflow Window Fan. This dual fan has a lot of options to choose from, and they can all be found on the impressive LCD screen.

If you need a window fan for your office, then look no further than the Air King 9166F. This fan means business. With large, 20-inch blades, there’s no way you’ll be sitting uncomfortably anymore. One feature we really like is the ability to close the window behind the fan, which is perfect if you’re expecting a storm or need an extra layer of security at night.

Finally, if you want a new window fan, but are on a budget, check out the Holmes Dual Blade Twin Window Fan. While it doesn’t have too many fancy features, it works well, which is what you need. With all these options, we hope that your search for the best window fan is finally at an end.

9,8
Total Score
Bionaire Twin Reversible Airflow Window Fan - Editor’s Choice
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