Hot, stale and humid air – this makes you want to get up and turn your air conditioning unit on. And if it is on already, it makes you want to adjust the thermostat a little more and make the fan blow stronger. That sounds like putting your money down the drain due to high electricity costs.
Let’s not blame it all on the hot weather or season and the state you are in. Sometimes, our home ventilation system is the main reason why the house always feels warm even if you have your AC on. There’s a perfect solution to this problem without the need to make room for bigger windows nor adjust the roofing of your home – window fans.
Window fans are known as an easy and affordable solution to draw fresh and cool air from the outside of your window and release the hot air from inside the room out. But with the thousands of choices available in the market, it might be difficult for first-time buyers to choose the best one. Worry no more! We’ve narrowed down the list to give you the 10 best window fans in the market.
Reviews of 8 Best Window Fans for 2021
1. Bionaire Window Fan with Twin 8.5-Inch Reversible Airflow Blades and Remote Control, White
With almost 6000 customer reviews, the Bionaire Window Fan proves to be the best in performance and in value among the window fan choices in this price range. It has a twin 8.5-inch fans that feature a two-way intake and exhaust system that can simultaneously draw fresh and cool air from the outside and release hot air from inside. It can also be programmed to blow or exhaust exclusively, all of the features can use its three-speed settings.
It has a built-in programmable thermostat that automatically shuts off once it attains the selected temperature between 60-80 degrees. The built-in LCD also shows the current room temperature as well as the programmed temperature. This twin window fan can also fit double-hung, vertical slider and casement windows with its adjustable extender screens.
You don’t have to worry about using it during the rainy season because it has water resistant motors that are UL approved to guarantee safety. You can comfortably adjust its settings from anywhere in the room with the remote control that comes with it. The Bionaire Window Fan with Twin 8.5 Fan comes with a 5-year warranty against defects.
PROS
- Reversible airflow (intake and exhaust)
- Simultaneous airflow
- Programmable thermostat with LCD indicator
- 5-year manufacturer’s warranty
CONS
- Not as quiet as users expected it to be
Bottom line:
The Bionaire Window Fan with 8.5 inch Reversible Blades is in the average in terms of price but, superior in its features and performance. Despite user feedback on the noise it produces, the brand backs their product with a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty that will surely make the buyers at ease.
2. The Air King 9166 20” Window Fan
This 20” window fan will surely fit any room in the house that needs reinforced ventilation. Instantly make the surroundings cooler by releasing the hot air from any room through its exhaust setting and let the fresh air outside come in for a refreshing environment. The Air King 9166 is suitable for both residential and office spaces. It can fit window openings between 27 to 38 inches wide and 26.25 tall.
It has a manually adjustable 3-speed Intake and Exhaust settings through its front-mounted switch. The triple blade fan is enclosed in a powder-coated steel front grill and impact resistant plastic housing. The standard package comes with a metal extender that you can directly attach to fit the size of window opening that you have.
Its industrial grade motor is rated at 120-volts, 1/25 horsepower with three-speed settings of 1010, 1360 and 1170 cubic feet per minute on low, medium and high, respectively. This high-quality motor means high-velocity air circulation and low maintenance. In fact, it is permanently lubricated and is suitable even for 24/7 operations. The brand offers a 1–year limited warranty against defects in materials and craftsmanship.
PROS
- Reversible airflow (intake and exhaust)
- Adjustable extenders to fit most windows
- 1-year limited warranty
CONS
- Not as quiet as users expected it to be
- Will take up large window space
Bottom line:
The Air King 20” Window Fan is a king-sized fan that will bring in plenty of fresh air inside a room and take out as much hot air as well. However, it might produce too much noise for smaller rooms and will best suit big kitchens, basement and living room areas.
3. Lasko 16” Electrically Reversible Window Fan
This window fan is ideal for all rooms of the house. It is effortless to install and all accessories necessary for installation comes in the package. With its expandable sides, it can fit most window sizes from 26.5” to 34.5” wide and 22” tall and larger. It features a Storm Guard design that allows users to close the window behind it during inclement weather.
The three-paddle blade fan is powerful and can provide quick transfer of cool air from the outside to your home or release the warm air out. It is covered in rust-resistant powder-coated grills where speed adjustments sit in the middle. There are 3 intake and exhaust speeds for this window fan.
The fan comes fully assembled out of the box. The brand also takes pride on their Blue Plug patented safety fuse technology which placed the fused built-in on the plug of the power cord. This will ensure that electrical current on the fan will be cut automatically once the fuse detects a hazardous electrical fault. You do not only keep your rooms cooler, but you also get a guarantee that you are buying a safe window fan.
PROS
- Reversible airflow (intake and exhaust)
- Adjustable extenders to fit most windows
- Suits residential and commercial use
- Blue Plug Safety Fuse Technology
CONS
- It can get noisy on High settings
- Will take up large window space
Bottom line:
The Lasko 16” Electrically Reversible Window Fan is both simple and advanced. Concerning its appearance, the design is kept neat and minimal. But its Storm Guard feature and the Blue Plug Safety Fuse technology against electrical hazards bring more positive points for this product.
4. BOVADO USA Twin Window Cooling Fan with Remote Control
This electronically reversible window fan is a nice and modern-looking fan that has three (3) functions that will surely address your need for instant cooling and reinforcement for your air conditioning unit during summer. The three functions are: INTAKE – that sets both fans to take in cold air from the outside; EXHAUST – removes the hot air inside your room and CIRCULATE – lets both fans do both simultaneously. All of these three can be selected through the window fan’s control panel or conveniently via remote control.
The Bovado Twin Window Cooling Fan can be securely installed on a minimum of 23.5” window and can fit into a bigger one through its locking extender panels. If bugs and insects are also your problems aside from the hot weather during summer, a bug screen can be attached at the back of the fans so you can keep the insects out and let the cool air in.
The window fan has a twin 9” turbo blade that creates maximum airflow in your room. Standard speed settings are Low, Medium and High and it applies to the three different functions as well. This fan is most suitable for double hung, gliding and sliding types of window.
PROS
- Reversible airflow (intake and exhaust)
- Simultaneous airflow
- Bug screen attachment
- Remote control
CONS
- High price point
Bottom line:
Comparing it with other twin window fans in the market, you may find the Bovado Twin Window Cooling Fan on the high price point. However, this is compensated by the convenience features such as the bug screen attachment, remote control and the simultaneous airflow. It is also well-built and is durable.
5. Holmes HAWF-2041 Twin Window Fan with Comfort Cool Thermostat
Holmes is a household name for window fans. They offer it in various models with different features. The Holmes HAWF-2041 is one of their best-sellers and one of the most practical buys in the market today. The dual fans can be manually set to Intake, Exhaust or run each one at the same time for air exchange. It also lets you set the Comfort Cool Thermostat to your desired comfort level, this feature will assist your air conditioning whenever you use it together. It operates on two 6-bladed fans with Low-Medium-High settings.
This fan fits most double hung and slider windows with minimum openings sizing to 25” wide and 12” inches in height. Using the extender panels, it can fit windows that are 35” wide. You can also keep this fan running and enjoy the cool and refreshing breeze during rainy days with its water-resistant motors.
Users can enjoy a 3-year limited warranty on the Homes HAWF-2041 and a lot of savings on electricity cost because it uses 60% less energy compared to the use of air conditioning in your room.
PROS
- Reversible airflow (intake and exhaust)
- Manual setting for simultaneous airflow
- Adjustable extenders to fit most windows
- 3-year manufacturer’s warranty
CONS
- Not as quiet as users expected it to be
Bottom line:
Holmes HAWF-2041 is a practical option for first-time window fan buyers. It offers all the essential functions that you need in a window fan plus additional features like the Comfort Cool thermostat and the manual setting for air exchange. It indeed is value for money.
6. HowPlumb Portable Twin 9” Reversible Window Fan
The HowPlum Window Fan is a basic window fan that has easy to understand functions and attachments. The 6-bladed fans are enclosed with a plastic grill and frame. It offers maximum airflow and excellent air circulation with its Low, Medium and High fan speeds that will work on either its Cool (Intake), Exhaust and Circulate (Air Exchange) functions. You can select its functions conveniently with remote control.
The standard kit comes with two removable covers – one for the front to prevent accumulation of dust and one for the back to screen out bugs and insects during operation.
This fan will fit standard window sizes of 23.5” to 37” wide and can be supported and secured by the expander panel that comes with it. You can also transfer the fan if you need to and place it on the floor or table with the removable snap-on feet.
PROS
- Reversible airflow (intake and exhaust)
- Simultaneous airflow
- Affordable
CONS
- Flimsy expander panel
Bottom line:
This easy to install and easy to transfer window fan can be the solution for the hot spots in your home. You now have access to cool and fresh outdoor air while screening pests out using its removable cover. The remote control is also an added convenience without spiking up the price.
7. Bionaire BWF0522M Compact Window Fan with Manual Controls, 3 Blades
A more compact window fan with a more powerful set of fans. Bionaire BWF0522M Compact Window Fan does not only have a twin but triple fans to provide a 40% increase in air velocity. That makes this small sized window fan suitable even for large rooms. It can be installed horizontally or vertically on standard sized double hung and slider windows. The built-in expandable fillers will give it a seamless and clean-looking installation.
The three 6-inch fans can manually be set to run independently from one another. The manual controls feature the three-speed settings and the manual thermostat that remembers the last preferred temperature in the room.
It comes in White and Black color variants and model options are available with Manual Controls and Comfort Control Thermostat. Both models come in a 5-year Limited Warranty.
PROS
- Manual setting for simultaneous airflow
- Manual setting for the thermostat
- Affordable
CONS
- Fans are too small for a large room
Bottom line:
The three fans of the Bionaire BWF0522M Compact Window Fan can provide better airflow. However, the smaller size of the fans seems just to offset this promise. The one with ComfortCool Thermostat might be a better option than the one with manual controls.
8. Genesis Twin Window Fan with 9-inch Blades
The Genesis Window Fan has two 9-inch fan blades powered by copper motors that will be able to stand all weather conditions. The fans can be independently set to blow cold air and release the hot air inside any room in your house. The triple speed settings allow you to enjoy Low, Medium and High airflow that will suit your preference. You can also set the thermostat to your liking. A set of LED indicators can be programmed to control the temperature between 60 to 80 degrees with 5-degree increments.
The built-in expandable side panels which extend up to 6.5 inches on each side will help any user to ensure stable fit in their double hung or slider windows. Should you wish to take it from your window, it can easily be carried out and transferred using an easy-to-carry handle at the back and a set of removable stand legs.
This sturdy window fan has a Max Cool Technology that provides high air velocity yet remains quiet during use.
PROS
- Manual setting for simultaneous airflow
- Manual setting for the thermostat
- Affordable
CONS
- Motors are not water-resistant
Bottom line:
The Genesis Window Fan is a promising new brand although there are still a lot of rooms for improvement for this one. It has all the essential features of a window fan in its price range but what sets it apart is the expandable panels on both sides that guarantees a neat-looking window fan once it’s installed.
The Benefits of Having a Window Fan
1. Window fans can make your home cooler
The Exhaust feature is the most common feature of window fans. Most window fans started as exhaust fans before the reversible air exchange was introduced. Taking out the warm air through the Exhaust will make your room cooler instantly. Having the Intake feature with definitely speed up the cooling process. This is the reason why most people use window fans together with their air conditioners.
2. Window fans can promote better air circulation
If you have pets at home or if you have a smoking room, chances are you need better airflow in these areas. Better air circulation can minimize the occurrence of allergies and respiratory problems. You can easily get rid of pollen, dander and smoke with a window fan. The air exchange feature of a window fan will surely get this job done effortlessly by letting fresh air in and dirty air out.
3. Window fans eliminate odors
Overhead or range hoods are sometimes not enough to take away odors from the kitchen. Sometimes, you are unconsciously posing risks to your household after leaving the kitchen window open just to let the smell out. You can do away from this old habit by installing a window fan. If you cook a lot, get the one with steel blades for better exhaust and intake.
How to Choose a Best Window Fan?
1. The size and type of your window
The most important thing to consider before buying a window fan is whether it will fit your window. Aside from the size of your window, you also need to check the currently installed accessories that might get it the way of the installation. These window fans fit most double hung and slider windows, but if you have installed screens and grills, you have to consider those too. The last thing you want to happen is making alterations to accommodate one.
2. The room you’re putting it in
All of these brands may claim that the velocity of their fans can make medium to large rooms cooler in minutes. But since not all room sizes are the same, you may want to try getting one for a medium-sized room first as a trial for the rest of the rooms in the house that might have a similar size. For larger areas like your kitchen, living room and entertainment area, consider getting a bigger one or the one suitable for offices. These are bigger in size but have a more quiet motor than industrial ones.
3. Type of motor
Always research the durability of the window fan’s motor. Some are made water-resistant and some are not. Some fans come with a rain guard and that is an indicator that the motor is not suitable to be exposed during the rainy season. For these types of window fans make sure that you can still close the window behind it. Otherwise, choosing a water-resistant is a smarter move.
4. Safety Features
Having a water-resistant motor is a safety feature. Likewise, there are window fans with built-in safety fuse on the plugs to prevent electrical surge that may damage the unit. Another simple but effective safety feature is an insect screen, it does not just keep your fan clean but it keeps pests away from the blades and the motor.
5. Convenience Features
It’s not enough to just get a window fan that can make your room cooler. It must have other convenient features that will make it work efficiently and work for you conveniently like having a programmable thermostat, simultaneous air exchange and remote control among others.
The Verdict :
Best Window Fan for 2019
Bionaire Window Fan with Twin 8.5-Inch Reversible Airflow Blades and Remote Control
- Reversible airflow (intake and exhaust)
- Simultaneous airflow
- Programmable thermostat with LCD indicator
- Adjustable extenders to fit most windows
- 5-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Remote control
- Water resistant motor
With all of these features, Bionaire Window Fan is undoubtedly the best window fan in the market today. It seems like it has combined all the good traits its competitors can offer at a surprisingly affordable price. The brand’s offer of 5-year warranty for this product gives buyers the confidence and the assurance that it is durable.
