Provided you get the best window fan, these devices can do the cooling job even better that your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) device. [toc]
Best window fan buying guide
Air conditioning is a hot button issue, especially if you are raising a family of four in a small home. That profile describes me. The first time I bought a window fan, it was a complete waste. For starters, the fan didn’t fit on my window, so I had to install extra panels. But even after that, the cooling power of the fan just wasn’t enough for my home, and its loud buzzing kept us all up at night. I knew I had to find for a dependable window fan, as my energy bills were climbing higher, and summer was getting hotter. After many days of trial and error, I found what has served me well ever since.
Get a fan with expandable screens
Window fit should be of primary concern when looking for a fan that will blow your mind. Why invest in a fan that will not fit on your window size? A fan that is too large for your window will fall and break, while the one that is too narrow just won’t fit. It’s hard to remember the exact measurements of your window when buying a fan; we have all been there. What you can do therefore is find a fan with extendible screens for a customized fit. Some models also come with detachable legs so the window fan can stand alone on a counter or the floor. That can be an attractive feature.
Buy an intake-exhaust fan
There are different types of window fans in the market, including those that expressly let in air and those that exclusively let out the air. However, for the ultimate cooling experience, you might want to get a fan that does both at the same time. Such fans are incredibly advantageous, helping to cool and rid odors from the house concurrently.
The product material should have assurances of durability
Most window fans are made of the plastic casing. When choosing a fan, the case materials should be storm-resistant to last you a long time. The blades and motor parts should be metallic and sturdy. It would be better if these parts feature a powder coating for strength and resistance to corrosion.
Find a fan with weatherproof motors
Because window fans are installed outside, the best product should come with a waterproof engine. Otherwise, the whole contraption will stop working altogether when rainwater gets in there. That’s happened to me before, and the repair costs sucked my wallet dry.
A lightweight window fan shall you serve you better
Window fans are not rigid installations; sometimes you have to remove them when it pours, or when you want to secure the home before you leave. A lightweight window fan is portable and will give you an easy time in such situations.
Shop for window fan with versatile speed settings
Sometimes window fans only come with two-speed settings, that is high and low. On the other hand, some models might come with a third-speed setting that is medium. Generally, the more the speed controls, the more flexible your cooling will be. A moderate pace might save your energy bills, without compromising your soothing breeze.
Automated cooling
The best wind fans have an integrated thermostat that allows you to select the cooling temperature you want. After that, you can leave the fan running round the clock without being there to adjust the speed. Similarly, a fan that uses remote controls is more convenient. You won’t have to get out of the coach, or out of bed at night to adjust the fan speed or direction.
Best Window Fans Review
I find the Bionaire BW2300-N to be a worthwhile investment because this window fan can cool and circulate fresh air in and out of the home simultaneously. Also, this window fan operates both automatically and manually. That can be a much-needed advantage when you wish to dictate the temperature you desire in your home. The included programmable thermostat can automatically turn the fan on or off, depending on the temperature settings you select. Another feature that makes Bionaire BW2300-N window fan one of the top choices is the fact that it has different speed settings. You can select a cooling speed that you find most comfortable. You will are able to control every aspect of the fan, including speed and room temperature from its LCD screen. The Bionaire BW2300-N window fan also comes with a remote control. This device places all the power in your hands. From the comfort of your seat or bed, you can be able to regulate the airflow speed and direction. I highly appreciate such usability, especially on a hot night when I don’t feel like getting out of bed to adjust the fan speed. The Bionaire fan is suitable for the vertical slider, double-hung and casement windows that are between 24 and 37 inches wide. The good thing is that the contraption comes fully assembled, so you don’t have to struggle building it.
Just like the Bionaire BW2300-N, the Holmes HAWF2043 fan blows air both in and out of the home. That helps to not only cool but also rid your home of bad smells.
It blows air both in and out Comes with three adjustable speed The integrated thermostat is convenient for automated cooling The remote control is extra handy
Doesn’t have noise-dampening features Quality control issues; it might come with a broken fan blade
Unlike the three-speed settings in the Bionaire model, you get two-speed settings here. For that reason, if you need extra cooling, you might want to choose the Bionaire BW2300-N. Nonetheless, this Holmes twin fan is capable of a gentle breeze that strikes a balance with energy consumption. The manufacturer says it can use 60 % less energy than other window fans in the market. We are not sure about that. What we are sure of is that the included thermostat is a feature that will grant you more control. You will be able to set your desired temperature, and the fan will cool your home automatically, just like in the case with the Bionaire BW2300-N. On a hot summer night, you can set your desired temperature then sleep like a log. You won’t need to wake up in the middle of the night to adjust the fan’s controls. Just like the previous model in this review, the Holmes HAWF2043 window fan can fit on double-hung and slider windows. The manufacturer claims that the unit cab blows 937.41 cubic feet per minute of air in and out of the home. That’s a decent performance, we must say. But be warned, this fan could be too noisy for your liking.
3. Homebasix 882357 Window Fan 9 in Reversible
The Homebasix 882357 Window Fan means business with a high-performance motor. Just like the previous units in this review, the Homebasix window fan comes with an integrated digital thermostat, giving you power over when and how to cool your home.
Blows air in and out of the room The integrated thermostat is suitable for automatic cooling Two temperature settings for versatile air conditioning
It’s a little extra noisy Doesn’t come with a remote control
This air conditioner can blow air both in and out of your home helping to keep the house at comfortable temperatures. This contraption weighs around 4 lbs., which might make it easily portable on the day you want to change its location. Its three-speed controls give you much power over the rate of cooling or air circulation you get in your home. It’s a thoughtful manufacturing detail because different times of day have varying cooling needs. Better still; the Homebasix 882357 comes with a remote control just like in the Bionaire BW2300-N. The first time I tried a fan with the remote control, I realized just how I had been living life the wrong way.
4. Air King 9166F 20″ Window Fan
The manufacturers market it as a window fan for the whole house. Indeed, the 1/6 HP engine motor it runs on might enable its cooling and circulation effects to be felt everywhere in a larger room.
Three-speed controls Comes with a remote control Has an integrated thermostat for automated cooling
Rattles a little It tends to overheat
The rotary switch is front-mounted, and you get three speeds with this Air King fan. At the highest speed, the blades move at 1600 RPM, 1400 RPM for moderate speeds and 1100 RPM when the setting is at the lowest speed. These adjustable speed controls allow you some level versatility when using the fan. This model of the Air-King fan comes in different sizes for window openings of between 27 inches and 38 inches. Unlike other window fans you have come across, the Air-King 9166F 20″ Window Fan can allow you to close the window behind it. You might find that to be helpful when you want to secure the home. You will not have to remove it. The manufacturer asserts that the fan also functions in industrial settings. While we can’t verify that, the high-velocity motor helps to amplify the airflow in and out of the home. Unlike the previously discussed widow fans, this is the only model that so far gives us some assurances of durability. That’s because of the stress-resistant plastic housing and the powder-coated steel front and blades. You might be able to get many years of service from this window fan.
5. Genesis 9 Inch Blades Twin Window Fan
Similarly to most of the other window fans in this review, the Genesis 9 inch blade fan has three inbuilt speed settings. This feature lets you customize your favorable degree of cooling. It’s also a reversible fan, meaning you can change its direction and get the same cooling.
Runs on a powerful motor It yields high-velocity air circulation (3560, 3120 and 2510 cubic feet per minute at high, moderate and low speeds respectively) It uses storm guard sliding panels that protect the fan from the effects of extreme weather Comes with an instructional manual
Produces a lot of vibration and noise when working It’s fully manual, no thermostat and no remote control It’s a little heavier than the other fans in this review
The other top models in this review might have featured an integrated thermostat, but the Genesis 9 inch blades window fan introduces what the makers call the Max cooling technology. That refers to a window fan thermostat with an extended temperature range. Furthermore, there is an included LED indicator light that lets you monitor the temperature settings. The manufacturer has used copper material for the motors. We are not sure how that will withstand rust and corrosion. The unit entails two 9 inch fans each running on its separate motor. These features easily dethrone both the Bionaire BW2300-N and the Air-King 9166F 20″ window fans from their top positions in this review. You can designate one fan to be for intake and the other one for exhaust, leading to more efficiency. When it comes to mounting, I like the fact that this unit has expandable side panels. The panels can expand 6.5 inches on either side. For that reason, it might be easy to fit this dual fan on window frames up to 37 inches wide. Also, because of the included retractable legs, this fan can operate well from the floor or a counter.
The best pick
Even though it has its drawbacks such as high noise levels and lack of remote control, the Genesis 9 Inch Blades Twin Window Fan stands out us our most desirable choice in this review.
It has three-speed controls and an included thermostat It’s a dual fan powered by two motors, giving you a more powerful circulation and cooling Intake and exhaust buttons so you can designate each fan for a specific purpose The removable legs increase its versatility as a window or tabletop fan
It’s noisier No remote control
Its functionality and performance are doubled, given that it is a dual fan. This window fan also features a unique design, allowing it to be used on the floor or counter as well. The included thermostat will let you customize auto-cooling, while the LED indicator light will let you visibly monitor the fan’s controls. You can also dedicate one part of this fan unit to be for intake and the other one for exhaust. Because of these features, the Genesis fan is a safe bet for your money.
