Keeping your home cool is very important; therefore having a window fan becomes a requirement. Window fans mount easily to the bottom of the window frame. This device creates a cooling effect by circulating air and consequently causing a breeze. Window fans are relatively cheap compared to air conditioners, hence making utility costs low. A window fan pulls outside air, pushes odor and hot indoor air out making it very convenient for kitchen use.
Accordingly, it is important to ensure that one purchases the best window fan to minimize utility bills. This article explores the best window fan while also emphasizing the importance of having a window fan.
Importance of getting window fan
Window fans circulate air inside the room, therefore, causing a cooling effect. Additionally, it can remove odor by replacing it with fresh air continually from the outside. Window fans are, therefore, the most suitable air-coolers and purifiers. A window fan also serves a great purpose in stuffy and humid rooms and causes a breeze which creates a cooling effect.
A Window fan is very versatile when placed strategically since it can cool the whole room. This improves ventilation, therefore, creating a sense of freshness in the air. This freshness is healthy as opposed to odor which causes discomfort in the room. Therefore having a window not only does it create freshness, but also comfort in the room.
Furthermore, a window fan is portable and compact. These features make moving around with it from one room to another very easier. This implies that one can cool the entire room since it is easier to carry it to whichever room one chooses to go.
Important things to consider in choosing and using a window fan
– Size
When choosing a window it is important to consider the size of the fan that your window can accommodate without interfering with the outside view. Accordingly, one should decide the kind of window fan they want. A double window fan is preferred most since it is highly effective and increases fresh air circulation in the room. However, it occupies greater space in the window and it is, therefore, necessary to have measurements of your window before purchasing to determine the kind of fan to buy and its size.
– Durability
Choosing a window fan requires that you recognize the durability of that particular fan. Purchasing a durable fan reduces bill utility since it will not need replacement or repair. A durable window fan should be easy to clean and the plastic part of it should not degrade. It is therefore wise to choose fans with great durability by getting familiar with the fan model.
-Reversibility
Reversibility refers to the ability to change the direction of airflow. Window fans come with different appearances namely manually reversible fans and electrically reversible fans.
Manually reversible fans are physically operated to reverse airflow by removing the unit from the window. Electrically reversible fans change airflow by pushing a button hence making it very convenient since you can choose the change of airflow conveniently.
– Airflow
The velocity at which air enters or leaves a space is measured by the airflow. This airflow is indicated by its cooling power. Airflow is indicated in cubic feet per minute (CFM). It is advisable to buy a fan which is sufficient to cool the place that is required to avoid wastage of energy.
– Remote control
Remote operations are enhanced by a control panel. Window fans can be switched on and of using a remote. Furthermore, this control panel also controls airflow exchange. While choosing a window fan it is advisable to go for models that come with a remote rather than those which do not come with them.
– Number of internal fans
Window fans generally consist of one-fan or two-fan units. One- fan units house one large centralized internal fan that enhances air circulation. One –fan unit has a stronger airflow and is bulkier and less efficient.
Two-fan units are compact and have a lower airflow on average. It is very efficient and creates a calm breeze. It is electrically reversible and both intake and exhaust work simultaneously hence maximizing cooling and general comfort.
– Quietness
The window fan must be of low noise but highly efficient. Noise levels resulting from the fan should often be considered since the volume should be constant and pleasant to the ear.
Adjustability
The window fan should be highly adjustable and easy to move from one place to another. Additionally, it should be adjustable to create comfort by adjusting the airflow.
Where to use window fans
1. Kitchen
The kitchen is a very important place to have a window fan. Kitchens can get stuffy and humid at times. Therefore they should be fanned to create a breeze and freshness by pumping out air and circulating fresh air while pumping out the odor.
Features of a kitchen fan
Kitchen fans should be reliable and should get the job well done. They should be able to pump out odor and draw in the fresh air. This reliability makes them suitable for use in the kitchen since a lot of heat is produced in the kitchen while cooking and also the odor is produced which needs to be pumped out.
– Speed
Kitchen fans should have variable speed since people have different tastes when it comes to cooling. Variable speed enhances the use of the fan across seasons ranging from summer to other seasons.
– Swing feature
Swing feature is a must for proper air circulation. This is because air is blown in a particular direction and hence odor will be pumped out effectively.
– Less maintenance
Fans should have long life and warranty. Less maintenance means that less will be invested hence saving on cost. Some fans come with a brushless DC motor which prevents motor heating hence extending the life of the fan.
– Appealing look
Customers are very keen on the appearance of the fans. Therefore kitchen fan should easily blend with the kitchen interior. Additionally, other fans have LED display which shows timer, speed, and oscillation.
– Light
The kitchen fan should be light in weight for portability. This enables one to move the fan to where they want with ease and comfort. Light-weighted fans can be moved to where they are required most in the kitchen.
Special tips on choosing a kitchen window fan
Budget. Knowing your budget enables you to plan which kind of fan to purchase. Some fans have an affordable price and also better functions and motor performance.
– Choose the correct size
It is important that the fan you purchase fit well in your kitchen. Upon determining the size you should find a suitable mounting type. Kitchens are rarely big enough, therefore, one should be very careful to choose the right size.
– Pick a style
A fan should blend in with the interior of your kitchen. A good fan should complement your kitchen and should appeal to the eye. Some fans have metallic makeup and have fewer decorations while others are dark with wood finishes and golden accents.
– Consider control options
The speed and the light of the fan should be controlled through controls such as a pull chain. The remote control should be lightweight. Alternatively, one can purchase a fan with a button which when pressed changes the speed.
Window fan for bathroom
Bathrooms are very special and are used daily. Therefore, it is important to ensure that they are tidy, cool, and fresh. Given that bathrooms are used daily, it is therefore good to fan them with the most suitable fans.
Features of bathroom fans
– Speed
Bathroom fans should have variable speed since people have different tastes when it comes to cooling. Variable speed enhances the use of the fan across seasons ranging from summer to other seasons.
– Swing feature
Swing feature is a must for proper air circulation. This is because air is blown in a particular direction and hence odor from the bathroom will be pumped out effectively.
– Less maintenance
Fans should have long life and warranty. Less maintenance means that less will be invested hence saving on cost. Some fans come with a brushless DC motor which prevents motor heating hence extending the life of the fan.
– Appealing look
Customers are very keen on the appearance of the fans. Therefore bathroom fan should easily blend with the bathroom interior. Additionally, other fans have LED display which shows timer, speed, and oscillation.
– Light
The bathroom fan should be light in weight for portability. This enables one to move the fan to where they want with ease and comfort. Light-weighted fans can be moved to where they are required most in the bathroom.
Special tips on choosing a bathroom window fan
– Plan your budget
Knowing your budget enables you to plan which kind of fan to purchase. Some fans have an affordable price and also better functions and motor performance.
– Choose the correct size
The fan you purchase must fit well in your bathroom. Upon determining the size you should find a suitable mounting type. Bathrooms are rarely big enough, therefore, one should be very careful to choose the right size.
– Pick a style
A fan should blend in with your bathroom’s interior. A good fan should complement your bathroom and should appeal to the eye. Some fans have metallic makeup and have less decoration while others are dark with wood finishes and golden accents.
– Consider control options
The speed and the light of the fan should be controlled through controls such as a pull chain. The remote control should be lightweight. Alternatively, one can purchase a fan with a button which when pressed changes the speed.
Window fan for smoking
Smoking is a habit that requires comfort and fresh air. Smokers are at a great risk if their smoking zone is stuffy since it will make breathing much difficult. When buying a fan for smoking, it is better to choose the most reliable fan.
Features of window fan for smoking
– Speed
Window fans should have variable speed since people have different tastes when it comes to cooling. While purchasing a window fan for smoking one should consider speed since smoking zones can be a bit stuffy and need fans with great speed to pump out the cigarette smoke.
– Swing feature
Swing feature is a must for proper air circulation. This is because air is blown in a particular direction and hence odor from the smoking zone will be pumped out effectively.
– Less maintenance
Fans should have long life and warranty. Less maintenance means that less will be invested hence saving on cost. Some fans come with a brushless DC motor which prevents motor heating hence extending the life of the fan.
– Appealing look
Smoking is a leisure activity and therefore customers are very keen about the appearance of the fans. Therefore smoking zone fan should easily blend with the smoking zone interior. Additionally, other fans have LED display which shows timer, speed, and oscillation.
– Light
The smoking zone fan should be light in weight for portability. This enables one to move the fan to where they want with ease and comfort whenever they decide to change the smoking zone. Light-weighted fans can be moved to where they are required most in the smoking zone.
Special tips when choosing smoking zone fans
– Plan your budget
Knowing your budget enables you to plan which kind of fan to purchase. Some fans have an affordable price and also better functions and motor performance.
– Choose the correct size
It is important that the fan you purchase fit well in your smoking zone. Upon determining the size you should find a suitable mounting type. Smoking zones are rarely big enough therefore one should be very careful to choose the right size.
– Pick a style
A fan should blend in with your smoking interior. A good fan should complement your smoking zone and should appeal to the eye. Some fans have metallic makeup and have less decoration while others are dark with wood finishes and golden accents.
– Consider control options
The speed and the light of the fan should be controlled through controls such as a pull chain. The remote control should be lightweight. Alternatively, one can purchase a fan with a button which when pressed changes the speed.
– Window fan for cooling
Temperatures can get high especially during summers and make living a bit uncomfortable. However, with a window fan life can be very simple and pleasant. When the environment gets humid, cooling is required.
Features of a cooling window fan
– Speed
Window fans should have variable speed since people have different tastes when it comes to cooling. While purchasing a window fan for cooling one should consider speed since humid zones can be a bit stuffy and need fans with great speed to pump out the warm air.
– Swing feature
Swing feature is a must for proper air circulation. This is because air is blown in a particular direction and hence odor resulting from the effect of high temperatures on staffs such as vegetables will be pumped out effectively.
– Less maintenance
Fans should have long life and warranty. Less maintenance means that less will be invested hence saving on cost. Some fans come with a brushless DC motor which prevents motor heating hence extending the life of the fan.
Special tips when choosing a window fan for cooling
– Plan your budget
Knowing your budget enables you to plan which kind of fan to purchase. Some fans have an affordable price and also better functions and motor performance.
– Choose the correct size
It is important that the fan you purchase fit well in your room. Upon determining the size you should find a suitable mounting type. Living rooms are big enough, therefore, one should be very careful to choose the right size.
– Window fans for bedroom
Bedrooms should be very comfortable since sleeping very important and therefore a good and healthy sleep is a priority. Sleeping in a stuffy or humid room can be a nightmare and very uncomfortable. Therefore, cooling the room is a basic necessity.
Features of bedroom window fans
– Speed
Window fans should have variable speed since people have different tastes when it comes to cooling. While purchasing a window fan for a bedroom one should consider speed since sleeping requires regulation of the airflow.
– Swing feature
Swing feature is a must for proper air circulation. This is because air is blown in a particular direction and hence odor from the smoking zone will be pumped out effectively.
– Less maintenance
Fans should have long life and warranty. Less maintenance means that less will be invested hence saving on cost. Some fans come with a brushless DC motor which prevents motor heating hence extending the life of the fan.
Special tips when choosing bedroom window fans
– Pick a style
A fan should blend in with your bedroom interior. A good fan should complement your bedroom and should appeal to the eye. Some fans have metallic makeup and have less decoration while others are dark with wood finishes and golden accents.
– Consider control options
The speed and the light of the fan should be controlled through controls such as a pull chain. The remote control should be lightweight. Alternatively, one can purchase a fan with a button which when pressed changes the speed.
Types of window fan
Fans come in different types but it hard to identify whether a fan is an intake or exhaust. However, these two fans are used interchangeably. One draws in air from the outside while the other draws air to the outside.
Intake fan
The intake fan pulls the air into the room from outside. Fresh air is drawn into the room where it is circulated to create a breeze that cools the room. This cools the temperatures hence creating comfort. This airflow causes a breeze that cools the room and creates a sense of freshness.
Exhaust fan
Exhaust fans draw air from the room to the outside hence cooling the room by getting rid of warm air in the room. These fans expel stagnant air to the outside and create freshness hence removing odor from the house while also cooling it.
Should I set my window fan to intake or exhaust?
Setting your window fan to either intake or exhaust can be very challenging. However, it is almost impossible to determine whether the fan is set as exhaust or intake. This is because these two systems complement each other but it is always possible to see which way the air is pushed. It is also possible to buy both fans and connect them so that one draws in air and the other draws out.
Window fans and electricity use
It is important to purchase a fan that does not consume a lot of energy. Energy-efficient fans are the best option. Using a fan takes less electricity compared to an air conditioner. This accounts for a very small percentage of total electricity compared to that used by air conditioners.
Fans need to be used properly to minimize energy costs. It is therefore important to know how to use fans properly to save energy.
FAQs
1. Do window fans actually work?
Window fans work and are very economical compared to other coolers such as air conditioners. They operate under the principle of the intake-exhaust process hence cooling the room. They also help greatly in humid areas and stuffy areas.
Window fans can be used in a variety of rooms ranging from bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, and sitting room and have been proved to be very effective since they come in different sizes and can be portable.
2. What is the difference between a ventilation fan and an exhaust fan?
Ventilation fans draw air from the outside into the room and remove stuffy air while adding to oxygen levels in the house. Exhaust fans pump air outside hence removing stagnant air from the room leading to freshness.
These two kinds of the fan also differ in space use, where the exhaust fan is used in bathroom, kitchen, and factories. Contrary, ventilation fans are used in bedrooms, offices, and corridors.
Additionally, these two fans differ in the location of an operation where exhaust fans operate near windows, exhaust hoods while ventilation fans operate in ceilings and vent systems.
3. What does exhaust mean in a fan?
Exhaust in a fan implies that air from the room is pumped out of the room .this provides the room with freshness and keeps it clean. This ability to pump out contaminants is what is referred to as exhaust.
In conclusion, window fans are very important when it comes to cooling. They can be very helpful especially during summers when it is humid and stuffy. Additionally, window fans use less energy as compared to air conditioners and are relatively cheap, and exist in different sizes.
Best Window Fan Reviews
a.) Dual fan:
Holmes Dual 8″ Blade Twin Window Fan – with LED One Touch Thermostat Control
Overview: For your exceptional controls of the fanning process, you need one like this that has some one-touch thermostat controls.
PROs
Adjusts to suit many circumstances of use
Powered by reversible motors
Fits many kinds of windows
CONs
Limited to the 120V AC outlet
Here’s what you’ll love:
Dual blade operation – The gadget has two blades that disturb the air around the fan to bring about coolness.
Water-resistant motors – At the core of the gadget is the motor that is water-resistant. It works well even when the same might be infested with water.
2 Digital Comfort Settings – Some two digital comfort settings round up the list of the many goodies of the fan. They regulate the pace of the channeling of the air.
Here’s what you might not like:
Complicated operations – This fan is not for those who lack the necessary technical expertise as it favors the experts.
b.) For smoking:
Air King 9166F 20″ Whole House Window Fan – Great for the entire house
Overview: Planning to fan out an entire home? You need a powerful fan that is able to reach every length and breadth of the typical home with excellent efficacy. This is it!
PROs
Cools entire rooms by circulating the same with sufficient air
Versatile enough to fit many window openings
Tough and enduring construction facilitates handling
CONs
Too large and bulky to use while on the go
Here’s what you’ll love:
Front-mounted switch – At its front is a switch that is mounted for hassle-free access. You use it to activate and deactivate the apparatus at will.
Impact-resistant plastic housing – All of its critical parts and features are encased in an impact-resistant plastic housing that offers exceptional support in the long run.
Powder-coated steel front grill and blade – Its blading mechanism bears some coating that guards against premature damages and external agents.
Here’s what you might not like:
Too bulky size – Its ability to impact an entire room comes with one serious disadvantage i.e. the sheer bulky and huge size that makes for difficult handling.
c.) For kitchen:
Broan-NuTone L300 High Capacity Ventilator Fan – Your ultimate commercial companion
Overview: Have some commercial purpose to fulfill? This fan will truly get the job done for you as it is packed with the necessary features.
PROs
Has a very large fanning capacity
Encased in a strong and heavy-duty housing
Tends to last fairly longer
CONs
Consumes a higher level of power
Here’s what you’ll love:
High-capacity fan – It is by and large capable of generating a whopping 308 cubic feet per minute of air, a capacity that is large enough to bring about maximum impacts.
Heavy-duty construction – Its housing is tough enough to manage prolonged reliability and services. Particularly, it resists all forms of impacts.
Impact-resistant centrifugal blower – This part generates a strong and consistent flow of air that sweeps across the room to maintain it in utmost coolness.
Here’s what you might not like:
Complicated operations – You require some fairly high degree of technical expertise to handle and engage this item as need be.
d.) Powerful with high cfm:
iLiving – 16″ Wall Mounted Exhaust Fan – Powerful blowing companion
Overview: If yours is an area that is large and prone to sweating or humidity, you need a fan that is sufficiently capable of generating a powerful stream of fresh air like this one.
PROs
Useful across many areas and installations
Generates an extremely powerful gush of fresh air
Covers a wide 1,800 square foot of space
CONs
Invokes higher utility expenses to operate
Here’s what you’ll love:
Automatic shutter – It bears an automatic shutter that takes the stress away from you insofar as the operations of the gadget are concerned.
Variable speed – The appliance is able to operate at some speeds that vary considerably in response to the precise needs at the moment.
Thermally-protected and permanently-lubricated motor – Crowning it all up is the motor that is permanently lubricated and protected from all the temperature spikes.
Here’s what you might not like:
High energy consumption – Due to its potent motor coupled with the ability to jut out a steady stream of air, this item does consume higher levels of energy.
e.) For large windows:
Comfort Zone CZ319WT 9-inch Twin Window Fan – For your extra-large windows
Overview: Just if you have a large window on which you want to fix your fans, you have to choose that which is capable of countering the steady flow of air to maintain a cool interior.
PROs
Lets you vary the speed of operations at will
Operates automatically and independently of your input
Bears the ability to hook up and work alongside many other gadgets
CONs
Too large for the cramped up spaces
Here’s what you’ll love:
2-speed dial control – It gives you the ability to vary the output of the air as per your unique needs and expectations thanks to this feature.
Auto-locking accordion expanders – Expands and contracts to regulate the flow of the air as per the unique needs of the room occupants at that time.
Reversible function – With this feature, you are able to make the fan rotate in a reverse manner. Typically, it comes in handy when operating in a cramped interior.
Here’s what you might not like:
Complicated operations – Owing to its intricate design and stature, you have to possess extreme expertise to handle and engage it.
f.) Vertical:
HowPlumb Portable Twin 9″ Reversible Window Fan – For your squeezed spaces and installations
Overview: Live in a condominium or other cramped-up spaces? If at all you do, a slim and vertical fan of this kind will definitely come to your rescue.
PROs
Operable via a remote control
Its blades may rotate in a reverse manner
Circulates both fresh and exhaust air
CONs
Unsuitable for larger spaces and installations
Here’s what you’ll love:
Independently-controlled motors – The gadget derives its power from some built-in motors that are independently controlled. They negate the need for too many hassles hence.
3 quiet speeds – It is possible for you to operate the item in three main speed options. All these lead to maximum convenience of use on your part.
Full-function remote – All the critical parts and functionality of this gadget are controllable via the included remote control unit.
Here’s what you might not like:
Noisy – Comparatively, this item is noisy and hence unsuitable for persons who want some quietness and tranquility.
g.) Reversible:
Genesis Twin Window Fan – A truly reversible fan for your use!
Overview: This fan rotates back and forth to serve both the intake and the exhaust purposes. This stems from its possession of the reversible blades that enable simultaneous operations.
PROs
Its panels expand and contract as need be
Contains an LED indicator that guides the use
Operates at extremely high velocity
CONs
Generates higher levels of heat when operating
Here’s what you’ll love:
Max cool technology – Its flagship trait is the Max cool technology that maintains the prevailing temperatures within a preset threshold.
Dual motors – Some two motors exist in the core of the gadget to supply the operating power you need to tap into when engaged.
Expandable side panels – It does have some side panels that expand to impact a wider area within a larger building installation.
Here’s what you might not like:
Delicate stature – You have to exercise great care and attention as the appliance is truly delicate and prone to premature damages.
h.) Adjustable:
Bennington Dual Blade 9-Inch Twin Window Fan – Truly adjustable for maximum impacts
Overview: Different environmental circumstances call for similarly different speeds of fanning and operations. It is only an adjustable apparatus of this kind that may come to be of help to you.
PROs
Maintains quiet operations
Keeps your rooms and the interiors truly comfortable
Lets you control the output seamlessly
CONs
Disparages those without the necessary expertise
Here’s what you’ll love:
Removable feet – Its feet are removable to facilitate the use atop the table. Also coming along is the built-in handle for smoother transportation to remote locales.
Removable fabric cover – When not in use, you will tap into the removable cover to shield the interiors from the dust, bugs, humidity, and hot air that may damage the components.
Manually reversible – The gadget operates manually and also reverses its directions of engagements. By this arrangement, it handles both the exhaust and the intake air.
Here’s what you might not like:
Technical parts – Most of its parts are too technical to be handled with persons who lack the necessary expertise and know-how.
i.) With remote:
Amazon Basics Digital Window Fan – Remotely-controlled appliance
Overview: For your maximum convenience when juggling your way in these fans, you need one that may be controlled via the remote control from afar off. This might be a good one to start out with.
PROs
Allows for remote controls
Bears some digital controls and buttons
Ability to pick and transport smoothly
CONs
Fits the windows alone
Here’s what you’ll love:
Twin 9-inch reversible airflow blades – Some two reversible airflow blades dominate the offerings of this appliance. As you may have guessed, it is these two that generates the stream of cool air.
Molded carrying handle – To transport the gadget out and about a designated location, you will tap into the carrying handle that attaches to the gadget.
Adjustable thermostat – An adjustable thermostat rounds up the list of the elegant traits that make the item up. It regulates the levels of heat to allow for smoother operations.
Here’s what you might not like:
Minimal reach – The item, unfortunately, can only reach small to medium-sized rooms and is hence unsuitable for larger spaces.
j.) Small:
BLACK+DECKER Mini Box Fan – Really great for the small spaces
Overview: Have some cramped up space like the condominium to care for and impact? You need a similarly small and compact fan to deploy for that end.
PROs
Compact enough to fit the table tops
Greatly optimized for personalized applications
Can be installed in many areas and vacant spaces
CONs
Its impacts reach a tiny diameter
Here’s what you’ll love:
Slim, square design – Comes about in some slim, square design that sees it fit the smallest spaces without too many hassles on your part.
Customized air flows – The gadget puts you in firm control of the flow of the air mainly due to the existing airflow controls.
Accessible control panels – An accessible control panel adorns the length and breadth of the fan as it allows for unconstrained engagements.
Here’s what you might not like:
Incomprehensive – This item may not do that much to you owing to its small space and limited sphere of influence.
k.) For bedroom:
Hurricane HGC736501 Floor Fan-20 Inch – Specially designed for your bedroom
Overview: As you may already note from its designation, this apparatus is wholly meant for the bedroom environment. All of its trappings are suitably structured for space.
PROs
Delivers maximum impacts
Its feet adjust for awesome convenience
Moves to the designated areas of use seamlessly
CONs
Limited to the bedrooms alone
Here’s what you’ll love:
Versatile applications – With this gadget, it is possible for you to tackle your air blowing in a variety of spaces and locations.
3-quiet speeds – As part of its operations, the item allows you to vary the speed of operations as per your unique needs and circumstances of engagements.
Portable and compact – On the whole, the item is both portable and compact in equal measure. It is thus good enough for someone who is constantly on the go.
Here’s what you might not like:
Exclusive to bedrooms – By its sheer design, this item is exclusive to the bedroom areas alone. It may not find much use elsewhere hence.
l.) For sliding windows:
Lasko Electrically Reversible Twin Window Fan – Wholly meant for your sliding windows
Overview: If yours is a sliding window, you have a fairer companion in this particular fan. It is specially designed and indeed truly capable of fitting such places well.
PROs
Fits smoothly in the sliding windows
Handles both intake and exhaust air
All its critical parts are remotely-controlled
CONs
Works not in other kinds of windows
Here’s what you’ll love:
Intake – Fans the fresh air into the room wherein it is installed to work on. By this arrangement, it does a critically great job of maintaining the breathability of the interiors.
Exhaust – Channels out the stale air from the room to the exterior locations. This way, it keeps the interior room from getting stale retaining freshness.
Exchange – Its role is to facilitate the smooth entry and exit of the air into and out of the rooms. It thus forms the core of the apparatus altogether.
Here’s what you might not like:
Less value for money – That it works in the sliding windows alone definitely makes it bring about less value for money.
