Feeling Stuffy? These Space-Saving Window Fans Deliver Fresh Air Anytime (2024)

Our Top Picks

After testing several models of fans, the Genesis Twin Fan High Velocity Reversible AirFlow Fan won our title for best window fan because of its consistent performance, affordable price, cooling capabilities, and minimalist design. We tested this pick in The Lab and at home afterward to capture insights in a real-world setting, and it didn't disappoint.

Notably, we could feel the cooling effect of the window fan from 6 feet away, and we could still detect air movement from 20 feet away (although it was faint). While the speed on this fan is not very high, its consistency is great for cooling a room. During home testing, we positioned it near a window by a home workout area, and it kept the entire room from feeling stuffy, even on warmer days.

We were also impressed by the consistency in airflow between both fans. Plus, both of the individual 9-inch fans have their own in and out toggles that control the direction of airflow for cooling (air flows into your home) and exhaust capabilities (hot air is pulled out). This allows you to have both directions going at the same time, if desired. The copper motors that power each fan blade are made to withstand various weather conditions, so this is a great option for especially wet climates.

We love that the expandable side panels on the unit add 6.5 inches on either side, to help it adjust to the size of your window. There’s also a built-in handle on the back of the fan so it can easily be lifted. Removable plastic feet are included too, in case you want to use the fan as a portable, tabletop model (but we found attaching the feet to be a bit difficult). Still, it's an incredibly lightweight fan that can easily be carried with one hand.

The power does come with a louder operation (especially on the highest of the three settings), so plan accordingly if you intend to run this fan while sleeping (unless you welcome the white noise). The fan is constructed with durable plastic, so it's not the most luxurious or exciting design for a window fan. Despite these design concerns, we found it to be an affordable and reliable option that blends well into any space and has customizable features that effectively cool a room.

_{Dimensions: 12 x 24 to 37 x 4 inches | Weight: 8.28 pounds | CFM: Not listed | Number of Fan Speeds: 3 | Material: Plastic, copper | Cord Length: 6 feet | Decibel Rating: Not listed}

The Comfort Zone CZ310R 3-Speed 3-Function Expandable Reversible Twin Window Fan is a great affordable option for anyone living in a smaller space and looking for portability. While testing this fan in our lab, we found the display is intuitive and easy to use, with three different fan speed options, plus cool, exhaust, and circulate function settings (each fan moves in a different direction).

Although this fan may not have a strong cooling rate for a larger room, its price and multi-function options make it a reasonable buy for especially unbearable summer temperatures.We also love that it comes with a remote, so you can control the settings from across the room. Each side can expand about 7 inches, so it can fit windows from 23.5 to 37 inches wide (about the same as our best overall).

It also has a handle, so it can be easily moved from one location to another. While it does come with feet, we found them to be pretty flimsy. The bug and humidity screens help control what enters your home, but can be a bit tricky to attach. Despite a few minor design issues, we still think this window fan is an affordable option for cooling down any small spaces in your home that don’t receive as much natural circulation.

It's worth noting that the list price for this fan is a bit higher than our best overall pick, but we see it discounted consistently enough that it makes sense as a budget-friendly pick.

_{Dimensions: 13.75 x 23.25 to 37 x 4.75 inches | Weight: 6.62 pounds | CFM: 431 | Number of Fan Speeds: 3 | Material: Plastic | Cord Length: 6 feet | Decibel Rating: Not listed}

If you’re looking for a low-profile, quiet window fan for a bedroom or living room, check out the Vornado Transom Window Fan. This fan has a 46-decibel rating, which is comparable to the average noise level of a library (only without intermittent shushing from anyone!). In addition to its whisper-quiet operation, this window fan has an auto-adjusting temperature setting, remote control, four fan speeds, and three airflow settings.

Another feature we love is its “Soft-fit System” which prevents any outside elements from leaking into your home while the fan is installed in the window. Plus, it can also accommodate windows as wide as 40 inches, the longest on our list.

While we love the low-profile design and the digital display on this window fan, the weather-tight extension blocks provided can be tricky to set up. Be sure that you have additional help on hand to properly secure the fan into a window frame. Despite this minor design challenge, we think that the high performance, sleek design, and quiet operation are worth every penny. It's also backed by a 5-year warranty.

_{Dimensions: 7.16 x 26 to 40 x 5.73 inches | Weight: 8.32 pounds | CFM: 137 | Number of Fan Speeds: 4 | Material: Plastic | Cord Length: 8 feet | Decibel Rating: 46 decibels}

For a window fan that works hard around the clock, check out this Bionaire window fan. A digital display shows the exact temperature of your room and can be programmed to your ideal temperature. Once set, this fan will automatically adjust its cooling power to remain at your desired temp. A separate remote control makes it easy to control this fan from anywhere in the same room, without having to actually get up to adjust the buttons on the unit.

The airflow on this window fan can also be adjusted to direct air into your home, out of your home, or circulate air throughout. While this fan is a long-lasting model, be careful not to drop it or force it into a window frame, because the plastic frame is not super strong. Bionaire also doesn’t have many customer support options available, but we definitely still think it's worth a close look for its auto-adjusting temperature features and its LED screen display.

_{Dimensions: 14.1 x 24 to 36 x 6 inches | Weight: 8.4 pounds | CFM: Not listed | Number of Fan Speeds: 3 | Material: Not listed | Cord Length: Not listed | Decibel Rating: Not listed}

Considered a whole-house fan, the Lasko 16-inch Window Fan with E-Z Dial Ventilation has a CFM (cubic feet per minute) of 2210, which is a measurement of its airflow volume. In other words, it's a powerful option that can quickly cool down a larger room. The powder-coated storm guard frame makes it all-weather resistant and a trustworthy investment to last several seasons.

Like other window fan models, this pick also has expandable sides that can extend to fit a window up to 34.5 inches wide. When you'd rather remove stuff air from your home, this fan can also switch from intake to exhaust, which can easily be switched on and off on the dial. While the control panel is very user-friendly, we wish there was a way to manage the temperature of the circulated air. Despite this minor lack of detail, this fan's high CFM and easy-to-use design would make it a happy addition to a home.

_{Dimensions: 22 x 26.5 to 34.5 inches x 8.25 | Weight: 13.9 pounds | CFM: 2210 | Number of Fan Speeds: 3 | Material: Plastic, rust-resistant powder coat | Cord Length: 6 feet | Decibel Rating: Not listed}

Final Verdict

Our best overall pick is the Genesis Twin Fan High Velocity Reversible Air Flow Fan, an affordable and powerful option that would work well in a variety of settings. We also loved that it had a handle and removable legs so it could be placed on a table and easily transported. For a more budget-friendly option, we recommend the Comfort Zone Expandable Reversible Twin Window Fan. During testing, air could be felt from 6 feet in multiple directions, and airflow can easily be changed to an exhaust flow.

FAQ

• Where should a window fan be placed in a hot room?

  The correct direction of airflow from a window fan depends on whether the window it is placed in is on the sunny side of a home or the shady side, according to Biermeier. For window fans located on the sunny side of a home, direct the air out of the room in exhaust mode, or flip the fan away from the room, if it is not electronically reversible, he says.

  Apply the opposite method to window fans located on the shady side of a home. Air should be directed into the room toward occupants. If you are using a window fan as a tabletop fan in a room without windows, aim the fan directly at the room’s occupants to provide a cooling sensation, Biermeier says. Keep in mind that this will not reduce the room temperature.

• Is it better to have a window fan blowing in or out?

  There are several methods to cool down your home with a window fan, which depend on your home’s layout and the window fan model. When the temperature is cooler outside than inside, Biermeier advises you can do one of three things: set the fan to blow inward into the second story and open several first-story windows; set the fan to blow outward on the first story and open several second-story windows; or open as many windows as possible and aim the fan inward anywhere in the house.

  Similar methods can be used when the temperature is warmer outside than inside: set the fan to blow inward on the first story and open a second-story window, making sure all other windows are closed; set the fan to blow outward anywhere in a single-story home; or set the fan to blow outward on the second story and open a fan on the first level, making sure all other windows are closed.

• What’s the best way to clean a window fan?

  For window fans that have collected dust on the grille or blades, direct compressed air at all of the dusty components and then vacuum the dust away with a brush attachment, Biermeier says.

  If your window fan has built up grime or grease from being in a kitchen environment, Biermeier suggests cleaning it the same way as a dusty unit, but with the addition of removing one side of the grille and wiping the fan blades with a mixture of dish soap and water. Be sure to rinse the blades when done and allow them to dry completely before using the fan again.

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