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While they don’t generate the ultra-low temps of an AC unit, whole-house fans can deliver similar relief against summer heat at a fraction of the cost. These fans are placed inside your home—typically the attic—and by pulling out the warm interior air, allow cooler outside air to take its place.
As long as you have a few windows or doors open, this exchange of air not only lowers interior temperatures but creates a cool, consistent breeze. Although whole-house fans can’t cool your home lower than the temperature outside—which means they aren’t as effective during the hottest times of the day—they’re ideal for morning and night use, and relatively simple for the average DIY-er to install. Following expert advice on what to consider before buying, check out the best whole-house fans we recommend.
The Best Whole-House Fans
- Best Overall: Quietcool QC ES-4700
- Best for Small Homes: Quietcool QC CL-3100 Whole-House Fan
- Best Remote Control-Operated Fan: Centric Air QA-Deluxe 5500 Whole-House Fan
- Best Value: Air King 9166F 20-Inch Whole-House Window Fan
- Best for Larger Homes: Quietcool QC CL-7000 Whole-House Fan
What to Consider
Home Size
The main factor to consider when purchasing a whole-house fan is the size of your home. Once you calculate your home’s square footage, you can use that number to determine the amount of airflow—measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM)—needed to effectively cool your space. Quiet Cool recommends choosing a whole-house fan with at least 2 CFM per square foot of living space for “good” performance, 2.5 CFM for a “better” system, and 3 CFM for the “best” results. This means that if you have a 1,500-square-foot home, look for a unit with at least 3000 CFM airflow.
Climate and Environment
The climate of where you live has a direct effect on the performance of a whole-house fan. Whole-house fans are naturally more effective in cool, dry climates, and must work harder to perform in hotter, more humid regions.
Since whole-house fans push the air inside your home outside—so the cooler outside air can enter through open windows and doors—exterior air quality is a factor. If your outside air is especially humid or contains pollen, dust, or car pollution, it can aggravate those with allergies and asthma issues.
Installation
While whole-house fans aren’t the most complicated machines to install, they require some DIY skills—especially if you need to tackle any electrical wiring tasks. If you’re not comfortable cutting holes in your ceiling or dealing with wiring (although some use remote controls) or have unusually tall ceilings or other design elements that could affect performance, consult an HVAC professional. This is an extra expense, but one that’s certainly worth the investment and peace of mind that your fan is installed correctly.
How We Selected
When assembling this list of fans, I used my own experience installing and removing attic fans and vents, as well as extensive online research and due diligence. To ensure that this list is as helpful as possible to a range of customers, I also made sure to include a good mix of different sizes, styles, and prices. Also, since people may want the functionality of a whole-house fan but would rather use it specifically in a garage or workshop setting, I added a compact window unit that is capable of operating in these smaller areas. The majority of our list is made up of Quietcool and Centric Air brand fans, two companies that have been around a long time and have a great reputation for quality and helpful customer service.
For more great ways to cool your home, check out our picks for the best pedestal fans, oscillating fans, and tower fans.
Pros
Good balance of power and size - No joist cutting necessary
- Pressurized dampers prevent temperature loss
Cons
- Doesn’t include remote control
A high-quality, mid-sized option, this Quietcool model is suitable for homes up to 2,250 square feet. Pressurized gravity dampers minimize cooling loss between the attic and the rest of the home, and its self-contained duct system reduces vibrations for an ultra-quiet operation. Its brushless motor increases efficiency too, resulting in lower energy bills and a longer lifespan for the unit as a whole.
The ductwork, fan, ceiling grill, and damper system weigh a combined 60-plus pounds, so just keep that in mind when considering installation. A control kit provides easy adjustments from anywhere in your home, although it must be purchased separately.
Key Specs
| Coverage | 2250 sq. ft. |
|---|---|
| CFM | 4195 |
| Weight | 64 lbs |
| Remote Control | No |
2
Best Value
Air King 9166F 20-Inch Whole-House Window Fan
Now 20% Off
Pros
- Significantly cheaper than standard whole-house fans
- Simple to install
- You can close the window without removing the fan
Cons
- Not powerful enough for large spaces
- Does not fit windows less than 26.25 inches high
This window unit isn’t as effective as the attic-mounted versions on our list, but for a fraction of the cost, it’s much better than relying on a standard window or box fan. It’s also much easier to install—you simply place it in your window frame and plug it in—and unlike plastic window fans, the powder-coated grill and blade are built to last.
This fan features three speeds (1100, 1450, and 1600 RPMs) and thanks to a storm guard mechanism, allows the window to close without removing the fan. Just make sure your window frame is tall enough to accommodate its 26.25-inch height.
Key Specs
| Coverage | N/A |
|---|---|
| CFM | N/A |
| Weight | 8.2 lbs |
| Remote Control | No |
3
Best for Small Homes
Quietcool QC CL-3100 whole-house Fan
Pros
- High-quality construction
- 10-year warranty
- Very quiet compared to other fans
- Convenient plug-and-play design
Cons
- Not powerful enough for larger homes
This Quietcool fan is an ideal choice for those who don’t have the need—or budget—for a more powerful model. It can cover up to 1,608 square feet of space, and a brushless motor for maximum efficiency. It’s simple to install too, thanks to its detailed instructions and a helpful cardboard template to ensure the fan fits between your framing before you begin. A comprehensive installation video is also available on the Quietcool website.
At just 45 pounds, it’s also lighter than comparable models, although depending on your physical abilities, you still may need a friend to help hang the ductwork.
Key Specs
| Coverage | 1608 sq. ft. |
|---|---|
| CFM | 3126 |
| Weight | 47 lbs |
| Remote Control | Yes |
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4
Best Remote Control-Operated Fan
Centric Air QA-Deluxe 5500 whole-house Fan
Pros
- Remote features speed and timer settings
- Vertical wall mount available separately
- Three-year parts and 10-year motor warranty
- Conveniently fits between 16- and 24-inch on-center joists
Cons
- Not practical for those who prefer a wall-mounted button control
If you want more airflow control and customization—while avoiding the headache of a wiring project—consider this option from Centric Air.
The remote lets you choose between two fan speeds and a range of timer settings, using a straightforward digital readout that’s easy to read. By eliminating the hassle of wiring up wall switches, this fan is much simpler to install than some of its competitors.
Thanks to its powerful 3,945 CFM airflow, this fan is capable of cooling two-story homes up to 3,400 square feet. We’re also a big fan of its impressive warranty, covering parts for three years, and the motor for 10 years.
Key Specs
| Coverage | 3400 sq. ft. |
|---|---|
| CFM | 5500 |
| Weight | 60 lbs |
| Remote Control | Yes |
Pros
- High-efficiency motor
- 10-year warranty
- Quiet operation considering output
Cons
- Does not include remote control
Capable of blasting air at 6,924 CFM, this powerful model is a smart choice for those looking for maximum airflow from their fan. Designed to cover up to 3,462 square feet of space (or 2,308 when used on the low setting) this fan can result in major electricity savings for the right home.
Its barometric pressurized dampers help to create a tight seal and reduce the chances of cooling loss between the attic and the rest of the house. Keep in mind that since this fan is on the larger side, it’s heavier (its shipping weight is 95 pounds) and more challenging to install.
Key Specs
| Coverage | 3462 sq. ft. |
|---|---|
| CFM | 6924 |
| Weight | 95 lbs |
| Remote Control | No |
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Intuitive instructional video
- Insulated doors prevent cold air seepage
Cons
- Not ideal for larger homes
This ductless whole-house fan simply mounts on your existing attic joists—either 16 or 24 inches on center—so no lifting or hanging ducts are required. Tamarack also offers helpful walkthrough videos to ensure the installation process goes smoothly.
The large insulated doors on this ductless fan, which automatically close shut when the fan is not in use, is another big reason why we chose it for our list. This mechanism keeps that precious cool air trapped inside your home instead of seeping out into the attic. Its 1,000 CFM is on the lower end of the spectrum, so keep that in mind if you’re looking for a fan with a little more power.
Key Specs
| Coverage | 1200 sq. ft. |
|---|---|
| CFM | 1000 |
| Weight | 20 lbs |
| Remote Control | No |
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Pros
- Features five timer settings
- 10-year warranty on motor
- Optional vertical wall mount adapter is available
Cons
- Relatively low coverage capability
If you want to ensure your fan powers off at a specific time, consider this 3300 model and its five timer settings. You can choose between 1-, 2-, 4-, and 8-hour timers, which are easily set using the LED control panel. Just like other QA models, this fan fits comfortably between both 16- and 24-inch on-center joists, so no framing is necessary during installation.
Its high-quality construction also makes this an especially sturdy model, and the rubber bushings help to reduce vibration and noise, keeping its operating level at about 51 decibels (quieter than a standard dishwasher). Solid foam dampers flip into place and form a tight seal when the system is not in use, preventing warm air seepage and increasing its overall efficiency.
Key Specs
| Coverage | 1450 sq. ft. |
|---|---|
| CFM | 3219 |
| Weight | N/A |
| Remote Control | No |
Alex Rennie
Alex Rennie is a freelance writer who specializes in the Home Improvement, DIY, and Tool space. As a former residential and commercial carpenter, Alex uses his hands-on experience to write practical buying guides, how-to articles, and product reviews. His work has also appeared in Business Insider's Insider Picks, and before his writing career, he was a full-time carpenter living in New York City. There, he worked as part of a team designing, building, and installing large furniture pieces, as well as performing a variety of home repair and maintenance projects. Alex currently lives in Los Angeles, CA, and spends his free time exploring the beaches and mountains with his fiancé and their dog Louie.
