Window Fans

Window fans

This type of fan sits along the bottom of a window, where it is held in place by the bottom of the window pane. According to Real Simple, the best units have two fans, one to expel hot air from a room and one to blow in cool air from outside. Real Simple recommends the Holmes Twin Window Fan HAWF2021 (*Est. $55), which is also praised by eight reviewers on Sears.com. Like most window fans, it is a white plastic model that fits into most residential windows. Extender panels adjust to fit windows 24" to 36" wide. It has three speed settings, an adjustable thermostat and comes with a three-year warranty. The thermostat is supposed to turn the fan on and off as needed, but we read a couple of comments from owners that this doesn't work very well.

On Amazon.com, the Honeywell HW-628 Twin Window Fan (*Est. $40) receives a high average score of 4.5 stars from more than 150 reviewers. It is the best-reviewed fan on the site. For many owners, this unit is comparable to an air conditioner. The grills can be angled to direct the air flow. It has three speeds and an adjustable thermostat. Several reviewers note that this fan can also be used to rid a room of cigarette smoke and cooking smells by pulling air out the window.

The Air King 3-Speed Window Fan with Thermostat 9600 (*Est. $90) has only one large fan, but it can be set for intake or exhaust. With just one fan head, you'll lose the ability to intake and exhaust air simultaneously, but you'll move more air with the larger blade diameter of 16". This fan is larger than the twin window fans and will fit windows that are 19" high and from 25.75" to 40" wide. On Amazon.com, more than 15 reviewers give this fan an average overall score; it seems to be able to cool a room, but some reviewers criticize the build quality. It comes with a three-year limited warranty.