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How to Use a Window Fan

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Updated July 21, 2022

You cannot get the most from a premium fan unless you know how to use a window fan in the first place. A good window unit promotes air movement in your home and helps lower air conditioning costs.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

You need an inward-blowing and outward-blowing window fan for efficient air circulation and cooling.
You can place most window fans into the frame without tools, and closing the window over the fan is usually enough to secure the unit.
Place inward-blowing fans in shaded windows, and install outward-blowing units in sun-soaked windows.

Of course, reaching comfortable temperatures requires more than placing the fan in a window frame. This cost-friendly cooling method requires thoughtful placement with the fan blades facing the correct direction. Stick around to learn more.

Using a Window Fan

Whether you use a tower fan or a windowpane unit, knowing how to position fans to cool a room is critical for the best results. Additionally, if you’re concerned about energy consumption, learn what uses more electricity: air conditioning units or fans.

Insider Tip

Using multiple sets of window fans will quickly cycle the air indoors, efficiently cooling your living spaces.

Lastly, if you’re curious about box fans vs window fans, consider reading our Lasko fan review for maximum airflow.

Difficulty: Easy
Total Steps: 7
Time Required: 15 minutes
Tools Needed: None

STEP 1

Select where to place the fans in your home. You want an even number of in-blowing and out-blowing window fans to maximize air movement and heat exchange.

STEP 2

Heat rises, so place the outward-blowing fans in your second-story or attic windows to force warm air out of your home. In a single-story home, put the outward fans in windows that get direct sunlight during the daytime.

STEP 3

Place the inward-blowing window fans on the ground level of your home to draw in cool air. Make sure these fans are in shaded areas of your home where they won’t get much direct sunlight.

STEP 4

Once you’ve selected the ideal window frames for the inward and outward fans, you can install the fans. Open your window and place the fan on the windowsill.

STEP 5

Ensure that the fan is balanced on the window, and slowly close the window until it feels secure against the window fan.

STEP 6

Use extender panels to close gaps between the window and the sides of the window fan. You can also use tape to cover small holes around the fan.

Warning

Too many inward-blowing fans will raise your daytime temperature, increasing your reliance on air conditioning.

STEP 7

Repeat steps 4-7 until all of you install all of the window fans.

STAT: A US EIA (Energy Information Agency) survey showed that 44% of American households use a window fan or floor model. (source)

How to Use a Window Fan FAQs

How do I clean a ceiling fan?

You can clean a ceiling fan with a duster wand or dry cloth. Use a damp cloth to wipe the blades and fan grill for detailed cleaning.

How do I reset my fan's remote control?

You can reset your fan's remote by power-cycling the device. Remove the batteries and let the controller rest for about 10 minutes. Replace the batteries into the remote, and activate the device.

Can a fan be too big for a room?

You can install the wrong size of fan for your space, which can disrupt your setup. For example, a massive fan in a one-room apartment can produce currents that scatter loose papers or rattle window blinds. The average single-room fan should be between 40 and 50 inches.

Coby McKinley

Coby writes out of Louisville, Kentucky, and he is a graduate of Indiana University. He founded GameControllerReviews in 2019 and is a regular contributor to FightFreaks as a pre-fight analyst.