8 Best Whole House Fans for 2022

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Keep your whole home cool at a fraction of the cost of running your AC.

Despite their relatively simple operation, whole house fans can have a bigger impact than you might think, both on your power bill and the overall temperature of your home. There are a few different types to choose from, but whole house fans all work in essentially the same way: by pulling air into your home through open doors and windows, pushing that air into your attic, and exhausting the hot attic air outside through vents in the roof. This lowers the temperature of your home by creating a breeze throughout your home, as well as cooling the warm air in the attic.

The main factor to consider when purchasing a whole house fan is the size of your attic, which will inform you of the size fan you’ll need. A larger attic will typically require a stronger fan, otherwise it won't be powerful enough to displace the warm air and won't function efficiently. Larger fans do tend to be a bit noisier though, so keep that in mind, as well. You should also remember that some whole house fans will require an electrician to wire them up, which will need to be included in your overall budget.

You may also want to consider where the fan will be installed—some are wall-mounted, while others require ceiling mounts—and whether or not you want a unit that includes a remote control. Some units that can be remote-controlled require you to purchase the remote separately, so you may want to factor that into your total purchase price, too.

We did our best when assembling this list to make sure it included a good mix of different sizes and styles, including ducted and non-ducted options. Also, since people may want the functionality of a whole house fan, but would rather use it specifically in a garage or workshop setting, we added a compact 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.

Key Specs

This midsized fan would be a great choice for those who don't have the need—or budget—for a more powerful model. It's designed to cover up to 1,570 square feet, and is simple to install, thanks to the detailed installation instructions it comes with, including a helpful cardboard template to ensure your fan will fit between your framing before you begin. A comprehensive installation video is also available on the QuietCool website.

At just 45 pounds, it's lighter than comparable models, although you’d still want a friend to help when it comes to hanging the ductwork.

Key Specs

If you want more control and customization, this powerful fan and its included wireless remote control could be just what you’re looking for. This remote allows you to choose between two fan speeds, as well as your desired temperature setting. 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 in size. We’re also a big fan of its impressive warranty, covering parts for three years, and the motor for 10 years.

Key Specs

This compact option wouldn't be suitable for large areas, but if you’re interested in ventilating a small space, the low price and simple installation of this fan could make it a great fit. The IP44 rating is also a nice perk, ensuring that the unit is protected against occasional water splashes.

A separate control panel features an easy to read LCD screen, which shows the desired temperature as well as the actual temperature, and allows you to set timers and alarm warnings. It also gives the option of choosing between 10 speed settings, which is considerably more than similar options.

Key Specs

Capable of blasting air at 6,924 CFM, this heavy-duty model is a great choice for those looking for maximum air flow from their fan. Designed to cover up to 3,462 square feet of space, 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 likely going to be more of a challenge to install.

Key Specs

The large insulated doors on this ductless fan, which automatically close shut when the fan is not in use, are a big reason why we chose it for this list. This mechanism keeps that precious cold air trapped inside your home instead seeping out into the attic.

This fan also allows for some flexibility during installation, and can either be mounted on the attic floor, or vertically, on the wall. 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

The powder-coated finish of this fan helps it stand up to weather corrosion issues, and combined with its steel motor struts, make this an especially durable model. This solid construction gives this fan a nice sturdy feel, and reduces the chances of rattling or squeaking during use. Its direct-drive design contributes to its quiet operation, and by using four blades instead of the usual three, increases its productivity.

It does require between eight and 10 square feet of free exhaust vent area to work at maximum efficiency, so keep that in mind. Its low price could make this a great choice for those on a tight budget.

Key Specs

Just like other QA models, this fan is designed to comfortably fit between both 16- and 24-inch on-center joists, so no framing will be necessary during installation.

Its high-quality construction also makes this an especially sturdy model, and its rubber bushings help to reduce vibration and noise, keeping its operating level at about 51 decibels. 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.

Its convenient two-speed wall switch also allows you to choose from four different timer settings, ranging from one to eight hours.

Key Specs

Another good midsized option, this Quietcool model is capable of delivering 4,195 cubic feet of air per minute and is appropriate for homes up to 2,250 square feet. Its brushless motor is a feature we always appreciate, and will last longer and work more efficiently than brushed versions.

The ductwork, fan, ceiling grill, and damper system combine to weigh 60-plus pounds, so just keep that in mind when thinking about how many helpers you’ll need for installation. A control kit can allow you to adjust the fan from anywhere in your home, although you’ll need to purchase it separately.

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.

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