9 Best Whole House Fans: Reviews & Comparisons For Homes

1. QuietCool QC CL-4700

The best whole house fan goes to QuietCool. This fan set up is simple to install, has enough airflow to make an immediate, noticeable difference, and offers noise reduction ducting. Everything you need to enjoy fresh, cool air (except the hole in your ceiling) is included.

The classic line from QuietCool features an inline ducting that helps control airflow and dampens noise. The small duct attaches to the fan so you can direct the output to a specific area, vent or window. It also features hanging straps to use on bracers or joists.

Once hung, the straps and ducting act as a sort of noise dampening that keeps your attic space from echoing the noises of the fan. With a much quieter operation, you won’t constantly be talking louder or increasing your TV volume.

The system also includes gravity dampers that are controlled by barometric pressure. Since warm air weighs more, the dampers only open when the fan is on, and hot air is being pulled through. This also prevents cold air from escaping or warm air creeping in from the attic.

The split capacitor motors are energy efficient, too. You can save more money here with a motor that draws only what it needs to run, stores excess power, and uses the bare minimum from the storage capacitors.

With 4505 CFM airflow, you can replace the air about 4 or 5 times an hour in a home up to 2200 square feet. For larger homes, a second fan is recommended. With a 10-year warranty, you will be covered for a long time, should anything go wrong. The only thing you will lose, though, is waking up to hot air in your house.

2. Centric Air QA-Deluxe 5500(R2T)

Centric Air offers you the QA-Deluxe, a standard mount fan with ducting and positioning, much like our top pick. The fan install should only take a couple of hours and can be done by anyone with basic tool knowledge.

This model offers you two speeds (low and high) and can accommodate two-story homes up to 3400 square feet. It is still advised that anything over 2400 square feet uses a second fan. The cost benefits here are up to about 75% compared to an air conditioning unit, and you will notice the temperature difference right away.

The best part here is that your control panel offers you the ability to set the temperature. Of course, the fan doesn’t lower the temp beyond the air temperature outside; you can control the interior climate somewhat by having the fan shut off at a certain range.

You get a sturdy frame with this model, but the fan uses the single capacitor system of a standard fan motor. While it is still energy efficient, it isn’t as quiet or energy-conscious as a split resistor motor.

Another model (the 5500-W) is quite similar, though it is a little cheaper. It has a slightly smaller fan motor, and the control panel offers a power switch and timer. Beyond these three differences, though, the models are near identical.

3. TPI BD302WHS Belt Drive

The TPI belt drive fan is a monster of a whole house fan and will exchange the air in your home about every 4 minutes. It doesn’t offer a lot of extras, which is to be expected. Instead, you get a great motor and a solid fan for a great price.

This model ships fully assembled, so all you need to do is take it out of the box and put it in place. If you don’t already have a ceiling hole for the fan, of course, you will need to make one. Installation is relatively simple, though, and should take a novice handyman about 2 or 3 hours to complete.

The fan blades are treated and coated so they won’t corrode or rust. The motor and frame, though, are not. The belt is easily replaced when needed, though that won’t be for several years, provided you keep up on maintenance and protection.

The downside to this model is that there is a control panel switch used for operation and control of the motor, but it isn’t included. As a separate purchase, it is relatively cheap, but it would be much better to include it in with the fan.

4. QuietCool QC ES-3100

QuietCool also offers the Energy Saver series. Much like our top pick, this hanging fan system dampens sound, offers high energy savings, and is simple to install. This model has a few different features and is designed for smaller homes.

With the Energy Saver (ES) models, the biggest difference is the fan motor. Instead of the dual capacitor system, this one comes with a brushless AC/DC motor. It is much quieter than other types and offers less vibration. The motors are also electronically commutated, meaning the direct current is converted internally.

Because the motors are more energy efficient, they are quieter and run smoother. However, they are also slightly less powerful. Ideal for smaller homes, this model can move over 3000 CFM airflow and is perfect for single-level dwellings up to 1500 square feet.

The hanging straps hold the unit in place with the included ducting and dampers being the same type as the top pick version. The dampers are also barometrically controlled and don’t allow warm air to creep in from the attic or cold air to escape when closed.

With the full 10-year warranty, you won’t need to worry about much. However, proper care and maintenance are needed with at least twice-annual cleanings of the blades and housing. Overall, though, the maintenance is low, and you can rest comfortably in a much cooler home.

5. Cool Attic CX24DDWT Direct Drive

If you are more interested in the direct drive fans, then Cool Attic has your answer. This fan moves a lot of air and offers very low maintenance. Designed, built, and assembled in Texas, you get a great fan already on a wooden frame with aluminum supports.

Claiming the best direct drive whole house fan isn’t easy, and Cool Attic makes that claim and backs it up. This rugged, highly durable fan comes with everything you need, including the control panel.

The two speed fan will exchange the air in up to 1800 square feet 5 to 6 times per hour. With full control over the speed and timing, you don’t have to worry about leaving the fan on overnight (as long as your windows are open) or running out of cool air.

The fan and motor come mounted in an aluminum frame with a wooden bracer. Installation doesn’t take long, especially if you are replacing an older fan. New installs can take up to 3 hours but aren’t overly complicated.

You also get a louver frame to help keep out rain, snow, or debris when you aren’t using the fan. The louvers are coated and treated to withstand the elements and come in a paintable white color. Leave them as they are or paint to match your trim.

Like most whole house fans, you also get a 10-year warranty on the fan and motor. The Texas-based company is easy to get a hold of and does everything in its power to make any issues or complaints right and keep their customers happy.

6. Air King 9166F

If you don’t want to bother with cutting holes in your ceiling or you don’t have the attic space for a ceiling mount fan, the Air King 9166F is an ideal solution. This is the best whole house window fan that installs in seconds and doesn’t need anything extra.

With this fan, you get three speeds that can exchange the air in your home about every 30 minutes. Ideal for small to medium-sized homes, the 3-speed fan is also reversible. You can set the fan to pull air in from outside, or push air out from inside.

Your comfort is only a dial turn away. It really does install in seconds. Once you open the box, the fan sits in any standard window, with extension wings to cover open areas. The window then closes on the top of the fan to hold it in place. You can use screws to give it a more permanent mounting if you prefer.

Once it is in place, you just need to plug it into any standard outlet and turn it on. The dial is clearly labeled for intake or exhaust in all three speeds. Just make your speed and direction selection, and the fan starts running.

The one downside to this model is the warranty. You only get 12 months of coverage, and customer service can be difficult to get a hold of. Once the policy expires, there will be no help from the company. Luckily, if anything does happen after a year, these models aren’t costly.

7. Tamarack Technologies HV1000 R50

When you are ready to step up your game and start saving a lot of money, the HV1000 from Tamarack Technologies has the fan for you. This insulated door type whole house fan works with dual fans and a single switch to move up to 1000 CFM through your 2200 square foot home.

This model does require professional installation unless you know how to wire a 120-volt circuit. Once installed, though, you can opt for the RF remote control or a wall plate control panel (both separate purchases).

When you want to use the fan, and after you ensure the windows are open, you turn it on and let it work. The automatic doors are insulated with R50 insulation, which prevents any cold or heat exchange when the doors are shut.

Once open, the two fans will turn on and start moving your air. The best part is that each fan operates with a max 35 watts, for a total 70 watt whole home fan. Even running 18 hours a day, you are still only spending about 40 cents to operate the fan.

The 3-year warranty is a little disappointing, but it does cover everything from the parts and labor to the doors, mechanisms, and fan motors.

8. Hurricane GL56736590

When you are limited on space and want to move a lot of air, look no further than Hurricane. This inline fan pulls a lot of air and, when properly installed, can make a world of difference in the temperature of your home and the money in your wallet.

The fans come in various diameters, from 4 to 12 inches. With a CFM rating of 1060, it can replace the air in your entire home about once every 20 minutes. However, the inline installation allows you to place a fan in only the rooms you need and control which ones are operating.

Unfortunately, the control remote isn’t included with your purchase, and neither is any ducting. However, the steel frame does have mounting brackets. Clear instructions are also provided for a DIY install that only takes about an hour.

Once everything is installed and operational, you can feel an immediate difference. There won’t be any issues as long as you have plenty of attic vent space (about 5 cubic feet per fan).

You also get a 5-year warranty that covers the housing, fan, and motor. For the cost, you can outfit your entire home with a few fans, and they will still pay for themselves in your energy bill within the first year.

9. AC Infinity CLOUDRAY T10

The Cloudray T10 from AC Infinity may sound like something from Star Trek, but what you actually get is the best energy efficient whole house fan on the market. The EC motor and dual door dampers give you incredible efficiency.

The best thing about the T10 is that this kit includes absolutely everything you need for install and operation. Not only do you get the fan and housing, but you also get the dual door dampers, fan grate, mounting clips, straps, power cords, ducting, and programmable control panel.

DIY installation can be done, but a professional may be needed for the control panel’s wiring. Once installed, though, you have a system with complete control. Not only can you select from the 10 speeds of operation ( 28 to 47dB noise rating), but the system will also monitor temperature and humidity.

You can program the fans to come on or go off based on either temp or humidity, or both. The bright LED panel displays the temperature, fan speed, and any alarms that are present. Mode selection, locked panel, and humidity percentages are also displayed.

The downside here is that the instructions are near impossible to follow, and some of the steps are mislabeled. Make sure you run through them a few times before making any cuts or drilling holes in your joists.

People Also Ask (FAQ)

What is CFM?

CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute. This is a measurement of how much air is moved by a fan.

How much will it cost me to install whole-house fans?

The cost will depend on several factors but generally isn’t that expensive. The national average price, according to HomeAdvisor, is between $369 and $876. This may change depending on your specific needs, location, fan installation type, and other factors.

What does standard cooling and breeze cooling mean?

In short form, standard cooling is used to describe the process of heat removal through the process of heat transfer. An air conditioner usually does this with a compressor cycle. Heat is transferred from the air to the refrigerant and moved outside.

Breeze cooling is a term to describe the cooling effects of air replacement. For example, fans move hot air out of a home while bringing the cooler air from outside back in.

How much energy costs will I be able to save if I invest in whole house fans?

Many factors go into the costs to operate a central air conditioner and a whole house fan. Among them, of course, are temperature, duration of use per day, and the number of days per year of use.

However, energy efficiency suggests that whole house fans can typically reduce operation costs in your energy bill by as much as 90%. A more conservative estimate, though, is about 60 to 70% with daily use over the spring and summer months.

How long do these whole house fans typically last?

A whole home fan can easily last 10 years or more. Proper care and maintenance are needed as with any electric or motor-driven device. Some whole house fans even see two to three decades of use when properly maintained.

What maintenance requirements are needed for whole house fans?

Maintenance for the fans is relatively low. You will want to dust the intake vents, of course, since most will not use a filter. Once a year, before the start of the season, you will want to check the power outlet, electrical cords, remote operation, and clean off the fan blades.

Any dirt, dust, or debris build-up should be removed as well. Some models will require annual bearing grease to help promote quiet operation and reduce friction. Your owner’s manual will tell you specific steps beyond these (if any) for proper care of that model of fan.

What are the best brands of whole house fans on the market?

While best brand is a relative term, some of the most popular brands and those with the most positive reviews and customer experiences belong to QuietCool, Air King, and Centric Air. However, there are many brands, and even those that may not be a household name yet are worth looking closer at.

Where is a good place to buy these units?

You can purchase whole house fans in a number of places. Most big box and retail outlet stores will carry them. This list will include places like Menard’s, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and even Walmart. For those that prefer to shop online, two of the best places to find great deals, specials, and service are Amazon and Sylvane.