- StoreProjects
- Free Plans and Projects
- Furniture Projects
- Jigs And Fixtures Projects
- Shop Projects
- SketchUp Models
- Shop Storage
- Workbenches
- Free Woodworking Downloads From Lee Valley
TechniquesToolsVideos- Premium Streaming Video Site
- Experts Guide to Gluing & Clamping Wood
- Mastering Built-In Furniture
- Simple Live-Edge Slab Table
- CNC – Designed for Woodworkers
- Milling Your Own Lumber
- Advanced Bandsaw Techniques
- I Can Do That! – Simple Woodworking Projects
- Woodwright’s Shop with Roy Underhill
- Tricks of the Trade
BlogOur content is meticulously curated through independent research, testing, reviews, and AI-driven recommendations, all designed to present you with the finest product choices. When you make a purchase through our links, it could result in us earning a commission.The Best Exhaust Fans To Bring Clean and Fresh Air Indoors
Last updated: 30 Jun 2024Did you know breathing in an unventilated space can worsen breathing issues like asthma? The presence of contaminants and moisture in the air can even lead to mold growth. It’s important to eliminate musty air, especially in kitchens and bathrooms, to maintain a healthy indoor air quality. Exhaust fans help achieve this by propelling the contaminants, odor, and moisture from the air through a vent. We evaluated several exhaust fans to discover the best ones. The iLIVING Shutter Exhaust Fan emerged as our top choice for its affordability and efficient design. Explore all of our picks and how to pick the right exhaust fan for your home in this comprehensive guide.
- Best Overall: iLIVING Shutter Exhaust Fan Shop Now ➔
- Best Industrial Fan: Maxx Air Industrial Exhaust Fan Shop Now ➔
- Best Build Quality: iPower Shutter Exhaust Fan Shop Now ➔
- Best Smart Design: AC Infinity Exhaust Fan Shop Now ➔
- Most Durable: JPOWER Exhaust Fan Shop Now ➔
- Most Affordable: VENTISOL Exhaust Fan Shop Now ➔
View all Contents- The Best Exhaust Fans: A Buying Guide
- People Also Asked
- Do exhaust fans use extra electricity?
- Which material is best suited for exhaust fans?
- Can I leave an exhaust fan switched on the entire night?
- How long does an exhaust fan last?
- Can I install an exhaust fan directly above the shower?
- What are the different types of exhaust fans?
- How do you clean an exhaust fan?
Reviewing the Top Exhaust Fans
Best Overall
The iLIVING Shutter Exhaust Fan is one of the most powerful and efficient temperature-controlled machines to install in your kitchen and bathroom for improved ventilation. It rotates at almost 1650 revolutions per minute, enough to eliminate moisture and musty air in a few seconds. The cubic feet per minute (CFM) of this fan is also extensive; you can install it in a room with an area as wide as 960 square feet and it’ll still be effective. Thanks to its robust and functional ball-bearing motor, you can enjoy a healthy atmosphere indoors without worrying about costly electric bills.
This exhaust fan can be a long-term investment as it’s made of durable aluminum and steel alloy. Also, a strong shutter encloses the motor to keep it safe from dust and bugs, maintaining its functionality for extended periods. Best of all, it’s permanently lubricated to deliver top-notch performance for several years. Above all, the exceptional motor power and superb build quality of this exhaust fan are why it tops our list.Pros
- Easy to install
- Functions without making noise
- Built-in thermostat to adjust the temperature
Cons
- Shutters tend to stay open
Key Features
- 960 CFM (cubic feet per minute)
- 115 volts, 0.6 amperes, 1/20 horsepower
- 1650 RPM (revolutions per minute)
- Coverage up to 1400 square feet
- Industrial-grade galvanized steel frame
- Aluminum shutters and fan blades
- Noise level: < 65dB (decibels)
Best Industrial Fan
If you’re searching for an industrial exhaust fan with robust functionality, the Maxx Air Industrial Exhaust Fan can help. Whether it’s a garage, workshop, or greenhouse, you can install it anywhere to keep the air free of contaminants. This fan’s motor is thermally protected, reducing the risks of fire hazards in case of overheating, and it’s also enclosed in a safety grille to keep dust and dirt at bay. Its back side is made of galvanized steel, adding to its sturdiness while keeping the fan rust-free. This fan is also quite easy to install because of its pre-drilled holes, and its edges have rolled flanges for an ergonomic grip during installation.
Say goodbye to odors, contaminants, humidity, and more, thanks to this fan’s excellent ventilation and an automatic shutter that closes completely when you switch off the fan. Even better, its incredibly energy-efficient motor can reduce energy bills, making this exhaust fan an economical purchase.
Pros
- Super energy-efficient
- Economically priced
- Moves a lot of hot air at once
Cons
- Quite loud at full speed
Key Features
- Powerful fan suitable for garages, barns, greenhouses, and various other locations
- 36-inch fan blades
- Overall unit dimensions: 14 x 41 x 41 inches
- Safety grille compliant with OSHA standards
- Fully enclosed, thermally protected, PSC energy-efficient motor
- Housing made of galvanized steel to prevent rust
- Pre-drilled holes for easy mounting
Best Build Quality
The iPower Shutter Exhaust Fan is the perfect solution to poor indoor air quality. Its blades rotate at an average speed of 1,620 revolutions per minute, while the wind speed goes up to around 10.5 meters per second. With this fan you don’t need to worry about higher energy bills; it only uses up about 60 watts, so it’s designed with energy efficiency in mind. It also features a 12-inch shutter to prevent mosquitoes from entering, and the outer cover tightly closes the fan so no external particles can go through it. Meanwhile, the durable, corrosion-resistant aluminum construction offers excellent value for your money, ensuring that this fan will last you a long time. Besides being useful domestically, this fan is also great for cooling the air in garages, greenhouses, or chicken coops. You can use its thermostat to set a custom temperature according to your needs, and the large fan blades ensure quicker airflow, covering areas as wide as 940 CFM.
Pros
- Strong, functional motor
- Excellent build quality
- Easy-to-use wall mount switch
Cons
- Motor heats up quickly
Key Features
- 12-inch shutter/exhaust fan with automatic shutters
- Industrial-grade shutter fan for comprehensive cooling and ventilation needs
- Made with corrosion-resistant aluminum shutters and blades
- Voltage: 120 volts
- Power: 60 watts
- Current: 0.5 amperes
- Speed: 1620 RPM (revolutions per minute)
- Airflow: 1800 CFM (cubic feet per minute)
- Available in different sizes
Best Smart Design
Are you looking for a modern-day exhaust fan with the latest technology? Your search can end with the AC Infinity Exhaust Fan. You can connect this fan with a mobile app through Bluetooth and keep a close eye on weather-related details, including temperature and humidity levels, and you’re even able to set a consistent minimum speed for your fan. The build quality of this exhaust fan is also top-notch; its aluminum blades are highly durable and deliver high performance, making it suitable for ventilating both domestic and industrial spaces.
Even better, the PWM-controlled motor ensures maximum airflow output without producing extra noise. The sturdiness of this exhaust fan is proven by its ball-bearing motor that can run with adequate power for at least 67,000 hours. And, thanks to high-performance sensors, this fan can detect accurate values from surroundings and adjust its functionality accordingly. Simply put, it’s time to say goodbye to a moist, smelly, and dusty atmosphere and let fresh air enter your space by installing this exhaust fan.
Pros
- IP44-rated weatherproof construction
- Humidity and temperature control sensors
- Operates relatively quietly
Cons
- Doesn’t work below 32 degrees Fahrenheit
Key Features
- Programming includes timers, grow cycles, scheduling, and minimum speed settings
- Connect via the app to access advanced programs, alarms, notifications, and view climate data
- Features steel shutters and aluminum blades
- IP-44 rated for high resistance to liquid and dust
- Fan size: 10 inches
- Dimensions: 13.0 x 13.0 x 5.9 inches
- Airflow: 631 CFM (cubic feet per minute)
- Noise level: 67 dBA
- Dual ball bearings
Most Durable
The JPOWER Exhaust Fan managed to grab a spot in our top picks due to its high-speed functionality for indoor and outdoor use. If you’re looking for equipment to ventilate a large room, then this fan can help. This exhaust fan can cover an area of up to 1,800 CFM, making it a perfect choice for your shop, attic, or greenhouse. Meanwhile, its top-notch cooling and ventilating power turn this fan into the perfect alternative to your AC unit.
If you’re comfortable around technical products, installation shouldn’t be too difficult; with the help of a simple tutorial and a color-coded wiring system, the entire process is made much more manageable. Although this is a wall-mount fan, you can also place it in a window opening according to your convenience. Additionally, the aluminum blades and shutter speak volumes for this product’s durability; they keep surface-damaging rust at bay, ensuring your exhaust fan lasts longer.
Pros
- Features rustproof wire guards
- High-quality metal construction
- Excellent airflow rate
Cons
- Vibrates a bit while running
Key Features
- 12-inch fan with automatic shutters
- Made with corrosion-resistant aluminum shutters and blades
- Voltage: 120 volts
- Power: 63 watts
- Current: 0.52 amperes
- Speed: 1750 RPM (revolutions per minute)
- Airflow: 1800 CFM (cubic feet per minute)
- Wind speed: 11 M/S (meters per second)
Most Affordable
The VENTISOL Exhaust Fan is a variable-speed fan with an easy-to-use controller to adjust the fan’s speed according to your comfort. Rotating the knob on the remote can control the pace from high to low accordingly. This fan can benefit you equally well regardless of its installation area, whether it’s your kitchen, workshop, or other similar indoor and outdoor spaces. In fact, thanks to its excellent airflow, it’s even perfect to use in greenhouses. An already durable galvanized steel frame is black powder-coated for added sturdiness, meaning you’ll be able to use this fan for a long time.
This fan’s shutter can shut off automatically when the fan is not in action to prevent the assembly from snow, rain, and bugs. The motor is enclosed and protected from external particles, making sure it’ll last longer. Additionally, it’s highly efficient and easily ventilates an area of 1,450 square feet using 55 watts. At the same time, there are no compromises on its ventilation power, as it quickly pulls in cool air by pushing heat outside when the temperature is at its peak.
Pros
- Delivers powerful performance
- Good value for the price
- Quiet and sturdy construction
Cons
- Might not work in high humidity
Key Features
- Includes a variable speed controller for adjusting fan speeds to customize comfort
- Hard-wired connection (no plug or power cord)
- Constructed from a galvanized steel frame with three aluminum shutter blades
- Built-in self-closing shutters
- 12-inch fan running on standard 120 volts
- Power: 55 watts
- Current: 0.42 amperes
- Speed: 1680 RPM (revolutions per minute)
- Wind speed: 9.5 m/s (meters per second)
- Airflow: 1450 CFM (cubic feet per minute)
The Best Exhaust Fans: A Buying Guide
Whether you’re looking to install one in your kitchen, bathroom, or a commercial setting, making an informed decision is crucial. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key factors to consider when buying an exhaust fan, ensuring you select the best option for your needs. From understanding the different types of exhaust fans to considering factors like size, noise levels, energy efficiency, and installation requirements, we’ve got you covered.
Cubic feet per minute
Considering a unit’s cubic feet per minute, which is the measure of airflow per minute, will help you buy the right exhaust fan size. One CFM is equal to one square foot of the room; so, if your bathroom or kitchen area is 150 square feet, you should buy an exhaust fan with 150 CFM.
Sones
A sone is the measure of the sound output of the fan. The lower the sones, the less noise your exhaust fan will make. In this scenario, buying fans rated with 1.0 or lesser sones is ideal as you don’t want to hear annoying machine sounds while using yours.
Duct size
While buying any type of exhaust fan, you need to look for one with an appropriate duct size. This is essential, as the fan won’t be able to perform effectively with poor ducting. Besides length, the diameter of the duct opening is also important to ensure that it fits correctly.
Additional features
You can buy exhausts that have different features to make spending your money more worth it. For example, you won’t get high energy bills with an energy-efficient motor. Similarly, a humidity sensor can switch on the fan automatically upon detecting moisture in the air. Meanwhile, a power bulb is perfect for ceiling fans, making it a more versatile, two-in-one product.
People Also Asked
Do exhaust fans use extra electricity?
Exhaust fans need very little energy to function, which is generally between 5 to 35 watts, but might vary according to your fan’s brand and model. You can also find fans with energy-efficient motors to reduce electricity usage. To ensure you’re buying an energy-saving model, look for one with high CFM and low power use (watts). Many fans also have humidity sensors that can activate the fan when there’s moisture in the air and keep it off otherwise, further enhancing their energy efficiency.
Which material is best suited for exhaust fans?
Exhaust fans come in various materials, including stainless steel, plastic, aluminum, and more. Every material has unique features that make them superior to others. For example, aluminum is more robust than steel. Steel exhausts, on the other hand, can have mandrel bending for better airflow and are also highly cost-effective. But, if steel or aluminum don’t match your house’s interior, you can use ABS plastic. This material is solid and available in multiple colors and designs to suit your home decor. Plastic fans also get an edge over metal fans for being lightweight and having smoother trims.
Can I leave an exhaust fan switched on the entire night?
Although there’s no harm in leaving an exhaust fan on for a few hours to eliminate musty and contaminated air from a room, letting it run overnight isn’t a good idea. You would be putting your and your family’s safety at risk because the motor can wear out, leading to fire hazards. This can lead to dangerous consequences, especially if you are sleeping. Also, it’s not healthy for the fan’s motor, as running it for several hours non-stop can reduce its overall life span.
How long does an exhaust fan last?
You can make a long-term investment by buying a high-quality exhaust fan, which could last for as long as a decade. You must clean it occasionally and also get it checked as soon as you spot a malfunction in its performance. If an issue is detected, it’d be easier to resolve early rather than spending more money on a new fan. You should also lubricate its motor with oil, as friction could lead to its wear and tear, lessening the unit’s overall effectiveness. So, if you properly maintain your exhaust fan, you can use it without replacement for up to 10 years.
Can I install an exhaust fan directly above the shower?
You can place an exhaust fan directly over your bathtub if it’s shower-rated, which is necessary for both your and the fan’s safety. This is to ensure that the manufacturing brand has approved its use over a shower base by following a few specific standards. Additionally, it should also be connected with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter to keep you safe from electrocutions. You should avoid installing the fan in such a setting if one of the requirements is not met. Otherwise, placing it anywhere in your bathroom is perfectly okay unless the fan’s CFM is equal to the room’s square footage.
What are the different types of exhaust fans?
Wall-mounted exhaust fans are highly effective as they throw out stale, unpleasant air directly outdoors. You can install them on a wall with professional help since the wall needs to be cut for the fan to fit. Wall exhaust fans can also be installed on a window by fitting them within its frame. If you don’t want the fan to block natural ventilation from the window and don’t want to damage your wall by cutting it out, buying a ceiling exhaust fan would help. This exhaust is integrated into a false ceiling that hides all your house’s pipes, ducts, and wires. You can connect the fan to a duct to provide musty air with an easy way out. Almost all ceiling fans have LED bulbs that serve as a light source, and this two-in-one design offers excellent value for your money.
How do you clean an exhaust fan?
If your exhaust fan is making noises or you notice that it's less effective, it’s time to clean it thoroughly. By following these steps, you can easily clean your exhaust fan to restore its initial functionality. If your exhaust fan has a mesh window, clean it before moving to any other part. You must remove it and use any commercial cleaner to wash it from both sides. A mild scrubbing can eliminate stubborn dust stains, but don’t be too harsh as you may damage its paint. The second step is cleaning the blades using an effective cleaner. You can also prepare a homemade cleaner by mixing baking soda and vinegar into hot water, which can quickly remove all the oil and grime stains. You can also unscrew the exhaust fan once every six months for deep cleaning. Doing so will help you wash all blades effectively. Remember, this step is crucial in maintaining an exhaust fan, as accumulated dirt can negatively affect its overall performance.
Article Contributors
Read More About Popular Woodworking Reviews Team HereThe Popular Woodworking Review Team’s product reviews and comprehensive guides are here to help you select the best gear and tools to efficiently complete top-quality woodworking projects.
Popular Woodworking is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Artificial Intelligence (large language models) may have been used in the research and creation of the content.
Questions about product testing or a specific articles should be sent to aimperiapt@gmail.com