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If you’re considering different ways to cool down parts of your home, and don’t want to invest in a multi-room central air system, one of the options you may not have considered is a ventilation fan.
Ventilator fans are motor-powered, and suck the air out of your room instead of blowing it in. Many bathrooms have a vent fan installed because it can suck moist air out before it causes damage or mold. Range hoods, which are installed above stoves to remove smoke from your kitchen while you cook, are also considered ventilation fans.
Because they don’t blow cold air into your room, a ventilation fan cannot cool a room the same way an air conditioner or central air system can. Think of it as a way to regulate and slightly reduce the temperature of your room rather than cool it, and you’ll have the right expectation. Another difference is that ventilation fans are typically hooked up to a dedicated switch in your home rather than a thermostat or buttons on the fan itself.
If you’re curious about getting a ventilation fan for your home, we’ve compiled this guide to help you out. Whether you’re looking to keep steam out of your bathroom, or better circulate the air in a bedroom, you’ll find options to help you here.
What You Need to Know Before Buying a Ventilation Fan
There are many factors to consider when choosing the best ventilation fan for you; below are the most important ones, which we considered while we were researching this list.
Style: “Ventilation fan” is a broad term that covers several different types of cooling devices. Some fit into a small cutout in your wall, and don’t require any ducts to be installed. Other, more powerful ventilation fans work as part of a larger cooling system, with hoses that get connected to the outside of your home.
The big difference between the two is power; larger air ventilation systems can move significantly more air around. We’ve covered both types, so you can pick the appropriate one for your situation.
Installation: The different styles of ventilation fans we just mentioned vary significantly in terms of installation time, cost, and difficulty. Most people will be able to install a single, small ventilation fan in a couple of hours with a handful of tools. Multi-room air vent systems will likely require a contractor, and weeks worth of work.
