Whether you smoke indoors or someone you live with does; the smell can get overwhelming very quickly. Cigarette smoke can get into the carpeting, upholstery, discolor ceilings and walls and the smell is notoriously hard to get rid of. One of the most effective ways of stopping cigarette smoke from settling into your fabrics and leaving behind an offensive odor (other than quitting of course) is to install a window fan or two in your house. Window fans can be very effective for exchanging air and minimizing the impact of cigarette smoke indoors. Take a look at our list of the best window fans for smoking.
Best Window Fan for Smoking Comparison
Best for removing smoke odor
Best for easy operation
Best for ventilation
Best Window Fan for Smoke Reviews
Best for removing smoke odor
This is a very thoughtfully designed window exhaust fan for smokers. The Bovado USA Twin Window Cooling Fan has a circulation feature that uses one fan to draw fresh air in and one to suck indoor air outside. We found this setting to be the most effective for getting rid of cigarette smoke before it had a chance to settle. The fan is 6 x 25.7 x 13.3 inches and weighs 7.5 pounds. With a sleek white design, this fan looks good in almost any room. There are 3 fan speeds and the fan circulation is reversible with the touch of a button.
Some customers have had issues with an electrical-like burning odor coming from the fan after long periods of use. This is a result of the fan overheating. We suggest testing the fan for an extended period of time right after purchasing to ensure this will not be an issue. If this happens, it can cause the fan to stop working. Additionally, the thermostat is difficult to clamp on. We suggest finding an easier spot to clamp the thermostat if you have issues.
Pros:
- 14 inches tall so it can fit most windows
- 2 powerful 9-inch fans
- Bug guard to keep the unit from sucking insects into your home from outside
- Can use each side independently of each other
Cons:
- Noisy at high settings
- Hard to switch modes in the dark because there are no indicator lights
- Difficult to clip on the thermostat
Trial Results
Best for easy operation
The Bionaire Window Fan is an impressive device that comes at a steal of a price. It features two 8.5 inch fans that can be reversed to draw air out of your home. The fans can be set to run via thermostat just like a central air conditioning thermostat. The LCD display is easy to read and you can control the whole unit via remote.
This unit fits most types of windows including casement, double-hung and vertical sliding windows. It is horizontally extendable up to 37 inches, so it will fit most window frames and it stands at 13 inches high.
This fan is easy to use, but many customers have issues with its noise level. The fan is not only noisy in basic operation but also generates loud beeping noises as you change the setting on the machine. On a day when you need to change the power setting on a regular basis, these beeping noises can be annoying.
Pros:
- Comes with a 5-year manufacturer warranty
- Three fan speeds
- The two fans can work independently of one another
- Has an internal thermostat
- Uses a digital display that shows the air temperature
- Can be operated via remote
Cons:
- Changing the settings results in loud beeping noises
- The remote control is temperamental due to poor design
Trial Results
Best for ventilation
The ComfortZone is another dual-fan window unit with alternating fan control. This unit stands 14 inches high and can stretch to 37 inches horizontally, making it good for any sized window.
There are 3 options when it comes to fan settings: one draws clean air in, one blows stagnant air out, and the third setting sees each fan blowing in opposite directions. The ComfortZone has 3-speed settings, which is great for fine-tuning your comfort level. It also has a remote control with intuitive buttons, making it easy to operate from anywhere in the room.
The biggest issue with this fan is its design. The fan is not made from sturdy material, so must be handled with care. Be careful to not place the fan under too much pressure, or it can cause the plastic to snap. Additionally, the fan extension can have problems locking in place. This will result in the fan not creating a ‘perfect fit’ in your window. Although it will not be large, excess air will seep through the cracks where this fan does not have a flush fitting.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Two nine-inch fans
- Very lightweight at just 6 pounds
- Adjustable width
- Includes a remote control
Cons:
- The expanders do not lock, so can not be used in a vertical window
- Although it is advertised as being ‘whisper quiet, it is quite loud
- Not made of study mateial
Trial Results
What to Look for in a Window Exhaust fan for Smoking
Getting rid of cigarette smoke is no easy task. As such, there are features in a window fan for cigarette smoke that you must insist on if you want to keep the smoke and smell out of your living spaces. If you are looking for the best window fans for smoking, look for features like:
- Reversible airflow
- Dual fans that can work independently of one another
- A powerful motor
- Quiet operation
Why use Window Fans for Smoking?
Some people think that you can simply use your central AC unit to circulate the smoke out of a home. But cigarette smoke first has to travel through the ducts where it can linger. This will cause any fresh air that’s pumped into the home to smell like smoke. Window fans for cigarette smoke are much more effective for circulating stale air out of your home and replacing it with fresh air.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most powerful window fan?
The Bionaire window fan on our list is a top choice for consumers and critics alike.
Do window fans really work?
Yes. They are excellent for replacing stagnant air with clean air from outdoors. They also work to keep a home cool provided that the air outdoors is cooler than the air indoors.
Do window fans use a lot of electricity?
It is estimated that the average window fan uses between 35 and 100 watts of power – much less than central units.
Final Words
Being or living with an indoor smoker can be a challenge. While quitting is the most effective way to deal with the smell and the health hazard, our list of the best window fans for smoking will at least minimize the impact if quitting isn’t an option. These three window fans worked the best for circulating smoke out of our living spaces so give them a try!
You should also check out the best tower fans out there.
Frank is the chief editor and director at Specialty Air, where he oversees testing, research, and editing for all air quality-related articles. Frank is an expert in the air quality space with extensive experience testing, researching, and reviewing air purifiers, air conditioners, air filters, air fresheners, fans, and more. He also has over 4 years of experience with issues surrounding mold remediation, radon mitigation, moisture management, air duct systems, HVAC, and insulation.