June 5

Best Ventilation Fan For Basement To Prevent Moisture and Mold

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Is the air in your house feeling stale or musty? Because if that’s the case, then I might have a solution for you. 

We’re all aware of how the air in our basement is usually moisture-ridden, infested with pollutants, and of inferior quality. But how many of you all know a large amount of the air in your home living space actually comes from this very same location?

The hot stale air that accumulates in these areas tends to rise and escape into the home’s upper levels, making it unhealthy and unhygienic to live in. 

The only way to ensure this doesn’t happen is to take steps for making the air quality below your house absolutely top-notch. And one of the best ways to ensure this is by investing in a high-quality ventilation fan for the basement.  

Hi! I’m Stacy Smith, and today I’m here with a list of the best ventilation fan for basement! So, without much ado, let’s get right into it. 

AC Infinity AIRTITAN T3, Ventilation Fan 6" with Temperature Humidity Controller, for Crawl Space, Basement, Garage, Attic, Hydroponics, Grow Tents
iPower 4 Inch 195 CFM Duct Inline Ventilation Fan Air Circulation Vent Blower for Grow Tent, Greenhouses, Basements or Kitchens, Lite
HUGOOME Exhaust Shutter Fan 300 CFM, 2 Direction Reversible Strong Airflow Wall Mounted Vent Fans, Ventilation Blower for Bathroom Attic Window Basement (8 inch / 110V)
Tjernlund X2D Model Products Xchanger Reversible Basement Fans
ALORAIR Crawlspace Ventilation Fan, Crawlspace Fan vent with Temperature Humidity Controller, Timing Cycle, Speed Control, for garage, shed, crawl space, basements, 240CFM (Air-out)
AC Infinity AIRTITAN T3, Ventilation Fan 6" with Temperature Humidity Controller, for Crawl Space, Basement, Garage, Attic, Hydroponics, Grow Tents
iPower 4 Inch 195 CFM Duct Inline Ventilation Fan Air Circulation Vent Blower for Grow Tent, Greenhouses, Basements or Kitchens, Lite
HUGOOME Exhaust Shutter Fan 300 CFM, 2 Direction Reversible Strong Airflow Wall Mounted Vent Fans, Ventilation Blower for Bathroom Attic Window Basement (8 inch / 110V)
Tjernlund X2D Model Products Xchanger Reversible Basement Fans
ALORAIR Crawlspace Ventilation Fan, Crawlspace Fan vent with Temperature Humidity Controller, Timing Cycle, Speed Control, for garage, shed, crawl space, basements, 240CFM (Air-out)
$74.99
$23.99
-
$199.89
$119.00
AC Infinity AIRTITAN T3, Ventilation Fan 6" with Temperature Humidity Controller, for Crawl Space, Basement, Garage, Attic, Hydroponics, Grow Tents
AC Infinity AIRTITAN T3, Ventilation Fan 6" with Temperature Humidity Controller, for Crawl Space, Basement, Garage, Attic, Hydroponics, Grow Tents
$74.99
iPower 4 Inch 195 CFM Duct Inline Ventilation Fan Air Circulation Vent Blower for Grow Tent, Greenhouses, Basements or Kitchens, Lite
iPower 4 Inch 195 CFM Duct Inline Ventilation Fan Air Circulation Vent Blower for Grow Tent, Greenhouses, Basements or Kitchens, Lite
$23.99
HUGOOME Exhaust Shutter Fan 300 CFM, 2 Direction Reversible Strong Airflow Wall Mounted Vent Fans, Ventilation Blower for Bathroom Attic Window Basement (8 inch / 110V)
HUGOOME Exhaust Shutter Fan 300 CFM, 2 Direction Reversible Strong Airflow Wall Mounted Vent Fans, Ventilation Blower for Bathroom Attic Window Basement (8 inch / 110V)
-
Tjernlund X2D Model Products Xchanger Reversible Basement Fans
Tjernlund X2D Model Products Xchanger Reversible Basement Fans
$199.89
ALORAIR Crawlspace Ventilation Fan, Crawlspace Fan vent with Temperature Humidity Controller, Timing Cycle, Speed Control, for garage, shed, crawl space, basements, 240CFM (Air-out)
ALORAIR Crawlspace Ventilation Fan, Crawlspace Fan vent with Temperature Humidity Controller, Timing Cycle, Speed Control, for garage, shed, crawl space, basements, 240CFM (Air-out)
$119.00

Top 5 Ventilation Fan Reviews

1. AC Infinity AIRTITAN AC-ATT3

AC Infinity AIRTITAN AC-ATT3

Kicking off this guide with one of my top recommendations, we have the AC Infinity Ventilation Fan AC-TT3  from the AIRTITAN series. It comes equipped with a high-quality anodized aluminum frame with IP-44 rated fans and a programmable controller.

Product Highlights

This high-performing ventilation fan was designed to control both humidity and temperature while fitting into virtually any kind of cramped space. The LCD display on this fan features a smart thermostat, a dehumidistat control, and customizable fan speeds for ease of use. 

This also enables you to program fan speeds to increase and decrease temperature and humidity accordingly and eliminate all chances of mold growth in the room. 

If that wasn’t enough, this fan also features a dual 120mm PWM-controlled DC fan known to optimize airflow with significantly lower noise and power consumption. Additionally, IP-44 fans are known to be highly resistant to dust and liquid while also being extremely weather-proof. 

One last feature of this fan that I found very useful was its ability to exhaust any unwanted chemicals, odors, smoke, or even heat. This function prevents harmful pollutants from building up and keeps the air clean and fresh at all times.

What's There To Like About It?

I was impressed by how compact and quiet this ventilation fan was compared to others with similar features. You would almost not even notice it running if you didn’t pay close attention!

I was also really struck by how simple it was to use and set up. The LCD control panel is exceptionally beginner-friendly, allowing you to even set timers for it to run at custom speeds.

What's There Not To Like About It?

Since this ventilation fan only has a 120 CFM airflow capacity, it will only work optimally for 120 square feet or smaller spaces. Hence it’s not suitable for those looking to ventilate vast areas.

Pros and Cons of AC Infinity AIRTITAN AC-ATT3

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Very high-quality and durable build
  • Weather-proof, dust and liquid resistant
  • Compact and Eco-friendly

Cons

  • Only suitable for smaller spaces
AC Infinity AIRTITAN T3, Ventilation Fan 6" with Temperature Humidity Controller, for Crawl Space, Basement, Garage, Attic, Hydroponics, Grow Tents
  • 6” high-airflow fan designed to help control temperature and moisture levels in crawlspaces and basements.
  • Reduces humidity by creating exhaust airflow to expel foul odors and stale air from your home.
  • Dynamic temperature, humidity & VPD programming, with timers, cycles, scheduling, and minimum speed.

2. iPower 4 Inch 195 CFM Ventilation Fan

iPower 4 Inch 195 CFM Ventilation Fan

I was looking for a more versatile ventilation fan when I came across this iPower model. It is tiny and portable and can be installed in multiple spaces in different ways.

Product Highlights

This product is an inline fan, meaning you can place it between two air ducts to efficiently transfer moisture-ridden air from one space to another. It has a CFM of 195, which means it is ideal for ventilating a room that is approximately 200 square feet in size.  

The versatility of this fan has successfully set it apart from the competition. That’s because it not only ventilates the usual basements, bathrooms, and crawl spaces but is also perfect for grow tents, greenhouses, and hydroponics. 

The flow-deflector fitted on this device concentrates the fan stream and cuts turbulent kinetic energy, thereby significantly reducing the noise it produces. The sound output created is just about 30 dB which is hardly as loud as a whisper.

What's There To Like About It?

I absolutely adore the mini construction of this ventilation fan! The space it takes up is minimal and perfect for use where larger-sized fans just won’t fit. It’s also one of the best inline ventilation fans available in the market. 

However, my favorite aspect of this product is its affordability. It’s one of the cheapest ventilation fans I’ve come across, and yet its lower price does not in any way compromise its quality and effectiveness.

What's There Not To Like About It? 

Some users have found this ventilation fan to be weaker in power than the others they have used. This means that it does not transfuse fresh air into a room as effectively as it claims to. However, this is not entirely the fan’s fault as the air duct quality also plays a role in it.

Pros and Cons of iPower 4 Inch 195 CFM Ventilation Fan

Pros

  • Very affordable and low-noise product
  • Versatile and multifunction
  • Lightweight and compact
  • Easy to install and maintain

Cons

  • Weak power
iPower 4 Inch 195 CFM Duct Inline Ventilation Fan Air Circulation Vent Blower for Grow Tent, Greenhouses, Basements or Kitchens, Lite
  • Multifunction: Perfect for grow tents, greenhouses, hydroponics, kitchens, bathrooms, basements, locker rooms, garage to reduce humidity, clear the air and lower temperatures in grow rooms.
  • Mini Construction: Lightweight, compact fan takes up minimal space, suitable for applications where larger fans just won’t fit.
  • High Effective: Transfer air to your target location in a quick and reasonably quiet way, with a fan speed of 2500 RPM for an air flow of 195 CFM.

3. Hugoome 300 CFM Exhaust Shutter Fan

Hugoome 300 CFM Exhaust Shutter Fan

Up next, we have the Hugoome Shutter Fan that can be mounted on both windows or walls, depending on your preferences. It’s white and structured like the traditional exhaust fan but has blinds or shutters in front of it, setting it apart from its counterparts. 

Product Highlights

As I mentioned above, this ventilation fan can be fitted both as a wall fan as well as a window fan. So, it has distinct features that come into play for both these mountings. For example, when fitted as a window fan, it has a direction reversible feature that allows it to pull in the fresh air and expel dirty air. 

On the other hand, as a wall-mounted fan, it has a substantial airflow with up to 300 CFM exhaust and 380 CFM air intake abilities. This not only promotes proper air circulation but also successfully eliminates humidity, smoke, and other odors with ease.

One other feature that sets this ventilation fan apart from its competitors is the variety of sizes it’s available in. Obtainable in four separate measurements that are 6, 8, 10, and 12 inches respectively, this fan provides customers with multiple options.

What's There To Like About It?

This 8-inch variant, while being the second-smallest, already has the largest CFM amongst all other fans on my guide. So if you’re looking to purchase a ventilation fan for a comparatively larger room, then this is the one for you! I love how this fan can work wonders even in a room as big as 300-350 square feet with relative ease. 

But wait, that’s not all, because this ventilation fan is one of the most powerful devices on my list while simultaneously being one of the cheapest. So, it’s no surprise that this has made its way into my top recommendations for you.

What's There Not To Like About It?

This fan is subject to requiring either a window or a wall with an outdoor opening on the other side of it. However, a lot of people may have spaces or basements that do not match these requirements.

Pros and Cons of Hugoome 300 CFM Exhaust Shutter Fan

Pros

  • Versatile
  • Highest CFM
  • Durable, safe and affordable
  • Easy to install

Cons

  • Requires a window or a wall with direct access outside

4. Tjernlund X2D Ventilation Fan

Tjernlund X2D Ventilation Fan

If you’re looking for a ventilation fan with a more air vent-like design, then this Tjernlund model is the one for you. It’s a wall mounted fan with a button controller that must be separately attached to the same wall for ease of use.

Product Highlights

The Tjernlund ventilation fan is structured a little unconventionally and has two separate fans within the larger body of the same device. It has an airflow of 90 CFP per minute and only requires a 40 watt electric supply to function compared to other dehumidifiers that require up to 1000 watts. 

Its button controller has adjustable settings and three modes on which you can run it. While the first mode only exhausts musty air from the room, the second supplies fresh air, and the third and last one does both of the above simultaneously. A rugged outdoor hood that includes magnetic covers for the winter makes this machine incredibly hardy and long-lasting.

What's There To Like About It?

I really like how the button controller for this fan is entirely separate and only connected to the ventilation fan via a thin wire. This structure enables you to mount the controller in any part of the wall that is reachable to you. 

Such a feature comes in handy when you’re mounting the fan at a height that is impossible for you to reach and operate daily. The significantly low wattage required to utilize this fan also makes it a favorite among environmentally conscious consumers. 

What's There Not To Like About It?

As you may have noticed, this ventilation fan has a significantly low CFM. This makes it a displeasing option for consumers looking to ventilate larger rooms. Moreover, this fan is also considerably more expensive than its counterparts because of its high-quality look and build.

Pros and Cons of Tjernlund X2D Ventilation Fan

Pros

  • Easy to install
  • Low-wattage and Eco friendly
  • Strong and durable build
  • Easy to use and maintain

Cons

  • Very low CFM
  • Expensive
Tjernlund X2D Model Products Xchanger Reversible Basement Fans
  • Reversible basement air exchanger ventilates damp and musty basements
  • Two 90 CFM fans can individually be reversed to exhaust musty air or supply fresh air to basement
  • Includes adjustable dehumidistat and pug-in electrical

5. ALORAIR VentirPro-S2

ALORAIR VentirPro-S2

We have arrived at my favorite ventilation fan for basements - the ALORAIR VentirPro-S2. ALORAIR is one of the most highly rated ventilation fan brands on my guide and has been known for its trustworthy service for years.

Product Highlights

Unconventionally structured with two fans on either side, this ventilation fan stands out from its competitors with its modern look and ergonomic design. The dual ball DC motors and seven-blade fan can move up to 240 CFM of air at once.

The fan has a multi-function operation panel that includes an LCD screen and button controls. The LCD screen placed at the center of the device constantly monitors and displays the room’s temperature and humidity levels. At the same time, the buttons within the operation panel allow you to adjust timing cycles, wind speed, humidity, and temperatures.

The dimensions of this product are a mere 18." x 1.7" x 9", which makes it very compact and ideal for rooms that are short on space. The device itself is built to last, made of sturdy stainless steel, and is equipped with IP-44 rated fans to eliminate all forms of musty odors found in basements and crawl spaces.

What's There To Like About It?

I think it’s safe to state that this is one of the very best ventilation fans for basements. Not only is it designed explicitly for airing out dark and damp spaces, but it also saves you money and energy while at it. 

The high CFM rating makes it perfect for ventilating larger rooms, attics, and crawlspaces constituting up to 260 square feet more efficiently. ALORAIR’s star-rated customer service also provides a 2-year warranty on the product.

What's There Not To Like About It?

The only drawback to this fan is that it creates 48dB of sound, which is well above the recommended range for ventilation fans. Louder sound production could also mean that it will only end up becoming louder over time. However, this is a non-issue if you’re looking to install this in a crawl space.

Pros and Cons of ALORAIR VentirPro-S2

Pros

  • Ideal for ventilating larger spaces
  • Ergonomic design
  • Water and weather-resistant
  • Strong and long-lasting

Cons

  • Slightly noisy
ALORAIR Crawlspace Ventilation Fan, Crawlspace Fan vent with Temperature Humidity Controller, Timing Cycle, Speed Control, for garage, shed, crawl space, basements, 240CFM (Air-out)
  • A REAL SPACE SAVER: Air Out. Unit Dimensions: 18.2" x 1.7" x 9". Airflow: 240 CFM. Noise: 48 d(BA). Quiet enough, this exhaust fan is the first choice to control the basement & crawl space temperature and humidity levels.
  • NICELY EQUIPPED: This 7-blade crawl space fan with a front metal grille and dual ball DC motors can move 240 CFM air. Multi-function operation panel, wind speed adjustment, time timing, temperature setting, humidity setting are standard functions. The time loop function has been added, and the user can cycle the unit by setting the unit rest time and working time.
  • BUILT TO LAST: with a metal fan cage and stainless steel body for Crawl Space, Basement, Attic, Garage, Hydroponics, Grow Tents. ☆The temperature and humidity probe should be installed in the same space as the equipment; ensure that the temperature and humidity probe will not get wet or damaged.

Buyers Guide

With that, we come to the end of my list of the best ventilation fan for basement. For your convenience, I have also compiled a list of factors you might want to consider before investing in a ventilation fan. These factors will help you ascertain which type of fan will be ideal for you. 

1. Types of Ventilation Fans 

There are four types of ventilation fans that are available on the market today. 

First, we have ceiling-mounted fans that, as the name suggests, are placed on the ceiling of a room. These fans are connected to the outdoors via a long air duct running above the false ceiling. Such fans are ideal for kitchen setups because the hot air produced while cooking tends to rise and pool near the top.

Second, we have wall-mounted fans that are directly connected to the outdoors via a cut-out in the wall. These fans work great for ventilating most cramped spaces but require a wall that has direct access to the outdoors on the opposite side. 

Third, we have the inline ventilation fans that are generally installed inside or between air ducts. These are more suited for indoor grow tents, greenhouses, hydroponics, as well as the usual kitchen, bathroom, and basement areas. 

Lastly, we have combination fans that are essentially a cross between one or more of the fans mentioned above. These fans provide us with a multitude of features and are fit to ventilate most spaces. 

2. Airflow Capacity 

In simple terms, “airflow” is the amount of air exchanged per minute by the ventilation fan. The airflow capacity is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM) and is determined by the size of the ventilation fan in question. Approximately 1 CFM is usually required to ventilate one square foot of area in a room. 

Hence, the bigger the room/space, the higher the CFM you need, and the larger the fan should be. Therefore, you will want to invest in a ventilation fan depending on the size of the room you want to ventilate. 

3. Quality 

Ventilation fans are manufactured and available in an assortment of materials starting from different types of plastic to various metals. While metal fans are more high-quality and long-lasting than their plastic counterparts, they are not ideal for all places. 

For example, if you live in a high-humidity location such as a coastal area, metal fans will be prone to rust. You might want to invest in a high-quality plastic ventilation fan instead of a metal one in that scenario. 

4. Equivalent Duct Length 

The kind of air ducts attached to the ventilation fan equally affect their performance and efficiency as the quality of the fans. The ducts’ length and make determine the amount of pressure the fan must overcome to function at its optimal ability. 

Hence, it is essential to choose air ducts made of the right kind of material. Ducts made out of smooth material tend to have a pressure equal to the duct’s length. Therefore, if you just figure out the value of the equivalent duct length, you can easily measure the pressure that the ventilation fan needs to overcome.

4. Noise Produced 

Ventilation and exhaust fans are historically known to produce a loud and obnoxious sound whenever in use. However, modern technology has finally overcome this feature and has begun manufacturing fans that emit much lower noise levels. 

Most ventilation fans available in the market today mention the amount of noise produced to help you invest in a relatively quiet one. However, some of these fans are also said to grow noisier after use. Hence it’s recommended to thoroughly go through the reviews of the fan you are considering purchasing.

5. Additional Features 

There are many ventilation fans available today, and each of these fans come with unique features. Hence, while shopping, you may come across additional features on your fan like timers, heaters, lights, and so on. 

These different features can come in handy according to your setup and the room you want to install the fan in. A timer, for example, can enable a self-shutoff which is helpful for people who care about conserving energy or for people who don’t stay home a lot. 

Hence, you must always take these extra features into consideration and check to see if they are useful to you or not. This can help you set apart a particular fan from the rest and make the decision to purchase one much more effortless.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, I wanted to address some of the most frequently asked questions and concerns you may have regarding ventilation fans.

1. When is the right time to buy a ventilation fan?

You can install ventilation fans in multiple places. So if you notice that any area in your house is getting incredibly musty and stale, then investing in a ventilation fan is a good idea. These are especially handy for poorly ventilated rooms, basements, and crawlspaces.

2. How to decide what CFM I need to ventilate my basement?

When it comes to installing ventilation fans, it’s always recommended to use the 100 square foot rule. According to the rule, most spaces do not require more than 1 CFM per square foot of the room. Hence it is easy to determine how powerful your fan needs to be according to the size of the room.

My Final Recommendation

This brings us to the end of my recommendations and guide for the best ventilation fan for basement. Every single fan listed in my guide is of high quality and comes with stellar reviews. So no matter which one you choose to invest in, you’re going to be in good hands.

But before I sign off, I wanted to recap some of my favorites from this guide. The AC Infinity AIRTITAN AC-ATT3 is absolutely perfect for beginners looking to ventilate smaller spaces up to 120 square feet. In contrast, the Hugoome Exhaust Shutter Fan is ideal for airing out larger areas with windows or a wall facing the outside. However, my absolute favorite and, thereby, the top recommendation will remain to be ALORAIR VentirPro-S2. This one just checks all the boxes in my list regarding everything you will ever need in a ventilation fan and then some more. 


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