Holmes® FAQ's: Fans




Can I use my box fan in a window?
No, box fans are not designed with window use in mind. Since they do not provide the secure fit of a window fan, they are more likely to fall out of the window. Box fan motors are also not designed to be rain-resistant, as are those of window fans.

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Can I adjust the height of my stand fan? Will it tip over?
All Holmes® stand fans are adjustable; however, other brands of stand fans may not have this feature. Your fan manual will explain how to adjust or remove poles for different heights, if you have an adjustable stand fan. Holmes® stand fans have been designed and tested to not tip over at any secured height.

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What is a window fan?
Holmes®' window fans are designed specifically to fit virtually all windows. Holmes® window fans have special features for this purpose, such as extender panels and windowsill holders. Installation of our window fans is designed to be quick and easy, with no tools required. Options available on window fans include the following: electric reversibility for air intake, air exhaust, or even air exchange; thermostats; digital thermostats; temperature displays; and sleep settings for quieter performance at night. Thermostats are particularly useful on window fans, as most people tend to use this type of fan in their bedroom. You can set the thermostat to your desired comfort level. The thermostat will then automatically turn the window fan on or off, in order to maintain your set temperature. This feature is especially welcome in the fall or early spring. As the night air cools down, your fan will turn off, and then turn on again as the morning sun begins to warm your room.

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What are the benefits of air intake, air exhaust, and air exchange?
Air intake allows you to bring cool air in from outside your window, while air exhaust allows you to remove stale, warm air from your room. Air exchange is found on twin window fans, where one fan can bring in cool air as the other fan exhausts the warm air.

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How do Slider Safe® extender panels help fit a fan into a window?
Extender panels can be used to fit window fans into both horizontal and vertical positions. They slide into the right side of your window fans, to allow for a tight fit in your window. Holmes® window fans come with patented Slider Safe® extender panels, which are designed to provide stability in the vertical position used with a slider window.

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Can I leave my window fan in place during rain?
The motors in window fans are rain-resistant, and may safely remain in your window when it's raining. We do suggest removal from the window with heavy storm activity as wind driven rain can blow into the electrical areas of the fan. In the advent, please unplug the fan and remove from the window and allow the fan to dry.

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Can I install my window fan vertically in the window?
Window fans can be installed either vertically or horizontally. Please note when installing vertically, the internal adjustable extender panel must be located on the top of the window fan and never on the bottom.

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How do I clean my window fan?
First unplug the fan from the outlet. The outside of the fan can be wiped down with a damp cloth. Use a vacuum cleaner with a dust brush attachment or a can of compressed air to remove dust from any hard to reach areas.

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What are the benefits of AccuTemp™ digital thermostats?
The AccuTemp™ digital thermostats have an exclusive technology found only on Holmes® comfort appliances. For window fans, the AccuTemp™ digital thermostat measures the air temperature in your room, and then turns the fan off or on in order to maintain your programmed temperature. You can also use the LCD to read the current temperature. Customers demand energy efficient products that provide the best performance available. The AccuTemp™ technology allows you to maintain the precise comfort level you've selected while using energy more efficiently.

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My fan has the 1Touch® Thermostat. How does that work?
By simply pressing the single "Mode" button, the fan can be operated in any of its modes. With each press of the button, the mode will change as indicated by the lit LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). The modes include low or high manual (the fan will constantly run) or low and high automatic (the fan will operate to maintain the set temperature displayed by the LED). The set temperatures include 60, 65, 70, 75 or 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The fan is turned off by either holding the button down for two seconds or continually pressing the button until the "Off" mode is reached (this is after High/80f).

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How do I clean my fan?
Follow the cleaning instructions found in your fan manual to care for your Holmes® Fan correctly and safely. Please remember: Always unplug the fan before cleaning. Many customers find vacuum cleaner brushes to be ideal fan blade cleaners. Do not allow water to drip on or enter the fan housing. Be sure to use a soft cloth moistened with a mild soap solution. Do not use any of the following as a cleaner: gasoline, thinner or benzene.

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What are the power requirements for a fan?
Your fan has to use 120 volts and 60 hertz. We do not recommend using any more or less as it will damage the unit.

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How long is the warranty good for on my fan?
It depends on the model and type of fan that you purchased. We recommend you check your owner's manual or original packaging for warranty information. To learn more about warranty information please contact 1 800-546-5637.

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How do I get new parts for my fan?
To order replacement parts for your fan please call 1 800-546-5637.

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What do I do if my window fan gets wet?
Although Holmes® window fans are resistant to light rain, if your fan gets wet, we recommend you to unplug it and let it dry before plugging it back in for use.

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What is CFM?
CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute. This is a measurement of how much air the fan moves. Be careful of claims made by manufacturers, as there is no industry standard on how to test CFM. Testing can be done in a wind tunnel, a vacuum, or open area. Each provides a different resistance to the fan blades and cannot be directly compared.

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Does the amount of blades a fan has make a difference in the output?
The quantity of blades does make a difference. The surface area and the angle or pitch of the blades can also affect the output of the fan.

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