bit-tech Shopping: Lasko #2155A 3 Speed Window Fan

Rating: 8

Time with product: 3 Days

Strengths: Effective, easy to install, quiet on low.

Weaknesses: Quality varies, no timer or temperature control

Summary: Bought from Home Depot online, when tested have strange clicking noise when in exhaust mode. RMAed and exchanged for a 2nd one, then everything is fine. Since I am only using it to ventilate my bedroom, only low setting is commonly used, very quiet with good airflow. The room is on the top floor with bad ventilation, at night the AC was unable to cool the room to even outside temperature. Now with the fan installed, I am finally able to sleep comfortably. Would be nice if it has timer or temperature control, now I just turn it off before I go to sleep.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 15 Years

Strengths: Power of fan, volume of air moved, quietness of fan motor. Cheaper than air conditioning. Ability to close window in inclement weather.

Weaknesses: Fan housing subject to occasional vibration. Will not help if the relative humidity is high. A little tough to clean.

Summary: This is a great fan. I have owned 6 over the years and am very happy with them. I am currently buying another as my last one finally has lived its useful life and is ready for recycling. The fan is easy to install and the ability to close the window behind the fan in stormy weather is an absolute plus. The electricity usage is substantially lower than using air conditioning, a nice money saving option. I like the volume of air it can move and the reversible fan direction feature. By using 2 to 3 of these fans at once in my home, in a coordinated fashion, the resulting air movement has had the same air moving effect as using a smaller wholehouse fan, but without the installation cost or hassles. There are one or two areas for improvement. Even with the best installation, over time the plastic housing can vibrate and make an annoying sound. Over the years I found that installing paper "shims" between the areas of vibration will eliminate the noise. Additionally, the fan and housing will build up dust or other debris during its use each season. To really clean the fan properly, I disassemble it each year to clean it. It is not hard to do but it takes a little time to perform a thorough job. I also remember when these fans and housings were built out of all metal instead of plastic. While the plastic is lighter and easier to install, it doesn't recycle well. I wish they (Lasko) would bring back the metal version as a more environmentally friendly material for recycling the fan. Finally, if you are in a really humid atmosphere, the fan is helpful but you will really need an air conditioner to be more comfortable. In general, if you are in the market for a larger window fan, this is a great product, the price is right and I would recommend it to anyone.