Should I point my box fan in or out?

It depends on conditions. When outdoor air is cooler than indoor (typically evenings), point the fan inward to bring in cool air. During the day when it's hotter outside, point it outward to exhaust hot indoor air. Using two fans in different windows gives the best results.

How much electricity does a box fan use?

A standard 20-inch box fan uses about 50-75 watts, costing roughly $0.30-0.60 per month at 8 hours daily. That's significantly less than air conditioning and can reduce your AC usage when conditions allow.

Best Box Fans for Window 2026