Best Exhaust Fan for Garage [Ventilation]

Hot garage? Don’t worry, you’ll fix that problem right up with an exhaust fan!

The best exhaust fan for garage I could find was the Maxx Air Powerful Industrial Exhaust and Ventilation Fan. It comes in various sizes and it’s built to last.

If you’re on a budget, the KEN BROWN 12 Inch Variable Shutter Exhaust Fan is also a great choice.

Want to read the reviews? You’ll find them below.

Let’s cool down your garage!

Our Top Picks

Best Exhaust Fan for Garage

I love that this exhaust fan will take care of regulating the heat, fumes and smells inside of your garage. It’s made out of galvanized steel which will protect it from rust on the inside and outside.

When it’s not in operation, you have the ability to shutter the exterior. This is great for the winter times when you want to turn on your garage heater and stay warm. Once you’ve had enough of the heat, open the shutter back up and let all the built-up garage air outside.

You can decide between 14, 18, 24, and 36 inch models depending on how big your garage is. The bigger it is, the bigger the ventilation fan you want to help remove unwanted odors, humidity, and heat.

It also comes with a 1-year warranty that will keep you protected should anything go wrong.

It doesn’t come with a screen to keep out bugs but you can DIY one easily yourself. It can also be a bit loud. Be sure to measure in between the studs in your garage as well so you can install it without an issue.

I think if you’re OK with this fan being a little bit loud when in use but want a high-end exhaust fan for your garage, this is your best bet. Make sure you get the right size before you purchase and you should be set.

Best Heavy Duty Exhaust Fan for Garage

This heavy-duty garage exhaust fan will cut down your cooling costs if you decide to cool down your garage during the summer. With all the hot air being trapped inside of your garage, even a garage fan won’t be able to help you get the temperature down. The rooms adjacent to your garage will also enjoy lower temperatures, reducing the bill at the end of the month.

The motor is kept permanently lubricated for longevity and it’s fully enclosed so no birds and rodents can mess with your exhaust fan. It’s corrosion-resistant so it’ll hold up even when it gets wet.

Once you’ve had enough ventilation, you can turn the shutter down so you can heat your garage during the winter.

Some users report that the motor fan gets super hot which can lead to damage if left on during the extreme winter months. It gets a bit loud as well when using, so keep that in mind.

If you want to add in the variable speed controller, it can cause your unit to hum at an unreasonable rate. If you don’t care about the variable speed controller then this doesn’t become a deal breaker.

Once you install this bad boy you’ll be enjoying 20″ of heavy duty exhaust fan power. Even the biggest, hottest garage will be cooled down and give you the options to upgrade your garage’s air conditioning and heating.

Best Budget Exhaust Fan for Garage

I love the variable speed controller that this exhaust fan comes with. It’s going to give you the control you need when you need to remove heat, wood dust, smells, and humidity. During spring you may not need a full-speed exhaust fan annoying you, and with the controller, you’ll be able to decide how much it works and when.

You won’t have the annoying job of unplugging your exhaust fan when you want to turn it off, you can do that easily with the speed controller. You can also decide to run it without the speed controller but it will run at full speed if you wish to do so.

It’s made out of high-grade aluminum to prevent corrosion and it’s able to withstand moisture and high temperatures. You’ll want an exhaust fan that can withstand the elements and this housing does just that.

The shutters are automatic as well and close when the fan isn’t in operation. The more expensive options seem that they lack features compared to the value this garage exhaust fan offers.

The fan can vibrate at higher speeds over 80%.

This budget exhaust fan is a great choice to cool down your garage. Whether you’re after the variable speed controller or the automatic shutters, you’ll be able to cool down your garage in style.

What to Consider When Buying the Best Garage Exhaust Fan?

Ease of Installation

If you don’t have a garage exhaust fan that you can change out in your garage, it will require a bit of work. You’ll have to cut out a hole (ensuring that there aren’t any wires or plumbing in the way), then install the fan and wire it to your electrical system

This can all be an added cost that you’ll need to factor in for your search in the best garage exhaust fans.

AC controller

You’ll need to turn off your garage exhaust fan eventually and you’ll likely not want to do it manually. With the ability to add it to a speed control switch, you’ll be able to easily turn off your exhaust fan without having to get a ladder out.

This will allow you to also consider getting a remote so you can control your exhaust fan from anywhere.

Adjustable shutters

If you work in your garage during the winter, you’ll want to keep your exhaust fan closed to keep the cold air out. Adjustable shutters will allow you to restrict the air flow when it’s not in use, keeping your garage insualted.

Size

The space you have in your garage will determine the size of the exhaust fan you’ll need. For every 1000sq.ft, it’s recommended that you have 800CFM. So for a 400 square foot garage, you can get away with a 14″ fan. For larger garages or workshops, 18-30″ is recommended.

Warranty

Warranty is important when purchasing a garage exhaust fan as you want support if anything should go wrong within a year. With mechanical moving parts, items can get damaged in shipping and you won’t know until months of use.

Grill

A grill on the outside of the exhaust fan will ensure that no birds, rats or critters are able to make their way through into your garage (or even worse, get hurt by the exhaust fan). The smaller the holes, the less creepy crawlies will be able to get into your garage.

Garage Exhaust Fan FAQ

Is an exhaust fan good for a garage?

Exhaust fans are your first step to reducing fumes in your garage as well as making your garage a more enjoyable place. If you don’t have any fans or air conditioning in your garage, an exhaust fan will help move the hot, humid air outside.

An exhaust fan is also vital if you do any type of work with chemicals, like car oils, grease, or even woodworking. You want to breathe in fresh air, and unless you want to keep your garage door open, an exhaust fan will remedy the problem.

What size exhaust fan do I need for my garage?

It’s recommended for every 400 square feet of space, you have an 800-1000CFM exhaust fan. To check your exact requirements, you can use this calculator. You want around 6-8 air exchanges for a garage.

What is the difference between ventilation fan and exhaust fan?

Ventilation fans move clean air into an enclosed space from an outside source. An exhaust fan works to remove the inside air of your home or commercial space.

How effective is exhaust fan?

An exhaust fan can lower the temperature by up to 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit. This is comparable to adding air conditioning all while ventilating your garage as well as costing much less money!

Before you spend any money on an expensive garage air conditioner, an exhaust fan is what I would suggest.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for the best exhaust fan for garage, then you’ll enjoy the Maxx Air Powerful Industrial Exhaust and Ventilation Fan. It comes in various sizes so make sure you get the right size for your garage.

On a budget? Then the KEN BROWN 12 Inch Variable Shutter Exhaust Fan is a great budget buy that should fit right into any garage. The variable speed controller is a nice touch as well as the automatic shutters.

Learn more about ventilating your garage and how to cool down your garage.