Honeywell HW-628 Twin Window Fan Reviews

• Better quality than Holmes

  
  By A1MJDI0S9BQ9K7 on 2005-03-08
  I got three different brands to test. One was this model, another was a Holmes (with digital display), and another was a brand called Hawaiian Breeze. The Honeywell was bar far the better quality unit, even though it was between the price ranges of the other two. The fan motors did not have an annoying hum like the Holmes model. And instead of the extension that clumsily slips on the left of the other two units I tested, the Honeywell model had built-in extensions in both sides. Also, the unit seemed more powerful than the other two, especially in the high-setting. On the lowest setting, it was very quiet, but not moreso than the other models. The construction quality was also better, with heavier-duty plastic. This model also included a metal bracket to mount the unit sideways should you have sliding rather than double-hung windows...a nice touch. I wish the extensions were a few inches longer and the whole unit a few inches shorter to accomodate a wider-range of windows. Although it indicates a maximum width of 38 inches, it fit in my 40-inch window fine without any gaps.
  
  

• EXCELLENT product for what it's intended to do.

  
  By A2OR94VN7XQCUO on 2006-11-19
  Sadly I bought this item from a link in google that took me to Amazon and didn't list all the sources ON Amazon that sold it. I ended up paying $15 or so more than necessary for it, since Their price was more than Target's SHIPPED price. I bought it at Beach Audio, through Amazon for $33.07 with a shipping charge of $14.35, for a final price of $47.42. Had I realized I should have RE-searched on Amazon for the brand and model number I would have found it from Target at the $25 listed price and shipping under $7!!! A substantial savings.
  
  HOWEVER, sad as I am that I could have saved a few of my Social Security bucks, I'm totally amazed at the job this tiny fan is doing for me. Here's my situation, and though I'm sure yours is quite different, you can see the value of the appliance:
  
  I'm a retired person, living upstairs in a tiny living quarters with someone else living downstairs who is in control of the heating and cooling of the house. During the fall and spring when it's nice outside, the house heat is turned on and migrates upward to become trapped in my tiny living quarters. If I open a window, the heat goes out and the heating system comes back on to make more, I'm sure this causes their electric bill to skyrocket. I found that if I become uncomfortable, I can close my door and my air conditioning vent and crack a window for fresh air, allowing the heat transmitted through the floor to warm the room. This works pretty well, but sometimes not much air comes in the window... and occasional birds and insects to find their way in.
  
  The little Honeywell fit one of my windows perfectly and can be set to quietly blow air in and out at the same time, and it's thermostatically controlled so it can hold the room at exactly the temperature I like. If I want to smoke a cigar or my pipe, I can set it to exhaust through both fans, or to circulate in and out faster, so I don't have to worry about poluting the air throughout the house (be sure the door and a/c vent are closed before doing this, they WILL notice :).
  
  The fan blades are plastic, but well enough made so the low setting is not objectionable at all. I had tried a 20" box fan to exhaust air before, but that was extremely noisy even at the lowest setting. The low setting on this one makes no more noise than my computer fan and still moves air so well I immediately feel the fresh air.
  
  I paid too much for it, but it's worth twice the price to me. I'm a happy old man and very pleased with my purchase. I hope it lasts a long time!
  
  

• Real Quality Unit

  
  By A2XKKLPSVFSE3S on 2005-06-23
  We searched on the net for a week, and had given up when we saw the Honeywell unit at CVS on special. We got one and we liked it so much we picked up three more! It is very quiet, powerful and the temperature controls work great. Very solid unit and no rattles or hum like some others we saw and tried. We figure by using these when it cools off outside in the evenings we will save a bundle on air conditioning, which we now use only when it stays hot out at night here in New Jersey. We are only sorry our windows in the office are too narrow for this unit, so we will have to find another solution there.
  
  

• Minimum rough opening dimensions

  
  By A25HYMHZGT5REK on 2005-06-23
  The unit is 12.5" high and 24" wide, so your window must be at LEAST that big to fit this in.
  
  I couldn't find this information anywhere, so I called Uncle Joe's, who pointed me at Honeywell, 800 382 6693, and they answered my questions.
  
  I don't have the product yet but I ordered one based on people's positive comments.
  
  

• Works fine, but it's definitely not quiet

  
  By A29RA5PG7YH6XU on 2006-04-27
  A window fan is a good way to circulate air and help keep the room cool at a low cost. Although this unit does work and is well built for the cost, by no means can this unit be called quiet.
  
  At the lowest setting, it has a very audible whine which is high pitched enough to prevent me from sleeping or watching TV at night. The speed settings are all far too high.
  
  It is powerful and gets the job done, but for me, it's worthless.
  
  
• Not too bad
  By ARCF0SRWOXANJ on 2006-05-10
  I ordered this unit to replace an older Honeywell window fan that I now have running in my attic. On this new unit, I especially like being able to independently control the fans. Thus I can run either one or two fans, and I can have them both running the same direction or have them running in opposite directions. I also like the louvres that allow some degree of directionality with the air.
  
  The first unit I received had an annoying rattle in one of the fans. I immediately RMA'd it for another unit (kudos to Amazon for a quick turnaround on the return/replacement). The replacement unit also seemed to have the rattle, but after it runs for a few minutes, the rattle goes away.
  
  The plastic used for the casing seems a bit thin and makes it look cheap. Fortunately, it doesn't have any bearing on how the fan functions.
  
  The noise level isn't much different than my old fan with both blades running, but the ability to turn off one blade makes it much more usable at night.
  
  Overall I'm satisfied with it. I'd say the construction could be improved upon, but the functionality it offers makes it much nicer than a more "basic" window fan unit.
  
  
• Fatal flaw
  By A1YY31B3A012VF on 2008-06-03
  Holmes twin fans for my solarium gave up after 15 years of daily operation with no problems. Honeywell fans looked good in pictures, but have huge design flaw: the motors are positioned outside the window frame so screens must be removed (Holmes fans mounted inside). Bug City! Also, side gap fillers must be locked in place from outside (OK for me on 1st floor)as opposed to Holmes single sided ratchet lock. Fan top and bottom mounting rail gap was too narrow to fit my hung window frame, so it precariously rests on top.
  
  
• Worked fine for 5 weeks :-(
  By AIOWBGF4UTM13 on 2006-05-31
  Great little fan. I like the ability to blow air in via one fan and out with the other. After five weeks one of the fans died. After shipping it'll cost half of what I already paid for the fan using the 5 year warrenty.
  PS I've been on the phone for 30min while I write this trying to get a return authorization. Now they tell me that the office is closed? Boooo!
  
  
• Basic product information is missing
  By A1KJTSPOIO9V2M on 2006-07-15
  I own a house which will be 200 years old in 8 years. I need window fans for the upstairs, which gets extremely hot and stuffy. Due to the age of my house, the windows are quite narrow (22 1/2 inches wide). Nowhere in any of the reviews, nor in the product description, is the MINIMUM width of this fan displayed. The maximum width is mentioned, but not the minimum. Shouldn't it be?? If the minimum width of the fan is too wide for my (or anyone else's) windows, then I can't use it!
  
  
• Deficiencies in quality and design
  By A1TOTNGNOM0JCU on 2007-06-11
  My unit also rattles, because the plastic parts consisting of the blades and the cones to which they are attached are somewhat warped and therefore out of balance.
  
  The blades of an exhaust fan should be in a circular opening with only a small gap between the blades and the edge of the opening, to prevent back flow. The blades of these fans are mounted an inch in front of their circular openings, not inside them, so some of the air they blow out gets into the blades from the sides, not from the room. This design wastes electricity and requires a noisier speed to exhaust a given amount of air.
  
  I use this unit to ventillate my basement. I would not want to have it where I would hear it.
  
  I should say though, the fan costs less than it would cost just to mail it back to China, so I should not complain. The instruction book even lets you know that Honeywell merely sold its name to the actual manufacturer.
  
  
• Annoying Rattle
  By A3QFZ8FZPWE18R on 2006-05-07
  I purchased this fan and really like the overall design. I like that you can remove the grills for cleaning and it is pretty compact. But one fan is "quiet" and the other has an extreme rattle. Unfortunately, I already threw out the box, so I can't return it. I have to replace this item and will be hesitant to buy another product from this manufacturer.
  
  
• Life changer
  By A15L5XLMF3V803 on 2006-07-21
  I bought this fan for my apartment in Los Angeles, the bedroom would always get hot at night, even though temperatures outside had dropped to around 70 degrees. I bought this fan, installed it in a snap, and have been amazed at the difference it makes.
  
  Be warned that if it's hot outside, it won't be that much cooler in your bedroom, but if you live in a place like LA where your apartment is usually hotter than outside, this fan is absolutely perfect...
  
  
• Powerful and Quiet
  By A2PFK3F717KLIC on 2007-05-23
  I bought the Honeywell HW-628 last summer; and it is my perfect fan. Having tried several kinds of floor-standing and window fans (including a Bionaire with a thermostat), *this* one cools me off better than any I have ever used.
  
  The features are as listed on the product webpage. I love having the ability to adjust the speed and direction of both fans. The product is mechanically very well put-together, sits in a window well, does *fairly* well for rain (but I would take it in for driving rain), and best of all cools me off. I can actually feel a gentle breeze from it (from across the room) that actually cools me (and the room) even though it feels so gentle.
  
  I always use mine on high with one fan as exhaust and one pulling air in. I find mine to be extremely quiet. On high as I use it, it does "have a note", e.g. an audible pitch to it, rather than having no discernible pitch. This does not bother me, and mine is more quiet than the majority of fans I try out in the stores, or have purchased.
  
  If these characteristics appeal to you, I recommend you try it out. You can probably find them at brick-and-mortar stores too (where it is easier to return if you don't like something;-)
  
  
• Good size, reasonable quality in a window fan
  By A1IU7S4HCK1XK0 on 2006-06-16
  We have a Panasonic thin format fan and it's perfect except for it's shape; we try to wedge it into the window to make it work as a window fan. Here, the Honeywell is much better for that application; twin fans can be independently operated and the size fits most up-and-down opening windows. So think: if you have those side-to-side opening windows, this may not be for you. Or if you have casement windows. However, if you have traditional sash windows and want to save energy, consider this fan.
  
  I'd rate the noise output as medium loud, the air moving ability as average to good. We find this brand acceptable compared to Holmes, which are found all over but as fans, are rather feeble.
  
  Fans can reduce your energy bill if nights are cool or days are cool enough that moving air suits the temperature (70's to low 80's, say.) Also, if nights are cool, your AC may not go on if you have it set to a reasonable temperature, and your bedroom can become stuffy. This is an inexpensive way to cool a room and save on air conditioning costs.
  
  
• Powerful & Reliable
  By A2QHASR3LUQX3H on 2006-06-30
  Compared to the other more "expensive" & "digitaly controled" fans I bought before, this one looks bland. But don't be fooled by the looks. Its excellant value for money. Individual controls for each fan. Good build quality. Fairly quiet fan motors. Keeps my cooling bill low.
  
  
• A good fan
  By A28EV5GVJ5392I on 2007-03-10
  I have been using this fan for extended periods on a daily basis for several months now. It seems to be built for a lot of use. It's fairly quiet on the lowest setting, and has a whole lot of power on the higher settings. It does have two problems that I've noticed so far. The extendable wings on the sides are too small to provide much of a seal with the window at the top and the window casing/frame at the bottom. This isn't much of a problem unless using the fan for exhaust in the dead of winter. Also, the fan is of sufficient power to suck all of the dust out of the room, whereupon it builds up on the inside of the fan housing. The designers did not provide an easy way of opening the housing for cleaning. I haven't tackled this problem yet, and hope that I don't inadvertently break it when I do.
  
  
• Inconsistent quality: it might rattle
  By A20TXSAUI5O627 on 2007-08-09
  Before I purchased this fan from Amazon, I read the reviews and saw that people were really happy with this fan but some people thought the fan was loud. I figured that the unhappy reviewers might have high expectations and they weren't being met. Fans make noise, right? How bad could it be?
  
  I got the fan, plugged it in, and turned one of the two fans on. It was very quiet and this made me happy. I turned the other fan on and it was also quiet. Great. After a few seconds the second fan started to rattle. I turned the fan off and tried it again. It still rattles. I didn't want to return it, so I tried this out for an hour or two. I changed my mind -- the rattling sound is so annoying that I really should go through the hassle to mail this back to Amazon.
  
  Day 2: I tried this fan out again and now both fans rattle. The first fan rattles less than the second fan, but it looks like this problem could get worse over time. From reading other reviews, apparently you could get a fan that doesn't have this defect, or you could exchange this fan until you get one that's good. But if some defective units are getting to customers, that alone is enough for me to recommend against buying this. Don't waste your time on this fan. If you plan to buy this anyway, go to a local store so you can return it right away if you get a defective one.
  
  
  
• Not perfect, but a good product
  By A242BFY5BL659U on 2006-08-27
  Exhaust is not it's strong point (I think the window screen reduces efficiency), but it pulls in fresh air very well. It is very versatile, each fan is controlled independently by a dial with three speeds and "off." Each fan also has a Forward/Reverse switch. Both fans are controlled by the thermostat (a separate, On/Off Master switch would be nice). I can sleep with them on low, but I wake up when it shuts off (then I appreciate the quite). It does not fit my sliding, vinyl window opening very well (understatement).
  The bracket supplied for sliding windows, could not be installed on my window frame as instructed. But installing it up side down (tightly) on the fan unit, and wedging it into the window casing, prevented it from falling out of the window. To find the Alternate Bracket, mentioned in the Instructions for Installing Casement or Sliding Windows, you are directed to the Parts Available page, which directs you to go to a web page for a List of Available Parts, where, after some searching, you find a part number (DW-628-2), then directs you to call a number, which you call to find out the Alternate Bracket is no longer available.
  
  There are no grill covers to prevent hot air from entering during the day, so the fan must be removed and reinstalled every day. Since it fits so poorly in my window, and will fall out if not installed just right, is a not a workable solution.
  
  I've been racking my brain trying to come up with some way to fit it to my window, make it air tight and insulated, and fit the window with a jimmy bar for security - so it can be permanently installed through the summer. To fit it properly inside the window opening, would require cutting off all the odd and irregular shaped plastic extrusions, framing it with wood and angle aluminum, and making an insulated cover for during the day.
  
  After messing around with it for a couple of weeks, a new idea hit me. Why not install the fan in front of the window opening - not in the window opening - with enough clearance so the window could be opened and closed? That's as good as it's going to get. It's permanent (for the summer), allows me to open and close the window any time, and it's secure. I cut the jimmy bar 2 inches shorter, but the window still won't open far enough to allow someone to get in. It does loose some efficiency the more gaps there are between inside and out, but I can live with that (I don't use exhaust, that would probably suffer more).
  
  As I studied the window and fan anew, I noticed that one of the Side Panels, was not locking into place. There was a flange of metal on the Tab, which protruded and caught on the plastic, preventing the Tab from closing down on the Side Panel. I looked it over and determined it would be best to take the fan apart and fix it from the back side. After all, I didn't want to force thing and possibly damage it.
  
  That should have been a very simple fix. Just open the case, and bend the metal flange back with needle nose pliers. So I got a Phillips head screw driver and started to take out the screws. The problem is, they intentionally use special screws, which are designed to not be unscrewed by the customer.
  
  Since when, did Americans become such incompetent boobs (feebs, namby pambys, whatever), that we can't be trusted to take the cover off a fan? What? I'm supposed to pack it up during the hot summer, ship it, and wait (for who knows how long), to get a stink'en, errant, little flange of metal bent back into shape?
  
  So I got out my Allen wrenches and managed to remove one screw. Upon further study I decided on a new course of action. In order to take it apart, you must get a "Screw out" tool ($20, 3 piece set at Sears) that removes screws with damaged heads (size #6 - #8). Then, to make room for the tool to get in, drill out the screw wells on the fan with a 19/64 drill bit. Then insert the hex-head screw-out bit, into a hex-head screwdriver (sometimes found in socket sets or multi blade screw driver sets - you can also get one at Sears). Extract the old screws, destroy them, and replace them (gently) with #6 x 1/2" Pan Head Phillips screws. Now you know how to open it, if needs be.
  
  A few suggestions to Honeywell:
  1) Drill a few holes in the Side Panels in the ends. Change the installation instructions for Sliding Windows, to "If possible, mount in front of the window opening, with enough clearance so the window can be opened and closed without interference from the fan. Screw the bottom Side Panel to the window sill, and secure the top. In my case, I drilled a few holes in the Top Side Panel and secured it to the frame of the vertical bind using cable ties.
  
  2) Give us Americans our dignity back, and put removable screws in your fans. You can add another warning to your list of 17: "Warning: Do not over tighten screws."
  
  
• Not bad for the price,...does offer adjustable direction screens
  By A3L6L5O89JTX2T on 2007-05-25
  This is an inexpensive unit, but does cool down a room in no time. It is fairly quiet on the lower settings and is nicely made. You can't go wrong with this investment. It comes with a window guard that you can screw into the side of the window frame but this does little to help the unit really. It does allow it to be locked in better if the winds were to kick up. But not really necessary. Id buy another and recommend it to friends and family.
  
  
• honeywell window fan
  By A2GLCQ909IJXW0 on 2007-05-27
  fits my older apartment window well
  easy to install
  works efficiently and quietly
  does a great job on a 650sq.ft.studio apartment
  
  
• Impressive fan - well constructed
  By A2YLLFSLLIKV89 on 2007-06-08
  I have now purchased three of these fans - they are perfect for unusual window shapes, like found in my 105 yrs old home. Very quiet and they move air well. Only complaint is that occasionally the thermostat will cycle the fan on right after going off - and then run for less than a minute. Window install kit is one of the best I have seen and allows the fan to be installed horizontally or vertically.
  Living in a home with no AC - I have gone through many window fans. I highly recommend this one.
  
  
• Great fan
  By APIOSJLCE63T1 on 2007-06-10
  Simple to install, masks the noises of the upstairs neighbors and brings in great night air. Great price. I am ordering another one. Love it. I wish I had more to say about a fan, but I don't. It's a fan.........
  
  
• poorer quality control than Duracraft model it replaced
  By A139OJY9A81DQJ on 2007-08-30
  I bought these Honeywell window fans because photos indicate that they're identical to a pair of Duracrafts that served me well for many years, and which I can't find available new.
  
  Well, the HW-628s aren't as good. I might just have gotten unlucky, but the two I ordered both have left side fans that rattle slightly but bothersomely during operation. Not enough to persuade a busy person to stick them back in the boxes and send them back to Amazon, but still -- it's annoying, and the fact that the same problem occurred in both fans I received suggests that other prospective buyers might want to be careful before ordering.
  
  No complaints about delivery or packaging. My problem is with the product.
  
  
• Perfect
  By A2DS43IE6BOO0R on 2008-05-14
  Very powerful for a small twin fan.
  Exhaust kicks just as well as intake.
  Can blow in & exhaust simultaneously.
  Side panels extend & lock in small steps, so no worries about the panels
  sliding back in towards the fan when you're mounting it.
  
  As for the noise ??
  I have it kicking now both fans on the turbo-mode & it's quieter than
  any previous fan i've ever had.
  
  A quick tip for muffling sound.
  Fit the fan by extending both sides.
  Cut a few strips of insulation to fit all of the way across.
  on the top & bottom of the fan in the window Then close the ledge fairly tightly onto the fan.
  Add a few tiny pieces of duct tape to seal
  the tiny spaces.
  The insulation absorbs much of the vibration which results in a quieter fan.
  This also makes for an air tight installation thus allowing for a real
  vacuum effect for drawing in or exhaust
  
  
• Love it!!
  By AVOKK8Z6YHTT2 on 2006-06-06
  My room gets really hot in the evenings and my mom found this fan at CVS on sale and it works great! It is very quiet and took me less than 5 minuets to get it in my window. I just slipped it right in! This fan made my room cooler within minuets! I really recommend this product!
  
  
• Fly blender and Fan in One
  By A2MS942W5ZZECW on 2006-06-14
  This fly blender has a compact plastic two tow electric fan made of cemented ream beacons which divide one part from the next. Intended to be used in homes or cramped zoo cages, placed ideally near a fishing aquarium, it blends up roving insects that happen to fly in the "zone". In 2 years you empty the bag and feed it to the birds or fish, add some salt and then replace the bag. Has enough energy to dry a car battery dead in one month and enough dead fly capacity rarely seen in third world droughts.
  
  
• Bought Two, Both Great
  By A7VI87WR7V4JR on 2006-07-09
  Most other reviews I read before buying mine were positive, but a couple said they were a little louder than they would like. I mentioned I bought two because both circulate air like little champions and do it without making a lot of noise, even at higher speeds. If I needed to purchace additional fans for other rooms, I would get more of the same. Very satisfied.
  
  
• No Pull
  By A3J6CRIXB2TWLF on 2006-08-22
  Was disappointed in the exhaust. The main reason I purchased the fan was to draw the smoke from my bedroom. I only smoke in my bedroom to save the rest of the house. It is not as powerful as reviewed and has developed a rattle.
  
  
• Wonderful Window Fan
  By A1QZTYW4TX7UIX on 2006-10-27
  I would have loved to give this fan four and 3/4 stars but since the only option was four or five and I didn't think it was perfect I choose four stars. I really like just about everything about this fan.
  
  The only issue I have found are that you can't have the fan blow straight forward. It must be at an angle. That is not really a big issue but it can be a little irritating. In our house we try to put the window fan so that it will pull air through the house and since the window in directly in front of the door out of the room it would work better if it would blow straight ahead.
  
  The other issue I have encountered with this fan is that once you pull the side out, and I like that they are both just pulled out of the case, they are not exactly easy to get back in. There are two tabs on the back that you have to pull out and then you have to push the side back in. If you have three arms it would be easy or the best option is just have someone help you but if you are trying to do this by yourself plan on pushing it against a surface to get it to go back in and since it does have a little weight it is ackward to even do that.
  
  Like I said I like the fan that it has two switches, one for each fan, and I really like the thermostat that you can put at a certain level and it will shut the fan off or turn it on to cool the room down.
  
  
• The quietest, best window fan I have found
  By A3RM1T2Y3ICX89 on 2007-03-28
  I have searched the internet and stores extensively for window fans and this one is the best I have found. I even bought and tried various ones rated high at consumer reports or other well known stores and found nothing better or more quiet than this. I smoke in the house but hate the smell and I leave this one on constantly with no problems. It is a little difficult to clean and every 2 years I buy another. In the winter I simply cover one of fan holes with a paper plate to avoid drafts. In the summer w/ variable exhaust or intake modes & 3 speeds for each fan it works great. Wish it was more stylish and had the ability to regulate the opening size per fan.
  
  

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