Are Window Fans Safe in the Rain?

Window fans have been used for decades as an affordable way to help cool down your home on warm days, without having to turn on your air conditioner full time.

Are window fans safe in the rain?

It depends on the fan. Most window fan manuals say to keep the fan away from water. Lasko and Air King manuals warn that using the fan in a wet location may create a shock hazard. A few models are sold as weather resistant, such as the Vornado Transom. Check the manual for the exact model. In heavy rain or a storm, turn the fan off, unplug it, and close the window.

In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about window fans and rain.

Are Window Fans Safe in Light Rain?

Some window fans can handle light rain, but many manuals say to keep the fan away from water.

Protection varies by model. Air King lists a totally enclosed motor on its 9166F. Vornado describes the Transom as weather resistant, with a UV protected enclosure. Lasko says the Weather-Shield motor on its Power Plus box fan allows use in a window during minor rain. Other manuals, including the one for Lasko’s W09550 twin window fan, say not to use the fan near water or wet locations.

If the manual does not say the fan can be used in rain, treat it as a fan that needs to stay dry.

Are Window Fans Safe in Heavy Rain?

Window fans are not safe in heavy downpours or stormy weather.

Window fans are not designed to withstand the level of moisture they may face in very heavy rain.

Strong wind can push on a fan that is not firmly installed, so make sure the fan is secure in the window. Water is also an electrical risk. Lasko and Air King manuals warn that using the fan in a wet location may create a shock hazard.

Turn off and unplug the window fan during heavy rain. Vornado’s safety instructions also say to power off and unplug during electrical storms.

You may even want to remove your window fan and close your window to stop rain from getting into your room or house.

Plug a window fan straight into a wall outlet. Lasko and Air King manuals say to avoid extension cords and power strips, because they may overheat and cause a fire hazard. The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) says a GFCI should be used in any indoor or outdoor area where water may come into contact with electrical products. Do not use a fan that has been damaged.

Read: Can Fans Hurt You?

Are Window Fans Safe in Freezing Rain and Snow?

Window fans should not be used in freezing rain and snow.

If you use a window fan in cold temperatures, the fan will either suck cold air into your house or blow hot air out of your house.

You probably don’t want either circumstance.

In winter, it’s better to unplug and remove your window fan from your window and use your heater.

How To Make a Window Fan Safe in the Rain (4 Good Ways)

There are at least four ways to make your window fan safe to use in the rain.

1. Choose a window fan that the maker describes as weather resistant.
2. Take the fan out of the window, or cover it only when it is switched off and unplugged.
3. Use the fan’s built-in timer if it has one, but do not rely on it to react to rain.
4. Use a window fan with a storm guard mount that lets the window close behind it.

Use a Weather-Resistant Window Fan

Makers use terms such as weather resistant. Vornado lists a weather-resistant case on its Transom window fan, and Lasko uses the name Weather-Shield for the motor on some box fans.

Weather resistant does not mean waterproof. Lasko limits its Weather-Shield claim to use in a window during minor rain.

Even if you live in a dry climate, it’s always possible for a rainstorm to come through.

Even with a weather-resistant fan, follow the maker’s instructions and unplug it in heavy rain or storms.

Wrap Your Window Fan in Plastic

You can also keep your window fan dry by wrapping it in plastic when you’re not using it (in rainy or colder weather).

This is a last resort. Taking the fan out of the window and closing the window is the simpler choice.

Whether the fan can stay in place during light rain depends on what its manual says.

But if it is pouring or there is a storm, you’ll want to protect the fan blades and motor from excess moisture.

You can wrap your window fan in plastic by using zip ties or duct tape to secure a heavy-duty garbage bag around the fan.

Only cover a fan that is switched off and unplugged, and take the cover off before running it again.

You only need to protect the side of the fan facing outside of your house.

Another option is to purchase a window fan cover.

Use a Timer

If you’re not comfortable using your window fan in the rain, you can always use a timer to turn it off.

Some window fans have a built-in timer. The Lasko W09550 twin window fan, for example, has a timer that can be set up to 8 hours. A timer only switches the fan off after a set time. It does not know when rain starts.

A plug-in timer is another option, but check the fan’s manual first. Lasko’s W09550 manual says to avoid extension cords, power strips, power taps or other cord connected devices.

A plug-in timer sits between the wall outlet and the plug and switches the power on and off at set times.

Smart timer plugs connect to your phone, mobile device, or smart speaker.

What Is a Window Fan Storm Guard?

Lastly, you can get a window fan with a storm guard feature.

Air King calls this feature Storm Guard. The company says it lets the window be closed behind the fan during inclement weather. Turn the fan off first. Air King’s manual says not to close the windows while the fan is in operation.

After removing the fan from the window, this is the next best option.

The only reason it is not the first option is that it may require you to buy a new window fan. Not everyone can afford to drop cash on a new fan (at least not right away).

What To Do If Your Window Fan Gets Wet

If your window fan gets wet, unplug it and let it dry completely before using it again.

This gives you the best chance to avoid any potential damage to the motor or other electrical parts of the fan.

Follow these steps:

• Keep the fan unplugged while it dries
• Place your window fan in a warm, dry place
• Do not point a space heater at the fan. ESFI says heaters must be kept at least three feet away from anything that can burn
• Check the cord and plug for damage before using the fan again

For appliances that have been in a flood, ESFI says to have an electrician inspect them, and not to turn them on or plug them in unless an electrician says it is safe. If the fan was soaked or water got into the motor housing, contact the manufacturer or replace the fan.

If you’re still not sure if your fan is safe to use, consult the manufacturer’s instructions.

Which Window Fans Work Best in Wet Weather?

Two features help in wet weather: a mount that lets the window close behind the fan, and a case the maker describes as weather resistant.

Air King says its Storm Guard system lets the window be closed behind the fan in bad weather. Its window fans are not sold as wet-rated. The Air King instruction sheet says not to use the fan outdoors or near water or wet locations.

Air King makes the Air King 9166F 20″ Whole House Window Fan, which comes with the storm guard feature.

Air King lists the 9166F at 3,560 CFM on high, with a 20-inch blade and a 1/6 HP totally enclosed motor.

Final Thoughts: Are Window Fans Safe in the Rain?

The bottom line: Window fans are a great way to keep cool during the warm months of the year. If you have one, make sure it’s kept dry: check its manual before using it in rain, and turn it off, unplug it, and close the window in heavy rain or storms.

Read this next:

• Is It Safe To Sleep With a Fan in the Window?
• What Is a Window Fan?
• Is It Better To Have a Window Fan Blowing In or Blowing Out?
• Can Fans Get Wet?

Sources

Air King (window fans)
Air King (9166 instructions)
Lasko (W09550 twin window fan manual)
Lasko (Power Plus 20 in. box fan)
Vornado (Transom)
Vornado (important safety instructions)
ESFI (ground fault circuit interrupters)
ESFI (flood electrical safety)
ESFI (space heater safety tips)
Bob Vila (best window fans)
Advanced Functional Materials (journal article)

Reviewed October 2026. We corrected the main answer (most window fan manuals say to keep the fan away from water), removed the claim that Air King fans are wet-rated, replaced unsupported drying tips, and added shock, extension cord and GFCI guidance, using Air King, Lasko, Vornado and ESFI.