The best duct fans for improving ventilation in your house

By 21Oak Published April 20, 2021

Also known as inline fans, these components are used in both residential and commercial ductwork installations to provide increased ventilation in long run sections, boost airflow, and enhance exhaust and radon mitigation efforts. Make sure you check out all the models we’ve compiled to find the perfect match to your heating, cooling, and ventilation needs.

When you have HVAC problems, the first step is to inspect the whole system to find out what are the causes contributing to reduced airflow and any other inefficiencies that might translate to dollars out of your pocket every month on energy bills. With these inexpensive solutions, you can increase the potency of airflow and return your HVAC to its full potential.

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AC Infinity CLOUDLINE Inline Duct Fan

Best Overall

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The AC Infinity CLOUDLINE Inline Duct Fan is at the forefront of performance and design. Created to boost airflow, transfer heating, and cooling as well as improving ventilation in hydroponic grow rooms. It has a PWM controlled electronically commutated motor for ultra-quiet and precise operation.

Hydrofarm Active Air Duct Fan

Best Ceramic-Coated

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The Hydrofarm Active Air Duct Fan is durable with a ceramic-coated metal housing. Its brushless, thermally protected motor features sealed bearings that never need lubrication. Mount it with the included brackets and improve the ventilation of any space.

VIVOSUN Inline Duct Ventilation Fan

Best Budget

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Give your ducts a breath of powerful air with the VIVOSUN 4-inch Inline Duct Ventilation Fan, a budget-friendly solution to your ventilation and HVAC needs. This energy-efficient and quiet model has a lightweight construction and is engineered for maximum boost with minimal noise.

Power up your exhaust capabilities or bring more fresh air and ventilate grow rooms, kitchens, and other rooms with this simple yet effective solution to improve airflow. We have researched the best duct fans and created this complete list with the top models for any ductwork you need to fix.

Topics

Repairs & Quick Fixes

Home Maintenance

How to fix laminate countertops without calling a professional

You may not need to hire the pros to get your counters looking new

Modern kitchen with porcelain countertops

If your laminate countertops are stained, dated, cracked, or damaged, they can be an eyesore. If you want to give your kitchen or bathroom a quick DIY facelift, addressing a drab-looking countertop is a great first step. If you feel your countertop is salvageable with some DIY love, however, here's how to fix laminate countertops without calling a professional.

While some minor damage or basic refinishing can go a long way, there is a certain point where the damage should be addressed by a professional. If your countertop has major cracks or stains and damage covering a large portion of the surface, it may be a good idea to call in some help to repair or replace it entirely.
Removing stains

Home Maintenance

How to eliminate that musty ‘basement’ smell

Mold and mildew are big basement problems, but they can be solved

Finished basement with wood paneling

Do you avoid spending time in your basement because of its unpleasant odors? Whether it's finished or not, basements are typically cool, damp, and have little airflow going through them, which are all factors that contribute to its musty smell. Unfortunately, it takes more than general cleaning practices and air fresheners to rid the space of mustiness for good. Take a look at some of these tried-and-true methods for how to get rid of musty smell in basement spaces, so you can keep it smelling light, airy, and fresh.
1. Find the culprit of the musty smell

If you smell that common musty stench, the culprit is often mold or mildew. Since basements tend to be damp and have little airflow, they are common hot spots for mold and mildew growth. The first step in preventing further growth by sealing any leaky spots and inefficient drains.
Leaking windows and doors
Check your basement's exterior doors and windows for signs of moisture. Since leaks on the first floor can often drain into the basement, check the windows and doors on the main floor as well. If you find moisture around these entry points from rain or condensation, re-seal the area or call a professional to repair it.
Leaking pipes
Whether pipes are visible in your basement or not, you need to check them regularly for leaks. Examine any water and sewage pipes for signs of leaks and repair any cracks or poor seals. If plumber's tape or epoxy putty can't repair the leak, it's time to call a professional.
Dried-up drains
Basement floor drains direct water out of the home to keep the floors dry and prevent them from flooding. The stagnant water in this drain also traps bad odors emanating from the sewage system below. However, these drains can dry up from infrequent use, releasing stench into the air. If you notice smells arising near your floor drains, just pour a few cups of water into the drain to block the gases from escaping.
2. Clean up the basement

Hacks & How-to's

Sanded vs. unsanded grout: How to know which one to use

Make sure you use the right materials for your tile project

Hand applying grout to glass tile.

Choosing the right grout for your tiling project can significantly impact both the aesthetic and durability of your work. The debate of sanded vs. unsanded grout is a common one among DIY regrouting enthusiasts and professionals alike. That's why we are going to explore the differences between these two types of grout, discuss the best applications for each, and provide tips on care and cost considerations.
Sanded vs. unsanded grout: What's the difference?

Sanded grout is composed of a cement-based mix that includes sand particles. The addition of sand helps make the grout more durable and less prone to shrinking, since the sand particles in the grout provide additional strength, making it less likely to crack over time.