If you want to control this with Google Home, just give up and wait for the manufacturer to come out with a Google Home version.This is Alexa-only, and if you aren't an Alexa user you must become one.Yes, it's quiet and easy to install, but it's NOT convenient to operate through Alexa. Not just once, but every time I want to make a change, I have to start up the Alexa app, then go through several screens asking to configure my whole house for Alexa, make phone calls, recognize my voice, etc., just to change the fan speed or direction. I'm glad I haven't installed Alexa anywhere else in my home.I'm still considering returning it. Truly a shame that the Vornado design team made the short-sighted decision to go back a few years in time to single-vendor home automation, with Alexa only.This device also doesn't work with Matter.UPDATE April 7th: I am returning it. Too bad Vornado didn't make the right SMART HOME design decision!

Purchasing the Vornado TRANSOM AE Window Fan has been a noteworthy upgrade to our household, especially with its Alexa integration and versatility. Initially, I was hesitant due to the high volume of returns and availability of used-like new stock, but my concerns were quickly addressed once I received the product.The fan arrives with foam spacers designed to accommodate various window widths, including measurements for 1, 2, and 4-inch blocks, providing two of each. However, I encountered a minor setback with a 1/4” gap on one side and a deeper recessed window that didn't support the bottom foam adequately. These issues necessitated a bit of DIY ingenuity. By custom cutting some spare foam and using white duct tape, I managed to achieve a seamless fit, enhancing the fan's appearance and functionality. This process, though requiring some effort, underscores that the fan isn't simply a "drop-in" solution but rather one that may need some customization for perfect integration.The fan's voice control feature via Alexa is a standout, offering convenience and easy integration into our smart home ecosystem. Despite a slight learning curve with the voice commands—particularly the preference for the term "intake" over "direct" for inward airflow—the functionality works flawlessly, greatly improving ventilation in our bathroom. This feature has been particularly useful for exhausting steam from showers and ensuring a comfortable environment during other bathroom activities.The airflow capability of this fan is impressive, effectively circulating air across a considerable distance within our bathroom. This has proven invaluable for cooling and ventilation, especially during tasks like hair straightening that generate additional heat.While the price point is higher than standard window fans, the unique features and smart home compatibility justify the investment. It's a premium solution that, with a bit of creativity and effort in installation, seamlessly blends into our daily routines, providing both comfort and convenience.In summary, the Vornado TRANSOM AE Window Fan, despite its initial setup challenges, has proven to be a valuable addition to our home. Its smart features, effective ventilation, and adaptability make it a worthwhile purchase for those willing to invest in enhancing their home's comfort and convenience.

As the title says, this works fine--well, even--blowing air in either direction.But there are a lot of "quality of life" concerns I have that I did not anticipate (and think others should be aware of) based on the listing information.1) Installation kit is lacking - If your window does not exactly fit the dimensions of the fan or the fan + the provided foam blocks, you're high and dry. I fortunately had lots of leftover insulation foam and HVAC tape from installing portable ACs so I was able to cover or fill in gaps as needed. Having looked closely at my seal during installation, it seems like some unwanted gaps are nearly guaranteed by the "inverted U" shape on top of the unit (provided materials do nothing to address this).2) Assuming you've gone the extra mile to get a proper seal around the unit, there are major energy efficiency concerns. ***There does not seem to be adequate blockage of airflow when the unit is powered off.*** Put differently, there is no "neutral" mode - and that's a problem. Standing in front of the unit when it's powered off, it feels as if the window is open. This essentially means that in order to not have undesired air (too cold, too warm, perhaps dirty if you're in a polluted or wildfire-prone part of the world), the unit must constantly be on in exhaust mode.This really undercuts some of the appeal of having Alexa capability - rarely would it ever make sense for me to turn the fan off from a temperature-control perspective. But obviously from an energy-efficiency perspective, there will be lots of scenarios in which a) the indoor temperature is adequate, and b) I do not need the fan to be running.Key point: Idle air coming through when the fan is not in use dramatically limits the percentage of the calendar year during which it would make sense for me to have it installed! This feature is the biggest issue when there is a large gap between indoor and outdoor air temperature. If I have to keep the fan in exhaust mode on the lowest setting at all times when I'm not trying to significantly move air, I will constantly be blowing out air that's already at my desired temperature.One of the main selling points of this fan is that it can move air better than just opening a window. But its main drawback is that having the fan off is not nearly as effective at stopping airflow as closing the window would be. I'm having to think way more about when to install and uninstall this than I would like. Simpler window fans absolutely have the same issue which leaves me wondering what is left about this one that makes it $50+ better than those. At least those are easier to set up and take down regularly if the window must be closed.3) I did not realize that by getting the Alexa-enabled version I was giving up on also having a remote (which the cheaper version has). Lots of other Alexa-enabled devices can receive inputs manually (i.e., their built-in buttons), via a remote, and via Alexa. Unlike the cheaper version, this has no remote. I'll mainly be using my Alexa or the app, but this presents an issue for me since I'd like to have overnight guests be able to control it without fussing with Alexa or the app - some will just want an old fashioned remote.4) Noise - quite loud and even a little rumbly sounding on the lowest exhaust setting. Setting aside my energy-wasting concerns mentioned above, it is just not pleasant to have the fan on at all times.

I initially purchased a non-Alexa version. It worked ok once you got used to the remote. It is not user friendly . About a year later I decided to purchase a new unit with Alexa controls in may 2023. I placed the original in another room. The original unit failed at about the 18 month mark. The new unit is now making noises and must be angled downward to even blow air. It is making a racket as well.The Alexa controls must be learned as they are not in any manual. I found that Alexa make “Windows fan” 1, 2, 3,4 the only way to set the speed. You can’t use normal English like Alexa set the “window fan” to 2 . You can use “ Window Fan” exhaust, but For the life of me can’t make it blow back into the house.Furthermore, weather proof is not a good word for this fan as it will seal around the unit using the poly stuffers, but there is still air gaps around the fan, so it is not a sealed unit and must be removed for hot summer or coldest part of winter.I do love the sleek look and when it works, it is quite quiet. So as a buyer, I’m torn. I think they could strengthen the unit, use better rotational bearings and seal it better for a permanent install. I’d pay more to have it run longer. The short of it is… I’m looking for a replacement at only 18 months again.

I grabbed this after being interested in the smaller design and good reviews, as my Holmes dual window fan was old and falling apart, literally. However.. I am not that impressed with this. It was a pain to install, and I am waiting for it to eventually fall out of the window.. but DISCLAIMER... I live in a historic building in San Francisco, so I have old windows... is no slot for the fan to fit in., is just the wooden window ledge, and that's it.. drops right down to the exterior concrete ledge, Also, the bottom of the window isn't flat, it is angled for some reason, so it doesn't clamp down. I assume anyone with modern windows won't have an issue at all with this.It is a bit louder than I had expected, especially while on exhaust, it is actually a bit louder than my Holmes dual-window fan, as it makes like a rubbing type of sound when running, though it might go away...it is quiet, but enough to annoy me. I do voice-over and narration, so one of the selling points of this was being able to run it while recording, which I can't do with my current fan. I don't know if it will get picked up or not by my mic yet.The lowest fan speed also seems too strong. However, this is most likely from being used to the dual-fan, but the lowest setting on this fan is equal to the high setting on my holmes, so getting hit with a lot more air than used to.. which I am sure will be great in summer, but right now, I wish I could just turn the speed down a bit more. WHile exhaust is an option, it is a lot louder, and I assume that is from air blowing off the window ledge, as I have very long ledges.The temperature control is very accurate.As far as Alexa, it wouldn't sync via the barcode, had to hold down the power button until the light flashed, then it found it and connected, but since, it just says device unresponsive. I reset the fan (power and fan direction for 6 seconds) and connected it back to Alexa, which worked again, but then it right away went back to device unresponsive...