Bathrooms can easily accumulate nasty odors, pollutants, as well as mildew due to constant moisture. For this reason, a good bathroom exhaust fan is necessary to keep comfort rooms fresh for every use.
If you are wondering what is the best bathroom exhaust fan to go for then lucky you for stumbling upon this article.
In this quick product guide, you will get a rundown of the best bathroom ventilation fans that are available on the market to date.
How To Choose The Best Bathroom Exhaust Fan
Contents
Choosing the right bathroom ceiling fan might not be as difficult as you think if you keep just a few things in mind. Whether you want something just to vent your shower enclosure or your whole bathroom, the options are out there.
At first, you may think that all bathroom ventilation fans are the same, and do the same job. You would, however, be mistaken. There are differences. These include the aesthetics, as well as function.
So what are the things you need to consider?
- Do you want function, or do you want style? There are many options that combine both of these
- You need to determine the size of fan you need. This depends on the size of your bathroom.
- Do you want a brand new installation, or do you just want to upgrade your existing extraction fan?
- Is energy efficiency a factor that will influence your choice?
- Do you want a fan that is silent, or do you not mind some background noise?
- Is your choice easy to install, or do you need specialized help in doing so?
- Pricing may be a factor to consider
- Do you want extra features, such as a light or heating?
Once you have these questions sorted out in your mind, you can start choosing what you want by eliminating what you don’t want or need.
What are the benefits of a bathroom fan?
Your bathroom is the most humid room in your house. Every time you take a bath or a shower, things tend to fog up and precipitation forms on the walls, windows, shower enclosure, and of course, the tiling. The end result is mold formation that is difficult to get rid of. So how does installing a fan in the bathroom benefit you?
Precipitation becomes a thing of the past
You no longer get out of your shower or bath and look into a foggy mirror! You can actually see yourself. Although you might not think it is a big deal, just think of all the times you have tried to clear that mirror just to see your reflection in order to shave or put on your makeup!
It protects your bathroom from mold formation
Mold loves to form in warm, humid conditions, and your bathroom is the perfect place for that. But not only is mold unsightly and difficult to clean, but it can cause illnesses, such as asthma and other respiratory problems. So next time you start sneezing, have itchy eyes, or even a scratchy throat, consider the fact that the mold in your home may be the problem!
The different types of bathroom fans
Although all bathrooms fans have one thing in common, i.e. removing moisture and odors from your bathroom, there are different types of fans. The best bathroom fan vent for you may therefore not be the best option for your neighbor! But what are the different options, exactly? Let’s take a quick look at the different types, to give you a clearer picture.
Inline Exhaust Fans
These fans are very quiet because they are not mounted into the ceiling. Instead, they are mounted in between your ducting in areas you want ventilation but where you don’t have the space for a ceiling mounted fan.
Wall Mounted Fans
This type of fan is mounted on an outside wall. This means that you need no ductwork, and bad air is immediately expelled to the outside.
Ceiling Mounted Fans
These are probably the most popular of all types of fans. They are mounted directly in the ceiling, and expel air through the roof. If, however, it is connected to ducting, air is usually expelled through an external vent.
Combination Fans
These fans have a number of features, such as heating, lighting, and air extraction combinations. They also cater to current decorating trends, with a large variety to choose from.
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15 Best Bathroom Fan Reviews & Consumer Reports
1. Panasonic WhisperChoice Bathroom Exhaust Fan
The Panasonic WhisperChoice is an Energy Star-certified bathroom exhaust fan engineered with Pick-a-Flow cubic feet per minute (CFM). This bathroom fan delivers a robust, ultra-quiet, and energy-efficient operation. This fan is also guaranteed easy to install and reliable for long-standing use.
The WhisperChoice is also one of the best bathroom fans for small to large-size bathrooms, laundry rooms, garage, or basements. It also offers a sophisticated grill design that compliments every room designs.
Lastly, this exhaust fan’s Pick-a-Flow speed level selector allows you to choose between 80CFM or 110CFM airflow.
Highlighted Features:
- Pick-a-Flow CFM
- Energy-Star-Certified
- Home Ventilation Institute-Rated
- Complies With The Washington VIAQ and California Title 24
- Features Flex-Z Quick Installation Bracket
- With Speed Level Selector (80CFM or 110CFM)
- Fits in 2×8-Inch Construction
The Pros of this Panasonic WhisperChoice Bathroom Exhaust Fan
- This exhaust fan delivers an ultra-quiet operation.
- It is energy-efficient.
- Quick and easy to install.
- Durable and long-lasting.
- This fan is perfect for medium to large-size rooms.
Cons of the Bathroom Exhaust Fan
- The installation manual can be difficult to understand.
- The spring on the grill is very short.
Installation of Panasonic Whisper Choice Pick A Flow Ceiling Bathroom Exhaust Fan
2. Panasonic WhisperWarm Bathroom Exhaust Fan
If you browse through Panasonic bathroom exhaust fan reviews consumer reports online, you will know that the WhisperWarm is one of the top-notch bathroom fans Panasonic has to offer. This 110-CFM exhaust fan comes with a confined condenser motor for longstanding operation of up to 30,000 hours run time.
Moreover, the WhisperWarm also comes with a heater that delivers fast warm-up. It also delivers ultra-quiet operation with high energy-efficiency. This bathroom fan delivers optimum air and heat circulation.
Highlighted Features:
- Ultra-Quiet: 0.6 sones at 110-CFM
- Exhaust Fan With Heater
- Size: Fits 2×8 inches of Construction
- UL-Listed
- HVI-Certified
- Energy-Efficient
The Pros of this Panasonic WhisperWarm Bathroom Exhaust Fan
- This bathroom fan comes with a heater.
- It is energy-efficient and long-lasting.
- Delivers ultra-quiet operation.
- It is fast and easy to install.
- Complies with the codes and standards of different institutions.
Cons of the Bathroom Exhaust Fan
- The exhaust fan cover does not fit completely flat against the ceiling.
- Unlike the fan, the heater produces a bit of noise.
Panasonic FV-11VH2 WhisperWarm Fan/Heater Combination Review
3. Panasonic WhisperWarm Lite Bathroom Exhaust Fan
If you are looking for one of the best bathroom exhaust fans with light and heater, look no further than the Panasonic WhisperWarm Lite.
This exhaust fan features a robust 1400-Watt heating element that delivers a super-fast warm-up time of only 1 minute. It is also engineered with a confined condenser motor which offers up to 30,000 hours of run time.
The WhisperWarm Lite comes with a 2-13Watt Energy Star-rated CFL lamp as well as 4-Watt night-light. The lighting delivers 75Lms per Watt with 3500-Kelvin color temperature. The lamps also offer up to 10,000 hours of average lifespan.
Lastly, the exhaust fan also comes with an in-built damper that prevents backdrafts.
Highlighted Features:
- Exhaust Fan With Light and Heater
- With 1400-Watt Heating Element
- Heater Offers 1-minute Warm-Up Time
- Condenser Motor Delivers 30,000 Hours Run Time
- 2-13Watt CFL Lamps, 4-Watt Night Light
- Lamps’ Lifespan: 10,000 hours
- With In-Built Damper
The Pros of this Panasonic WhisperWarm Lite Bathroom Exhaust Fan
- This all-in-one exhaust fan comes with lights and a heater.
- It is durable and reliable for longterm use.
- The lights have a great average lifespan.
- It operates with minimal to no noise.
- It has a built-in damper.
Cons of the Bathroom Exhaust Fan
- Because the light bulbs are not LED, they may not be as long-lasting and efficient.
4. Panasonic WhisperSense DC Exhaust Fan
The Panasonic WhisperSense DC is probably the best humidity sensing bathroom fan you will ever find on the market these days. It comes with sensors that detect humidity and motion in a room.
This ventilation fan also offers an adjustable delay timer and a Pick-a-Flow Speed level selector offering 50CFM, 80CFM, and 110CFM airflow options.
The WhisperSense DC fan offers an ultra-quiet operation just like the other Panasonic exhaust fans on the market. It also comes with a superior ECM motor which is durable and long-lasting.
Highlighted Features:
- Exhaust Fan With Humidity and Motion Sensors
- With Delay Timer
- With Adjustable Pick-a-Flow Speed Level Selector
- Airflow Options: 50, 80, and 110CFM
- With a Durable and long-lasting ECM Motor
The Pros of this Panasonic WhisperSense DC Exhaust Fan
- This ventilation fan comes with both humidity and motion sensors; perfect for warm weather conditions.
- It comes with an airflow speed selector.
- Operates with minimal to zero noise.
- Reliable and long-lasting.
Cons of the DC Exhaust Fan
- The assembly manual is not as easy to follow.
- The sensors don’t work well sometimes.
5. Broan-NuTone 696N Bathroom Exhaust Fan
Based on numerous NuTone bathroom exhaust fan reviews, the Broan-NuTone 696N is perfect for reducing odors, moisture as well as in preventing mildew. This 50-CFM exhaust fan is ideal for bathrooms up to 45 square feet and recreation or utility rooms up to 60 square feet.
If you are specifically looking for an exhaust fan that helps get rid of nasty odors and moisture in any room, the Broan-NuTone 696N is a great option.
Highlighted Features:
- 50-CFM Airflow
- Ideal for 45 Sq. Ft. Bathrooms and 60 Sq. Ft. Utility/Recreational Rooms
- Can Be Mounted on Ceilings and Walls
- 0 Sones
The Pros of this Broan-NuTone 696N Bathroom Exhaust Fan
- Effectively removes moisture and odor in rooms.
- Helps prevent mildew.
- Very easy to install.
- It is more affordable than other leading exhaust fan models.
Cons of the Bathroom Exhaust Fan
- It is quite noisy.
Read more: 9 Best Broan Bathroom Fans for Your Bathroom
6. Broan-NuTone Bathroom Exhaust Fan With Light
If you are on the look for the best bathroom exhaust fan that delivers the optimum air circulation and efficient illumination, then you should check out the Broan-NuTone Bathroom Exhaust Fan With Light. This exhaust fan comes with a 100-Watt light bulb which can be operated separately from the fan.
This bathroom fan features a polymeric impeller which highly-efficient. It also delivers a 50-CFM airflow which makes it ideal for up to 45 square feet bathrooms and up to 60 square feet for other rooms.
Highlighted Features:
- Exhaust Fan With Light
- Airflow: 50 CFM
- With a 100-Watt Light Bulb
- With In-Built Polymeric Impeller
- Ideal for Up to 45 Sq. Ft Bathrooms, Up to 60 Sq. Ft. Other Rooms
- UL-Listed for Performance and Safety
The Pros of this Broan-NuTone Bathroom Exhaust Fan With Light
- This bathroom exhaust fan conveniently comes with a light.
- The light and the fan can be operated separately.
- It can help get rid of odors as well as pollutants in a room.
Cons of the Bathroom Exhaust Fan With Light
- It is quite noisy.
- The installation takes a while.
7. Broan-NuTone Bathroom Exhaust Fan With Heater and Light
When type in "what are the best bathroom exhaust fans with heater and light" on the web's search bar, you will surely find the Broan-NuTone Bathroom Exhaust Fan With Heater and Light as one of the top recommendations.
This exhaust fan comes with one 100-Watt light bulb and one 7-Watt night-light bulb. It also comes with auto-reset thermal protection and fan vents that help get rid of odors, moisture, and prevent mildew.
Lastly, this bathroom exhaust fans' white grille design delivers a decorative and neat look to your bathroom.
Highlighted Features:
- Exhaust Fan With Heater and Light
- Airflow: 70 CFM
- With 1 100-Watt Light Build and 1 7-Watt Night Light Bulb
- Equipped With an Auto-Reset Thermal Protection
- White Grille Design
The Pros of this Broan-NuTone Bathroom Exhaust Fan With Heater and Light
- This exhaust fan conveniently comes with dual lights and a heater.
- Helps get rid of nasty odors, pollutants, and prevent mildew.
- Looks great in any bathroom.
Cons of the Bathroom Exhaust Fan With Heater and Light
- The heater does not warm up the room enough.
8. Broan-NuTone Invent Series 791LEDNTM Exhaust Fan
The Broan-NuTone Invent Series 791LEDNTM is probably the best bathroom exhaust fan if you are looking for an innovative and highly efficient ventilation fan. This bath fan features a cutting-edge grille as well as full-perimeter LED light bulbs that deliver widespread illumination in any bathroom.
This exhaust fan also delivers 110 CFM airflow to effectively get rid of odors and prevent mildew. Moreover, this fan is a breeze to install too. Thanks to the EZDuct connector that it comes with.
Highlighted Features:
- With Full-Perimeter LED Light Bulbs
- Unique Grille Design
- Airflow: 110 CFM
- With EZDuct Connector
- Energy Star-Certified
The Pros:
- This exhaust fan’s LED lights deliver widespread illumination.
- It is easy to install.
- Effectively gets rid of odors and prevents mildew.
The Cons:
- It is quite noisy.
9. Delta Breeze Slim Series Bathroom Exhaust Fan
Based on multiple best bathroom fans consumer reports, the Delta Breeze Slim Series is one of the most powerful and energy-efficient exhaust fans on the market right now. This fan is operated by a DC brushless power motor that delivers low power consumption and ultra-quiet operation.
This exhaust fan is also equipped with a Soft-Start Technology which promotes longer fan life. Lastly, the Delta Breeze Slim Series is an Energy Star-certified exhaust fan.
Highlighted Features:
- Airflow: 50 CFM
- 0 Sone Quiet Operation
- Operated by DC Brushless Power Motor
- Features a Soft-Start Technology
- Energy Star-Certified
The Pros of this Delta Breeze Slim Series Bathroom Exhaust Fan
- It delivers an ultra-quiet operation.
- Durable and long-lasting.
- This exhaust fan consumes low power.
Cons of the Bathroom Exhaust Fan
- The assembly process was a bit tricky.
10. Delta Breez Radiance Series Bathroom Exhaust Fan
The Delta Breeze Radiance Series is the best bathroom ceiling fan if you are looking for one that comes with a light and a heater that's not as expensive. This all-in-one bathroom fan comes with an in-built thermostat and a CFL light bulb.
This exhaust fan also delivers an airflow of 80 CFM and a noiseless fan operation of only 1.0 sones. Moreover, this fan also delivers a 10.5-Watt power consumption and a 7.6 CFM/Watt energy-efficiency rating.
Highlighted Features:
- Comes With a Light and a Heater
- With In-Built Thermostat and CFL Light Bulb
- Airflow: 80 CFM
- Quiet Operation: 1.0 Sones
- Power Consumption: 10.5 Watts
The Pros of this Delta Breez Radiance Series Bathroom Exhaust Fan
- This exhaust fan comes with a heater and a light.
- It is very quiet.
- It is highly energy-efficient.
- It is fairly affordable.
Cons of this Bathroom Exhaust Fan
- It is quite difficult to install.
- Only ideal for small bathrooms.
11. Delta Breez GreenBuilder Series Bathroom Exhaust Fan
The Delta Breez GreenBuilder Series is the best bathroom exhaust fan if you are looking for one that has a LED light and humidity sensor and is also Energy Star-rated. Its LED light is dimmable and has an average lifespan of up to 30,000 hours.
The GreenLight Builder Series exhaust fan is also equipped with a sensor as well as adjustable speed controls. Moreover, this bathroom fan also promises fast and hassle-free installation.
Highlighted Features:
- Exhaust Fan With Humidity Sensor and Dimmable LED Lighting
- Airflow: 80 CFM
- Energy Star-Certified
- HVI-Certified
- 8 Sones Quiet Operation
- LED Lamp Average Lifespan: 30,000 Hours
The Pros:
- This bathroom fan comes with a LED light and humidity sensor.
- It is energy-efficient.
- Very quiet operation.
- Easy to install.
The Cons:
- The humidity sensor does not work as great.
12. Hampton Bay Bathroom Exhaust Fan
The Hampton Bay bathroom exhaust fan offers exceptional functionality at a very reasonable cost. Thus, if you are looking for the best bathroom exhaust fan that is extremely affordable without sacrificing the quality aspect, then this product is the way to go.
This exhaust fan offers a 50-CFM airflow as well as a quiet operation of only 1.0 sones. It is also an Energy Star-rated exhaust fan which means it is a cost-saving solution electronic product.
If you want to get the optimum airflow circulation in your bathroom at a reasonable price, the Hampton Bay bathroom exhaust fan is a great choice.
Highlighted Features:
- Airflow: 50CFM
- Quiet Operation: 1.0 Sones
- Energy Star-Certified
- Ideal For Small Bathrooms (Up to 50 Square Feet)
- UL-Certified
The Pros of this Hampton Bay Bathroom Exhaust Fan
- This bathroom exhaust fan is one of the most affordable models on the market.
- It is energy-efficient.
- Very easy to install.
The Cons:
- It produces a bit of noise.
- It is only ideal for small-size bathrooms.
13. Broan NuTone Exhaust Fan With Heater and Light
This Broan-NuTone bathroom fan offers a 50-CFM airflow to effectively ventilate bathrooms and help prevent mildew. This exhaust fan also comes with a 100-Watt light and a 1,300-Watt heater.
This bathroom exhaust also delivers a 2.5 sones quiet operation which is noticeable enough to know that it is working. Moreover, its elegant white grille design complements any type of bathroom design.
Highlighted Features:
- Airflow: 50 CFM
- Quiet Operation: 2.5 Sones
- With Light and Heater
- White Grille Design
- HVI-Certified
The Pros:
- This exhaust fan comes with a light and a heater.
- Its white grille design looks great in any bathroom.
- It is very easy to install.
The Cons:
- Since the light bulb is not LED, it’s not as energy-efficient.
- The fan noise is noticeable.
14. Air King Quiet Zone Bathroom Exhaust Fan
The Air King Quiet Zone delivers optimal quiet and efficient ventilation based on multiple bathroom exhaust fan reviews on the web. Thus, if you are looking for an energy-efficient bathroom fan, delivers the optimum ventilation, and is ultra-quiet, you might want to check this product out.
This Energy Star-rated exhaust fan is ideal for large bathrooms or light commercial rooms. It also offers a contoured-grill design that blends into white ceilings.
Highlighted Features:
- Airflow: 150 CFM
- Quiet Operation
- Energy Star-Certified
- California Title 24-Compliant
- Ideal For Large Bathrooms
The Pros of this Air King Quiet Zone Bathroom Exhaust Fan
- This bathroom exhaust fan is surprisingly very quiet.
- It is energy-efficient.
- It is perfect for medium to large-size bathrooms or commercial spaces.
The Cons:
- The installation process is a bit of a chore.
15. Aero Pure (ABFS0511 DL6) Quiet Bathroom Exhaust Fan
Aero Pure Quiet Bathroom Exhaust Fan is another one on the list of ultra-quiet ventilation fans available right now. Additionally, this bath fan also comes with an 8-Watt dimmable LED light that delivers the right illumination you need.
This quiet exhaust fan offers adjustable airflow settings (50, 80, and 110CFM) so you can adjust the ventilation function according to your needs. Lastly, the LED light and fan can be wired separately to allow separate operation.
Highlighted Features:
- Ultra-Quiet Operation
- Adjustable Airflow: 50, 80, 110 CFM
- With Dimmable LED Lighting
- ETL-Listed
- Energy Star-Certified
The Pros:
- This bathroom exhaust fan is conveniently equipped with a dimmable LED light.
- It delivers super-quiet operation.
- Airflow is adjustable.
- This bathroom fan is energy-efficient.
The Cons:
- The kit does not have clamps or a hose.
What is the best way to use this product?
Once installed, there are a number of things you need to keep in mind to ensure you get the best out of your bathroom ventilation fan.
- Make sure the fan’s vents close properly so that no air from the outside gets into the home
- Do not use the product continuously – switch it on when needed and do not let it run for more than about twenty minutes after you have finished using the bathroom
- Make sure to clean the fan regularly to get rid of any buildup or lint – this not only prolongs the life of your fan but negates any fire hazard possibly posed
- Make sure all ducts are properly insulated
- Ensure the electrical requirements are met
Are bathroom vents safe?
The only time bathroom vents pose a hazard is when the electrical wiring is faulty (it is a good idea to let a qualified professional do the wiring work or check on an old installation), or when the fan itself is not well-maintained. With time, lint tends to build up on the fan, posing a fire hazard. You should, therefore, make sure you clean the fan regularly. A few blasts with canned air usually does the trick. It is also unwise to allow the fan to run day in and day out. Twenty minutes after a bath or shower is fine, and takes care of any possible damp problems that may arise. Constant use eventually works out the ball bearings, which could cause the unit to overheat and pose a fire hazard.
By taking proper care of your bathroom fan, however, you not only extend its life, but ensure that all safety precautions are met. The bonus of having such a unit, however, is that it not only gets rid of the fog and condensation issue, but looks after you and your family’s health. To add to this, high moisture levels in a room damage paintwork, wallboard, and trim. Replacing or repairing these can cost a lot of money. The question is thus: can you afford not to have one installed?
What are the prerequisites necessary for using this product?
The prerequisites start with your choice of fan. It needs to be able to handle the job you install it for. In other words, you need to ensure your fan suits the size of the bathroom and its requirements.
If your home has an older model, it is a good idea to have a professional check out the electrical wiring and installation. If installing a new model, ensure the wiring is correct and any ducting is installed up to standard. Furthermore, take care of your installation as has been mentioned.
Conclusion
If energy-efficiency, performance, inclusions, ultra-quiet operation, reasonable price, and reliability are all taken into account, the Panasonic WhisperWarm Lite is the best bathroom exhaust fan out of all the models mentioned in this review.
This model conveniently includes both lights and a heater which is perfect for any bathroom. Additionally, since it is an Energy Star-rated electronic product, you are guaranteed to enjoy the cost-saving potentials this exhaust fan has to offer.
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