Exhaust fans are a crucial element of any household.
Why?
Well, because they remove excess moisture, improve ventilation, and pull unpleasant odors out of your bathroom.
These fans come with a motor that helps turn its blades and eliminate unwanted odors and humidity from the existing space.
They mostly run on electricity and can either be turned on and off by their own switch or can turn on and off based on when the light of the bathroom is switched on and off.
Some models even come with a thermostat, turning the unit on when the area reaches a certain temperature.
These fans are compact, convenient, and easy to use and install. If you haven’t already, installing an exhaust fan is something you should consider.
But choosing the one is not always an easy task. Don’t worry, though; we’ve got you covered.
Our buying guide will help you find the best bathroom exhaust fan for 2020 that will ensure that your bathroom stays moisture-free and odorless.
Best Bathroom Exhaust Fan
Best Overall: Panasonic FV-30VQ3 WhisperCeiling Ventilation Fan
Benefits
The Panasonic FV-30VQ3 WhisperCeiling Ventilation Fan is a powerful exhaust fan that ventilates large commercial and private spaces such as a large conference room or a family bathroom.
It is one of the quietest bathroom exhaust fans out there, and it does its job of providing proper ventilation and killing harmful toxins in the air.
The ventilation fan helps create a clean atmosphere. It eliminates all sorts of harmful germs, mildew, or chemicals that may be lingering in the air.
The fan is also quite easy to install. It comes with an instruction manual that can assist you in the installation process. It can fit any 6-inch duct and can be installed anywhere – thanks to its double-hanger bar system.
The bath fan comes from a trusted manufacturer –Panasonic that promises to manufacture premium-quality products. When you get this company’s fan, you get exactly what you pay for – a high-powered, easy-to-operate, and easy-to-install fan that improves ventilation in your large bathroom.
Plus, the fan comes with a warranty. In case any part of it is defected or damaged, the manufacturer will replace the part or fix it for you.
Drawbacks
The ceiling fan may not be suitable for all large spaces (unless you install several units) such as industries or factories. It is designed for places with a 6-inch air duct, so it won’t be suitable for large, heavy industrial uses.
Extra Features
The Panasonic WhisperCeiling Fan has a 290 CFM airflow that works best in big bathrooms that receive excessive moisture. Even though the fan is larger than most average ceiling exhaust fans, it stimulates tons of energy to ventilate large spaces in a short span of time.
Owing to its Super Quiet Operation, the exhaust fan is noiseless and keeps the atmosphere calm and peaceful. This Whisper Fan is also Energy Star Certified, which means that the product uses less energy and proves to be quite cost-effective for buyers.
The ceiling fan also features a built-in damper, an enclosed condenser motor, and rust-proof finishing. It also has a modern grille design that prevents noise and stimulates airflow.
Buying Advice
The Panasonic WhisperCeiling Fan is reliable and durable. Manufactured by a trusted company, the fan is made from quality materials that block noises when in use. It is a great ventilator for all types of families, especially those that may have family members with respiratory issues.
Runner-Up: Hauslane BF200 Electric Bathroom Fan
Benefits
The Hauslane BF200 Electric Bathroom Fan is a ventilation fan and ranks quite highly on many modern consumers’ lists of bathroom fans because of its optimum performance. It is a powerful yet quiet fan that performs well and maintains a relaxed atmosphere in the bathroom.
The electric exhaust fan is perfect for spaces up to 120 sq. ft., meaning it is ideal for moderate to large bathrooms. It is compact and convenient to use. It operates with a switch button, and as it turns on, it enlightens the bathroom, with its integral 6W 5000K LED soft lighting.
The bath exhaust fan has a standard size with a double hanger bar system. This feature allows for easy positioning. It easily fits between ceiling joists in any type of house.
With a 4-inch vent connector and mountable components, the ventilation fan is quick and simple to install for a successful DIY or professional installation.
With proper care and maintenance, this product lasts for a lifetime. However, in case of any defect or damage, you can employ the product’s free two-year warranty and save your money on repairs and replacements.
Drawbacks
The biggest and the only drawback of this powerful ventilator is that it lacks a built-in heater. The exhaust fan helps eliminate humidity and odors but does not raise the room temperature. It circulates the air in the bathroom without warming the space.
Extra Features
The Hauslane BF200 Exhaust Fan is a compact bathroom fan that provides a steady airflow at a rate of 1007 RPM. It offers fast-acting ventilation, ideal for large, busy bathrooms of large families.
With a light panel inside the electric fan, the bathroom glows in a second. Plus, the LED light and fan are integrated into one compact package that saves up energy. Hauslane – the manufacturers behind this unit – prioritize customers and aim to design top-quality products for them.
This pretty much explains the creation of the BF200 Exhaust Fan that is strictly made from the highest quality material and its ETL certification (Edison Testing Laboratories Certification) – a third-party testing program that checks the safety standards of products – is a testament to its quality.
Buying Advice
This is the best bathroom exhaust fan with lights. If you don’t want separate fixtures for lights and fans in a bathroom, this can be the answer to your solution.
The exhaust fan illuminates the room with its integrated lights and ventilates the room in a short period of time. It creates zero disturbances and performs well without ruining the peaceful setting of your room.
Alternative: Hunter 83002 Sona Bath Fan with Light and Flowing Scrollwork
Benefits
The Hunter 83002 Sona Bath Fan with Light stands out from other fans on this list due to its unique style and design.
It is a modern exhaust fan that impeccably offers both style and function. It features an elegant cased glass with classic flowing scrollwork and a neat bronze finish. This is a perfect accessory that livens up a plain and simple bathroom with its addition.
It effectively removes excessive moisture and unwanted odors, without wrecking the internal structure, including ceilings, paints, wallpapers, baseboards, etc. The Imperial Sona Bathroom fan built-in light helps save energy, resulting in a lower bill.
Manufactured by the brilliant Hunter quality, this fixture offers a 5-year limited warranty. In case the exhaust fan breaks down or gets damaged, it can be fixed or replaced without costing you a penny.
Drawbacks
If not well-maintained, the metal finishing of the bath fan may rust and fall victim to corrosion. The product’s surface is covered by a thick frosted glass that diminishes the light. And last but not least, the bath fan only runs at 3 sones, so it may create audible noise in small bathrooms.
Extra Features
This is an ultra-quiet fan that produces 110 CFM output. Its supreme performance has earned itself the ENERGY STAR certification. Owing to its high-efficiency, the bath fan expels unnecessary moisture and odors in an instant.
The Imperial Sona Bath fan is also HVI certified. It went through rigorous testing procedures before it was proven safe and effective for use. The fan offers supreme airflow that promises to whisk away all the germs and toxins from the air in a flash.
This unit comes with two-bulb lights along with a separate night light that has soft LED lights. When switched on at night, this dim light won’t disturb other sleepers in the room.
Buying Advice
If you want a bath fan that is both stylish and functional, the Hunter 83002 Sona Bath is a decent choice. It will be ideal for day and night use, especially if you have a small bathroom that needs some cool addition.
Best for the Money: BV Ultra-Quiet 90 CFM, 0.8 Sone Bathroom Ventilation & Exhaust Fan
Benefits
The BV Ultra-Quiet 90 CFM Bathroom Exhaust Fan is manufactured from the silent-clever technology with only 0.8 sones. As you turn the fan on, it makes no sound and maintains the calmness in your bathroom.
It is a well-made exhaust fan with a robust steel body. Owing to its structure, the ultra-quiet exhaust fan offers increased strength and sustainability. It also optimizes efficiency and reliability, so investing in this product means 100% power efficiency and durability.
Featuring a classy black and white exterior, the BV Ultra-Quiet 90 CFM fits perfectly every bathroom – whether small or large. Plus, its versatile shape suits all kinds of bathroom interiors. As compared to other bathroom ventilation fans, this one is quite affordable and, therefore, the best choice for customers with a limited budget.
Drawbacks
The only drawback of this Sone Bath exhaust fan is that it is difficult to clean and maintain. As it is mounted on the ceiling, it’s not the easiest fan to reach and clean.
Extra Features
This BV Ultra-Quiet Exhaust Fan ventilates bathroom areas that are up to 90 sq. ft. large. It removes all sort of moisture from tubs, showers, and other fixtures that may contribute to rotting and peeling paint in the bathroom.
The bath fan is UL-certified and HVI 2100-approved. This assures you 100% performance and quality of the product. You can also get the fan in multiple models that are fit for different room sizes. For instance, it is available in airflows of 110 CFM, 150 CFM, 140 CFM, and 200 CFM.
Its heavy-duty motor is thermally protected and offers continuous operation that efficiently utilizes energy. The BV constructors aim to provide 100% satisfaction to their customers, and this exhaust fan has all those features that fulfill a customer’s needs.
Buying Advice
This is BV’s most recognized exhaust fan, known for its affordability and great performance. The unit comes with a one-year warranty along with technical support that you can utilize in case the product acts up.
Plus, the practical exhaust fan is available in more than one model. You can pick the one that suits your bathroom’s size and make the most of its numerous benefits.
Runner Up: Broan-NuTone 678 Ventilation Fan and Light Combination
Benefits
The Broan-NuTone 678 Ventilation Fan and Light Combination comes with a light and fan combination. This two-in-one unit is powerful enough to ventilate bathrooms up to 45 sq. ft. large. This is the best solution if you’re looking to ensure the complete elimination of all kinds of contaminants from your bathroom.
It comes with a contemporary white grille and shatter-proof light-diffusing lens – a perfect addition to your bathroom’s interior. This straightforward unit is quick and easy to install – thanks to its robust key-holed brackets and easy-to-use polymeric duct fitting. The excellent-quality fan works at a 50 CFM and 2.5 sones. This makes the product efficient and fairly quiet than most ventilation fans.
The device is also backed by a one-year warranty. This feature leads customers to trust and have full confidence in the product’s quality. If you are not satisfied with the product for whatever reason, you can always get it exchanged or refund; however, this rarely happens.
This unit might be great for showers and bathtubs, especially when the circuit it’s connected to is GFCI protected, you can’t use this over hot cooking surfaces.
Drawbacks
This unit is the best exhaust fan for your bathtubs, sinks, showers, etc – basically, anywhere in your bathroom. The exhaust fan is not effective for kitchen use, so avoid placing it overcooking stoves or ovens. The device does not come with an integrated light. You will have to buy a 100-watt bulb separately.
Extra Features
The exhaust fan features a permanently furnished plug-in motor and a polymeric impeller that allows the fan to work powerfully. When connected with a GFCI-based circuit, the fan ventilates and illuminates the room simultaneously.
The device has a robust and reliable lens, which ensures the safety and uniform distribution of light. The fan can support an incandescent bulb that goes up to 100-watts. This bulb can be easily installed with the help of the provided installation instructions.
The Broan-NuTone 678 fan and light is 100% trustable. It is HVI-certified and UL-listed, which ensures that the device offers the best performance to all customers.
Buying Advice
If you’re looking for an exhaust fan that is stylish, functional, and affordable, then this Broan-NuTone unit is a great choice. The product is made from a decorative white polymeric grille that goes well with all kinds of bath decors.
Along with its powerful ventilation, the exhaust fan illuminates the room brightly with its extra lights. The best thing is that you won’t have to spend thousands of dollars on this product to make the most of its features. The fan is available at quite a reasonable price range!
Bathroom Exhaust Fan FAQs
How to Install a Bathroom Exhaust Fan?
Installing an exhaust fan in a bathroom is a simple DIY task that, if done properly, takes less than 15 to 20 minutes.
First and foremost, find an established power supply that will help power your exhaust fan.
Usually, the switch of your bathroom light will already be connected. So, you can consider using the same power source for the fan.
All you have to do is run a new cable from the service panel to the ceiling area of your bathroom.
Next, find an ideal point for ventilation.
Make sure to find it closer to your bathroom’s door or window or on the ceiling so that it pulls the ventilated air outside directly.
Now, cut an exterior vent using a saw or a drill machine and place the round vent with screws and silicone caulk for a tight fit.
Cut the interior vent for your bathroom fan. Make sure to mark it with a paper template to make the right cut in the ceiling.
Now, attach the bathroom fan with screws and connect the wires with the established electric source.
Wall Fan VS Ceiling Fan
As the names imply, exhaust fans that are installed in the external wall of a space are called wall fans while fans installed in the ceiling of a roof or an attic are called ceiling fans.
Ventilation through ceiling fans is considered more appropriate.
However, wall-mounted fans are only used when there is no idyllic way to vent through the ceiling or roof, such as a first-floor bathroom.
Do You Need an Exhaust Fan if You Have a Window in Your Bathroom?
Yes, you need an exhaust fan, even if your bathroom has a window already.
That’s because you can’t open your bathroom window in all seasons – especially in rainy, windy, or chilly weather conditions.
In times like these, you will obviously need a better alternative, such as an exhaust fan.
What Fan Size Do You Need?
The criterion for determining the size of an exhaust fan for a bathroom is – 1 CFM is required per square foot of a room area.
To find out your bathroom’s square footage, multiply your room’s length with its width.
For instance, if your bathroom is 5 feet wide and 8 feet long, its square footage is 40. So, you will need a fan with an airflow rate of 40 CFM.
Conclusion
The installation of exhaust fans in bathrooms is as important as it can be.
If your bathroom lacks an operational fan, don’t worry – nothing is lost yet.
With this useful guide to the best bathroom ventilation fans, you can pick the unit that will definitely fulfill your ventilation needs as well as keep your bathroom at the right temperature.