Picking the perfect bathroom exhaust fan for your bathroom should be a breeze, but in reality, many homeowners discover they've made the wrong choice only after it's too late. To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled a list of the best bathroom exhaust fans in 2024, including those with built-in lights. We have also included a spec-by-spec comparison table and top-rated reviews for each fan.
However, it's crucial to look beyond the aesthetics and consider the specifications of each fan. This is the only way to ensure that you choose the right one for your needs. Here are a few examples of problems homeowners face when they select an inadequate bathroom fan:
- "My bathroom fan leaves the bathroom moist and stale. What's wrong?" (Sizing Issue)
- "Should my bathroom fan be so d*mn loud? It's incredibly noisy for just a fan." (Noise Issues)
- "I thought my bathroom exhaust fan came with a light. I realized there is no light during installation." (No Light Issue)
These are just a few of the problems that can arise when you choose the wrong bathroom fan. Even the Energy Star guide emphasizes the importance of selecting the right ventilation fans:
"Installing adequate ventilation helps alleviate many common household problems. It also helps to control moisture and remove objectionable odors." (Energy Star Guide for Ventilation)
To avoid these issues, it is essential to pay attention to the specifications of each fan. That's why we have created a spec-by-spec comparison table, highlighting the differences in size, noise levels, lights, and additional features among the best bathroom ventilation fans.
5 Main Factors to Consider Before Buying an Adequate Bathroom Exhaust Fan
Bathroom exhaust fans may seem easy to choose at first glance, but by considering five key factors, you can make a much better choice. These factors include:
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CFM output: The bathroom exhaust fan should produce enough airflow to change the air in your bathroom eight times per hour (8 ACH rule of thumb). This measurement is known as Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) and determines the fan's size in relation to your bathroom.
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Noise levels: Some exhaust fans can be quite loud, causing a disturbance. It's important to choose a quiet bathroom fan with noise levels below 5 sones or about 51 dB.
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Energy efficiency: Bathroom exhaust fans are relatively low-energy devices, but it's still worth considering their energy efficiency. Look for Energy Star certified fans with higher CFM efficiency ratings.
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Lights: Many homeowners prefer bathroom exhaust fans with built-in lights, as they provide convenience and functionality. Not all fans come with lights, so be sure to check for this feature if it's important to you.
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Extra features: Modern bathroom fans can include a range of additional features, such as heaters, Bluetooth speakers, and humidistats. Consider which extras are most valuable to you.
To dive deeper into these factors, let's take a closer look at each:
1. What Size Bathroom Extraction Fan Should I Get? (CFM Output)
Choosing the right size bathroom exhaust fan is crucial. If you pick a fan that is too small, it won't effectively ventilate your bathroom. On the other hand, if you choose a fan that is too large, it will waste energy and potentially create more noise.
The general rule of thumb is to have a fan that provides 1 CFM per square foot of bathroom area. For example, a 50 square foot bathroom would require a 50 CFM fan. However, if your bathroom has a higher ceiling, you may need additional CFM to ensure proper ventilation.
2. Check Noise Levels (Anything Above 5 Sones Is Unnecessarily Loud)
The noise level of a bathroom exhaust fan is an important consideration, as excessive noise can be bothersome. Look for fans that generate less than 3 sones or about 43.8 dB of noise. The quieter the fan, the more enjoyable your bathroom experience will be.
3. Bathroom Exhaust Fan Energy Efficiency: How Much Electricity Do They Use?
Although bathroom exhaust fans do not use a significant amount of electricity, it's worth considering their energy efficiency to minimize running costs. Energy Star certified fans are a good choice, as they tend to have higher CFM efficiency ratings.
4. Check If the Bathroom Fan Has a Light
Many homeowners prefer bathroom exhaust fans with built-in lights for added convenience and functionality. However, not all fans come with lights, so be sure to check for this feature when making your selection. A ceiling exhaust fan with a light can serve as a 2-in-1 combo, providing both ventilation and illumination.
5. Extra Features: Heater, Bluetooth, Humidistat
Modern bathroom fans often come with additional features that can enhance your bathroom experience. These features include:
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Heater: Some bathroom fans include a heating element, providing extra warmth when needed. This can be particularly useful after a shower.
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Bluetooth: Bathroom fans with Bluetooth capabilities allow you to connect your mobile device to the fan's audio system. This enables you to enjoy music or podcasts while showering.
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Humidistat: A bathroom exhaust fan with a built-in humidistat measures the humidity levels in your bathroom. It automatically shuts off when the humidity levels drop below a certain threshold, preventing mold growth and maintaining a healthy environment.
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Easy installation kits: Look for fans with user-friendly DIY installation designs and kits. These make the installation process much easier, even for those with limited experience.
By considering these five factors, you can ensure that you choose the best bathroom exhaust fan for your needs.
List of the 8 Best Bathroom Exhaust Fans
Below is a compilation of the top-rated bathroom exhaust fans for 2024:
- Best Bathroom Exhaust Fan with Light By Far: Panasonic FV-0511VFL1 WhisperFit
- Best Bathroom Fan with Light and Heater: Broan NuTone 9093WH Fan with Heater
- Quietest Bathroom Exhaust Fan: KAZE APPLIANCE SEP120
- Most Powerful Bathroom Exhaust Fan: Broan NuTone L300 High CFM Capacity Fan
- Best Bathroom Exhaust Fan with Humidity Sensor: Homewerks 7146-80-MS
- Best Bathroom Exhaust Fan with Bluetooth Speaker: Broan NuTone SPK80L Bluetooth Fan
- Small and Cheap Bathroom Exhaust Fan: Tech Drive 50 CFM Bathroom Fan
- Best Ductless Bathroom Exhaust Fan: Broan NuTone 682 Duct-Free Fan
To learn more about each fan and make an informed decision, check out our detailed reviews and the spec-by-spec comparison table. Remember, it's essential to consider your specific bathroom requirements and preferences before making a final selection.
With this comprehensive guide, we hope to simplify the process of choosing the best bathroom exhaust fan for your needs. Whether you prioritize a specific feature or desire a combination of features, these top-rated fans offer a range of options to suit every bathroom.