The Best Bathroom Exhaust Fans for 2022
/
Best Bathroom Exhaust Fan
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. There are affiliate links in this post. This means that at no cost to you, I will receive a commission if you purchase through my link. I will only ever promote the products and services that I trust and 100% recommend. You may read my full disclosure policy for more information. Thank you for supporting my business in this way.
Water from a shower head or bathroom faucet causes an increase in humidity that can lead to the buildup of mildew and mold that can ruin paint, wood, and other materials. A fan will help to remove this excess moisture from the air and vent it to the outside.
To help you select which one is best for you, I have outlined the various features below along with a list of the best bathroom exhaust fans currently available.
UPDATED: August 16, 2022.
MY TOP PICK:
If you are looking for the best overall, I recommend the Panasonic FV-0811VF5 because it features quiet operation (0.8 sones @ 110 CFM), a low-profile housing that fits within 2” x 6” studs, and easy installation with 4" or 3" (with adapter) duct.
The advancement of building technology in recent decades has greatly improved home insulation and reduced the transfer of outside air, making heating and cooling much more efficient. However, this airtight design often means excess moisture in the bathroom.
RELATED:
The Best Toilets
The Best Moisture Meters
Two features to look out for when selecting a fan are the noise level measured in sones and the ventilation rates measured in Cubic Feet Per Minute (CFM).
Noise Level (Sones)
A sone is a measure of loudness. Most bathroom fans fall between 0.5 and 3.0 sones. To provide some reference, 0.5 sones is equal to the noise of rustling leaving and 3.0 is equal to a typical office environment. Typically the higher the CFM the louder the fan, given the fact it is moving more air. You may actually prefer a louder unit since it can provide some background sound for added privacy.
Required Cubic Feet Per Minute (CFM)
The fan air movement is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). To give you an idea of sizing, this works out to approximately one CFM per square foot of bathroom area which is then rounded up to the nearest 10.
For example, in a bathroom with floor dimensions of 8' x 9' (72 sq. ft.), the recommended fan size would be 80 CFM.
Note this is for an average bathroom ceiling height of 8’-0”.
Recommended minimum ventilation by bathroom area:
Less than 50 sq. ft.
50 CFM
50 - 100 sq. ft.
1 CFM per square foot of floor space
Greater than 100 sq. ft.
Add the CFM requirement for each fixture:
Toilet 50 CFM
Shower 50 CFM
Bathtub 50 CFM
Jetted tub 100 CFM
Source: “Bathroom Exhaust Fans - A Consumer Guide” Home Ventilating Institute, https://www.hvi.org/publications/bathroom_exhaust_fans.cfm.
Ceiling vs. Wall Mounted
Most of these fans can either be mounted on the ceiling or the wall, however, check the specific manufacturer's recommended placement.
Fan Dimensions
Check the size of the existing unit to find a replacement that matches the dimensions. If one is not available or you want to upgrade your fan, you may need to cut a larger hole in the drywall to accommodate the larger unit.
Another important measurement to note is the depth in the wall or ceiling that is available between the studs or joists for mounting. This will determine the maximum size of the fan that can fit within the cavity. If it is narrow or has other obstructions you may have to go with a low-profile option.
Duct Size
If you are replacing a unit check the existing duct size so that it will match the new fan. The standard duct diameters are three and four inches. Adapters are available to make the connection between different sizes.
Baffles and Dampers
A baffle is a flap that sits within the fan duct and restricts or allows air to pass through. This helps to prevent a backdraft of unwanted outside air from infiltrating the room. It is typically mechanically controlled with a spring that snaps shut once the airflow is turned off. A damper is a baffle that uses an electric motor to allow or block airflow inside the duct.
Some units will come with a baffle or damper pre-installed. It doesn't hurt to have one but whether you need a baffle usually depends on what the outside air is like where you live. If it tends to be extremely hot, humid, or cold then it might be worth going with a baffle. You can try out just installing it without and add an in-duct baffle later if it seems to be a problem since they are affordable.
Humidity Sensor
Some units include a humidity sensor that detects when the humidity is above the user-adjustable set-point and runs the fan at full speed. When the humidity is below the set point, the fan runs continuously at the pre-set lower level. This is a great way to maximize efficiency while minimizing noise and energy use based on the humidity parameters you set.
Lights
Some models will offer the option of an onboard light that is mounted to the grille. This is an easy way to add illumination to the bathroom without having to install additional light fixtures.
Installation
Typically a retrofit installation can be done entirely from the room-side, however, a visit to the attic may be necessary depending on your setup.
All models will be powered by a hard-wired electrical connection. For this reason, it is recommended to hire a qualified electrician. If you are just replacing the motor of the unit then it can typically be replaced without rewiring since it is often a simple plug-in connection.
To get an idea of what is involved when replacing an existing fan check out this brief video overview:
Now, on to the individual products. I’ve compiled a list of the top models available from well-known manufacturers including Panasonic and Broan. Each unit has been assigned a key feature that makes it particularly noteworthy and has been broken down according to its essential functions to help you make an informed selection.
So here is my list of The Best Bathroom Exhaust Fans for 2022.
Enjoy!
Best Overall: Panasonic FV-0811VF5 Bathroom Exhaust Fan
The Panasonic FV-0811VF5 features a built-in speed selector switch that allows the desired airflow to be selected.
Offers quiet operation with just 0.8 sones at 110 CFM and 0.3 sones at 80 CFM.
Equipped with the Pick-A-Flow Speed Selector that allows you to choose the CFM (80 or 110).
Features a Flex-Z Fast bracket that provides flexible and fast installation.
Equipped with a low-profile housing that allows it to fits within 2” x 6” studs.
Includes a 4” duct and also comes with a 3” duct adapter.
Check out this video overview featuring the similar Panasonic FV-11VQ5 model:
Runner-up: Delta Electronics GBR100H Bathroom Exhaust Fan
The Delta Electronics GBR100H features a sensor that detects when the humidity is above the user-adjustable set-point and runs the fan at full speed (100 CFM). When humidity is below the set point, the fan runs continuously at the pre-set lower level (0 or 60 CFM).
Provides up to 100 CFM at 1.4 sones.
Equipped with a 4-inch duct so it will work with most common existing ducts.
Powered by a permanently brushless motor to reduce maintenance requirements.
Equipped with a simple grille design that will fit with most interiors.
Available with an LED light option.
Best Damper: Broan-NuTone AE110
The Broan-NuTone AE110 features TrueSeal damper technology to reduce the backdraft of unwanted hot or cold outside air into the room.
Provides up to 110 CFM at 1.0 sones.
Equipped with a 4-Inch polymeric connector to cut down on potential noise.
Powered by a permanently lubricated motor to reduce maintenance requirements.
Equipped with a simple grille design that will fit with most interiors.
Best Budget Option: Broan 688 Bathroom Exhaust Fan
The Broan 688 features a motor assembly that quickly snaps in and out for easy cleaning.
Provides up to 50 CFM at 4.0 sones.
Equipped with a torsion spring that holds the grille cover in place and can be easily removed.
Equipped with a permanently lubricated motor for low maintenance requirements.
Includes polymeric blower wheel to reduce potential metal vibration.
UL Listed for use over bathtubs or showers when connected to a GFCI circuit.
Best Low-Profile: Delta Electronics SLM70 Bathroom Exhaust Fan
The Delta Electronics SLM70 features a low-profile configuration that is designed to fit within a narrow wall or ceiling cavity.
Provides up to 70 CFM at 2.0 sones.
Equipped with a brushless motor for long life, low energy use, and quiet operation.
Equipped with an LED indicator light to show when the fan is running.
Features a modern grille design to fit with most bathroom decor.
UL approved for ceiling and wall mount installation.
Best Installation: Air King BFQ 90 Bathroom Exhaust Fan
The Air King BFQ 90 features an easy installation system with the included bracket that attaches to the ceiling joist and allows the fan housing to simply snap in place.
Provides up to 90 CFM at 2.5 sones.
Features a unique curved grille design for a sleek look.
Works with 4-inch round ducting for retrofits.
Comes with wire nuts and Romex connectors for installation.
UL Listed for installation over a tub or shower on a GFCI circuit.
Best Quiet Option: Panasonic FV-11VH2 Bathroom Exhaust Fan
The Panasonic FV-11VH2 features an ultra-quiet operation at just 0.6 sones.
Equipped with an enclosed condenser motor and double suction blower wheel to quietly move the air.
Produced us to 110 CFM at 0.6 sones.
Equipped with a built-in damper to prevent backdraft and reduce the incidence of hot or cold outside air from coming inside.
Features a fan housing made of heavy-gauge zinc galvanized steel for corrosion and rust resistance.
Best High CFM: Panasonic FV-30VQ3 Bathroom Exhaust Fan
The Panasonic FV-30VQ3 features a double-tapered, dolphin-shaped bladed blower wheel to quietly move air at a very high rate of 290 CFM.
Produces 290 CFM at 2.0 sones.
Designed to operate at low temperatures to increase the life of the motor and bearings.
Includes built-in damper to prevent backdraft to stop outside air from coming inside.
Equipped with a fan housing made of heavy-gauge zinc galvanized steel.
Features a completely enclosed condenser motor.
Energy Star Certified.
Best Stainless Steel Components: BV Bathroom Exhaust Fan
The BV fan is constructed from stainless steel components for long-lasting durability and corrosion resistance.
Features quiet operation of just 0.8 sones at 90 CFM.
Equipped with a four-inch collar for a standard installation.
Powered by a motor that is designed for continuous operation.
Includes a symmetrical grille design for a clean, modern appearance.
I hope this list of the best bathroom exhaust fans was helpful.
If you think I left out one that is important or have a suggestion for a future article, let me know in the comments below.
Brandon Hubbard, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
