A stuffy, humid, and hot bathroom is not an ideal space for comfort. Your bathroom is one of those rare spots in the world where you can be totally alone. You have to make it as comfortable as possible!
Excess humidity, stale warm air, and moisture can turn your bathroom into a breeding ground for mildew and mold. That would just make your bathroom harder to clean!
What you need is a bathroom exhaust fan that comes with a light and a heater.
Best Bathroom Exhaust Fans with Light and Heater Reviews
If you want to improve the conditions of your bathroom or get an upgraded bath fan, then you are in luck! We have prepared a shopping guide for bathroom exhaust fans with light and heater.
There is a wide range of options available when you shop for bathroom exhaust fans with light and heater. We have reviewed the best brands and models in the market. We have made a list of the products that stood out based on their features, reliability, brand reputation, durability, and other essential features.
Broan-NuTone 9093WH
If you want a ventilation fan that has a fantastic design, the Broan-NuTone 9093WH exhaust fan is the best choice for you. It has a stylish design that could go with any theme or color scheme. This allows you to redecorate your bathroom anytime without worrying about the exhaust fan ruining the overall look.
Aside from being stylish, you also get a powerful exhaust fan with a heater and light combo. The exhaust fan has an airflow capacity of 70 cubic feet per minute – something more powerful than what you usually get in other exhaust fan units.
If you are tired of having to deal with foggy mirrors after your bath, the Broan-NuTone 9093WH has a 1500-W heating element that eliminates moisture in your bathroom. The heating is also beneficial when the weather starts getting cold since the heater eliminates the need for central heating in the bathroom.
The Broan-NuTone 9093WH uses a 100-W incandescent lighting system that brightens the bathroom in the mornings. During the nighttime, it uses the 7-W bulb to provide a soft glow so that you can navigate your bathroom without being alerted awake by a harsh, bright light.
The package includes all that you need to install the unit so you can do it yourself. When in doubt, you can always ask for assistance.
The switch to operate the Broan-NuTone 9093WH has four settings to help you control all functions.
Pros:
- Powerful exhaust fan that gets rid of moisture instantly
- Safe and easy to install
Cons:
- May be a bit pricey compared to other exhaust fan options
Delta BreezRadiance RAD80L
Delta BreezRadiance is one of the biggest names in the industry when it comes to bathroom ventilation fans. It uses its own DC brushless motor technology in its products. Every ventilation fan released by the company goes through a rigorous energy efficiency requirement.
The Delta BreezRadiance RAD80L exghaust fan is not so loud – it only has a 1.5 sones sound rating. This is great for those who find a noisy bathroom exhaust fan annoying.
You have to think really hard about where to position it, though, since the exhaust fan blows in the opposite direction of the heater – it does not blow straight down. So, you have to choose where you need the heat the most before installing it.
The Delta BreezRadiance RAD80L comes with a metal guard that prevents you from touching the heating wire.
Pros:
- Quiet and powerful bathroom exhaust fan
- Built-in thermostat for consistent temperature
Cons:
- People have a hard time installing this unit by themselves. You may have to ask for professional help.
Broan-NuTone QTX110HL
The ultimate selling point of the Broan-NuTone QTX110HL exhaust fan is its quietness. If you find the noise of ventilation fans disturbing during your “me” time, this bathroom exhaust fan should be one of your considerations. The motors are permanently lubricated, which is why the unit can operate silently.
The Broan-NuTone QTX110HL comes with an adjustable heater. This means you can easily adjust the direction of the heat. While other homeowners have to wait for a few more minutes before their bathroom gets warm enough, with the Broan-NuTone QTX110HL, you get to feel the warmth immediately with the flick of a switch.
The ventilation fan has an airflow capacity of 100 CFM, which is enough to extract the moisture from the bathroom and keep it clean.
You can operate the exhaust fan, light, and heater separately through a multi-function wall switch. You can also operate all three at the same time.
The Broan-NuTone QTX110HL has two light settings: a bright 60-Watt light for day use and a dim 7-Watt light for nighttime.
Pros:
- Adjustable and smooth operation
- Thermal overload protection feature
Cons:
- Heating elements have to be replaced yearly.
KAZE Appliance SEP120
For those looking for durability and low maintenance units, the KAZE Appliance SEP120 should be on top of your list. This is an ultra-quiet exhaust fan that is made to last.
The unit has a galvanized steel housing, and it is painted so that you do not have to worry about it rusting. The package also includes a 24-inch joist center mounting brackets for easy installation.
If you do many DIY projects, you will find this unit an easy one to install. But if not, you can always hire a professional to do it for you.
All of its features are controlled with one switch. So you can get rid of moisture, cold air, and unpleasant odors all in one touch
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Easy to install
Cons:
- There could be some rattling and noise after a few months of use
Broan-NuTone 655
The Broan-NuTone 655 is a combination of a fan, light, and a 1300-W heater that you can operate independently or together.
Suppose you are the type who redecorates a lot. In that case, you do not have to worry about this exhaust fan sticking out since it has a good design made out of white polymeric grilles. It can blend in with any theme or color scheme. It also has a cohesive and clean appearance. In fact, when you look up, all you will be able to see is the white grille and the light.
The exhaust fan uses a permanently lubricated plug-in motor, so the Broan-NuTone 655 operates with high performance.
You have to take note that this unit requires you to have a 20-Amp circuit.
Pros:
- Stylish look that can blend with any design and color scheme
- Easy to use
Cons:
- The fan can be loud sometimes
Aero Pure A515A
The Aero Pure A515A looks different from the usual exhaust fans because it comes with two 270-W anti-blast infrared heat lamps. The heat lamps emit infrared rays to heat up your bathroom, which is claimed to be a faster way to heat up a room than hot air.
The motor is permanently lubricated for quiet exhaust fan operation and comes with a thermal shutoff for your safety. The unit also comes with a built-in backdraft damper, which prevents the outdoor air from getting in your bathroom through the fan.
You can have separate switches for the fan, light, and heat lamps since the product comes with a three-way switch.
This model comes in three finishes: white, silver, and oil rubbed bronze. You can pick the best one that goes with the color of your ceiling.
Aero Pure provides a generous 4-year warranty for this product. You need to have a dedicated 10-amp circuit to use the Aero Pure A515A.
Pros:
- Comes with a 4-year warranty
- Quiet fan
Cons
- Lighting is mediocre and should be improved
Broan-NuTone 665RP
This is a decorative product that is discreet at the same time. The unit is installed into your ceiling, so all you can see is the white grill and light. The white polymeric grills can complement any color scheme your bathroom may have.
The exhaust fan, light, and heater can operate separately and together. However, you should know that the multi-function wall switches are sold separately.
The Broan-NuTone 665RP uses LED bulbs, so you can be assured that it will not consume a lot of energy even if you take long baths.
You need to have a 20-amp circuit in your bathroom to use the Broan-NuTone 665RP. The product comes with a 1-year limited warranty.
Pros:
- Very stylish and can easily blend into any bathroom theme
- Compact and slim size
Cons:
- You have to replace the thermal fuse on the heater after a few months or yearly.
Air King AK965
The Air King AK965 has a powerful 1500-W heater to remove moisture and humidity in your bathroom while keeping it toasty and cozy.
This unit is best for small bathrooms with low ceilings.
The installation process may be complicated for homeowners. It is better off to get professional help to ensure that everything is working fine.
The unit comes with a frosted moonstone glass lens. This is better than plastic lenses that usually become brittle or turn yellow.
You should be warned that the Air King AK965 is not a quiet product. It has a rating of 3.5 sones, so expect some whirring and humming noise.
If heat is more a priority and noise is not an issue, you should consider getting the Air King AK965.
Pros:
- Powerful heating element
- Designed for small bathrooms
Cons:
- Noisy exhaust fan
Broan-NuTone 100HL
The Broan-NuTone 100HL has a built-in adjustable heat outlet that you can position any way you want. You can direct the heat in any direction, which is a convenient and comforting feature. You will be getting heat where it is needed the most.
The exhaust fan also has a built-in thermostat to regulate the temperature in your bathroom. You also get protected from thermal overload for your safety.
The motor of the ventilation fan is permanently lubricated so you can operate it for a long time. The airflow can be moved around efficiently in bathrooms up to 90 square feet. This is enough for small to mid-sized bathrooms.
You get two lighting options with the Broan-NuTone 100HL. One is a 100-W incandescent lamp, and the other is a 27-W fluorescent lamp.
Pros:
- 360-degree adjustable heat outlet
- Safe to use
Cons:
- No night lighting
Panasonic FV-11VHL2
This exhaust fan has a high-tech heating element that can warm up any chilly bathroom. This is Panasonic’s WhisperWarm technology that uses a 1400W heating element made out of Nichrome wire with magnesium oxide that speeds up the heat transfer process.
The heating elements’ materials are also excellent insulators, which is excellent since it can protect the unit and your home if the temperature elevates to unsafe levels.
The lighting system of the Panasonic FV-11VHL2 is also energy-efficient. You can light up your bathroom and take your long baths without fear of increasing your power bill.
It also has advanced features such as a dual-sensor technology that detects humidity and motion. So, when you enter the bathroom, the exhaust fan automatically turns on.
You should know that this product is designed for large bathrooms. The fan has an airflow capacity of 70 CFM.
Pros:
- High-quality product with high-tech features
- Compact unit that is easy to install
Cons:
Comes with a higher price tag compared to other models
Best bathroom exhaust fans with light and heater Buying Guide
Before you make your purchase, check out this buying guide when it comes to picking out the best bathroom fans with light and heater for your needs.
Factors to consider
Here is a list of essential things that you should consider before settling on a product.
Space
How big is your bathroom? You need to know the square feet area of your bathroom before picking out your exhaust fans. Some units are built for small bathrooms only, while some can accommodate a huge one.
You can tell if an exhaust fan is a right fit through its airflow capacity measured in cubic feet per minute or CFM. A low CFM rating means that the exhaust fan is best for a small bathroom, while a high one means that the exhaust fan is powerful enough to work for a large bathroom.
Bathroom fans should have at least 1 CFM per square foot of your bathroom space. A common formula most households use to figure out the right CFM rating is length x width x height x 0.13. The answer you get is the suggested CFM for your bathroom size.
Controls
The best bathroom exhaust fans with light and heater should allow you to have more control. There will be times when all you need is light, so why waste energy?
Look for products that have a separate switch to control all the three functions separately and together.
Features
Exhaust fans with light and heater give you three functions in one. That could seem enough already. But feel free to shop around and check out other brands.
Some brands, especially high-end ones, will offer additional features like a multifunctional switch, motion sensor, nightlight setting, or built-in safety features.
A great feature that you should look out for is fan timers. Most units have the fan turn off when you walk out of the room or turn off the switch. But steam is still there in the room, so the fan has to keep on running for a few minutes more. The Home Ventilating Institute recommends that you should run your bathroom exhaust fan for at least 20 minutes more to completely clear out the humidity and moisture from the shower you just took.
This means you have to go back to turn it off. If you forget all about it and leave it running the whole day, this could mean a higher electric bill. One way to deal with this is to get an exhaust fan with a timer. You can set the amount of time for the fan to continue running and give it enough time to absorb all the moisture before it turns off automatically.
Lighting
You have to check what type of lighting is being used (fluorescent, incandescent, LED, etc.) If you are conscious about energy consumption, LED bulbs are the most energy-efficient.
It also helps to get a product that offers a nightlight option. A nightlight allows you to use a dim light that will not wake your senses up every time you use the bathroom during bedtime. This will allow you to go back to sleep right away.
Noise level
A major complaint among homeowners is how noisy their exhaust fans can be. An exhaust fan that sounds like jet engines does not help you relax or feel comfortable while you are doing your business in the bathroom.
The good news is that modern exhaust fan models now operate with minimal noise. The noise level of a bathroom exhaust fan is measured through units called sones. If you want a quiet fan, you should get one that is within 1.0 and 4.0 sones. Take note, though, that the quieter the bathroom exhaust fan, the more expensive it can be.
If you are worried about the sound, you should also use a 6-inch ducting attachment for your fan (the standard is 4 inches). A 6-inch duct will put less strain on the exhaust fan and this would lead to a more silent operation. The air can also move around easier when you use a wider duct.
Installation
Do you plan to install it yourself, or do you have to hire an expert to install the unit? Take note that installing a bathroom fan with additional features such as lighting and heat means there are more wires and circuits involved.
If you are handy with tools, know your way around electrical wires, and do a lot of DIY projects at home, it is best to get a bathroom fan that is easy to install. Find out what it takes to install the bathroom exhaust fan before buying it. You should also see if the instructions are clear and easy to follow.
If it is a complicated installation and you do not want to risk screwing up the installation process, it is always best to let the professionals handle the job. It will be an additional cost but at least your bathroom fan with heater and light combo will be installed properly.
You should also check if the package includes the tools it needs for installation or if you have to buy them separately.
Energy efficiency
It is always best to get an energy-efficient unit so that you do not have to deal with expensive bills every month. ENERGY STAR-rated products consume only 30% energy of what an ordinary product would consume.
The ENERGY STAR seal is a symbol for energy efficiency that is backed by the government proving that the product meets the energy efficiency guidelines set by the US EPA.
You should also check if the bathroom exhaust fan will need its own circuit or not. Take note that most exhaust fans with light and heater need a circuit within the range of 220 V.
Venting
Before making a purchase, you need to ensure that the duct size will match with the exhaust fan so that they can work together.
Without proper ventilation, the air gets trapped in the bathroom, leading to an increase in humidity. The air should be vented outdoors, and its effectiveness will depend on how the bathroom exhaust fan is placed.
Budget
Of course, with any type of purchase, your budget will matter.
Given the functions of the best bathroom exhaust fans with light and heater, you should not set a budget that is too cheap. You will often get what you are willing to pay for.
Come up with a realistic budget to end up with the best bathroom exhaust fan that can fit all your needs.
Warranty
Most bathroom exhaust fans with light and heater have generous warranties ranging from 1 to 3 years. Take note, though, that most of these warranties are only limited to parts.
Take the time to ask for a warranty and its coverage. The best warranty package allows you to save more money in case of a malfunction in the product.
Ratings and reviews
Ever bought something online only to end up disappointed? I bet you did not take the time to read customer reviews.
Unsatisfied consumers will always take the time to rant about disappointing products and warn other people. You should take advantage of this and take the time to read them. This could save you from making a bad purchase.
Just because a product claims to be the best bathroom exhaust fans with light and heater and has a good writeup about them does not mean they are outstanding units. Read the ratings and reviews to make sure that you will not be wasting your hard-earned money.
Care and Maintenance for Bathroom Exhaust Fans
Now that you are closer to getting your own bathroom exhaust fan with light and heater, you should also take the time to know how to take care of and maintain the unit.
A lot of homeowners are not able to clean their bathroom exhaust fans regularly. As a result, the performance of the exhaust fans is affected.
If you want your bathroom exhaust fan with light and heater to consistently be at its best, you have to do care and maintenance regularly. Experts advise deep cleaning your fan at least once a year.
If you notice there is dust on the fan or get steam and fog on your mirror, you are way behind your cleaning duties.
So, how do you know if your exhaust fan is still working effectively? Hold a piece of toilet paper up to the fan. If it gets sucked up, then your fan is still working. If not, you may need to do some cleaning or repair.
To give you an idea of what it takes to clean bathroom exhaust fans, here are some steps:
- Make sure you turn off the power first before handling the bathroom exhaust fan unit. Turn off the switch or, better yet, the circuit breaker.
- Once the power is off, remove the cover gently. If spring clips or metal pins keep it in place, squeeze them gently to release the cover.
- Wash the fan cover using soap and warm water. You can also use a vacuum to clean it.
- Once you are done with the cover, set it aside to dry. Now, unplug the fixture.
- Depending on the model you have, you may need to remove visible screws before removing the motor. If you do not want to take the motor out because you do not want to risk damaging it, you can vacuum the fan housing and the motor area.
- Clean the fan’s blades and the motor parts near it with a slightly damp cloth. Make sure to clean also the exhaust vent and its surrounding area.
- Ensure that everything is totally dry before replacing the vent cover and reinstall the exhaust fan.
- Once you are done with reinstalling and returning all the covers, you can now turn the power back on and enjoy a cleaner exchange of air, better heat, and brighter light.
Why use a bathroom exhaust fan with light and heater?
There are many reasons you should invest in a bathroom exhaust fan that comes with a light and heater. Here are just some of the most important ones:
Better hygiene and health
Excess moisture in the bathroom can lead to mold infestation, which is hard to clean. Mold is a fungus that thrives in humid, warm, and dark environments. They spread and grow quickly on moist and wet surfaces.
Aside from that, prolonged mold exposure can give you skin allergies and respiratory ailments.
Mold in the bathroom should be dealt with immediately. The only way to prevent mold is to keep the moisture levels in your bathroom low.
Having an exhaust fan with heater draws out the excess moisture, making your bathroom a more healthy and hygienic place.
Eliminate odors
Bathrooms often have unpleasant odors not just because of what you do in there but also because of the excess moisture that gets trapped in the room after you use it. Installing a bath fan draws out the unwanted odor from the room to keep your bathroom fresh.
No more foggy mirrors
Foggy mirrors can be very annoying, especially when you are in a hurry to get out of the house. Sometimes, the more you clean it, the foggier it gets. Foggy mirrors are a sign of poor air circulation or lack of ventilation. With a good exhaust fan and heater, you can control the moisture in the room and get rid of the foggy situation!
Keeps your bathroom presentable
When you use the bathroom, it can get humid. Without proper ventilation, all the humidity and moisture gets cramped up in a small, enclosed space.
This can damage your walls and ceiling. The humidity can cause the paint or wallpaper to start peeling off. It can even warp your doors. Aside from that, excess moisture can lead to rusty water pipes and toilet tanks. All this damage can lower the value of your home.
It kinds of make you double think about all the long showers and baths that you love to take, right?
With a good bathroom exhaust fan, you do not have to worry about expensive restorations and repair! Your bathroom stays in good shape with all the excess moisture and humidity gone. In the end, you get to save money when it comes to maintenance and upkeep costs.
Get an upgrade
Most bathrooms already have a bath fan installed. Still, these stand-alone models do not have a reasonable air exchange rate. This is why they have difficulty removing all the stale and humid air, leaving unpleasant odors to linger longer in your bathroom.
Besides, having separate units for your bath fan, heat, and light is just a waste of space and money. You end up saving more when you get a product that has all three! That makes a worthy upgrade!
The best bathroom exhaust fans with light and heater help you have a cleaner, dryer, and fresher bathroom all the time!
Bathroom exhaust fans with light and heater FAQs
Where should I install my bathroom exhaust fan?
A bathroom fan is typically installed between the shower and the toilet. This is an area where there is less pipes or obstructing joints in the ceiling.
If you love taking long baths or showers, the bathroom exhaust fan should be placed in an area near your bathtub or shower for maximum effectiveness.
If you are installing one in a powder room, the bathroom exhaust fan should be located over the toilet.
Ensure that the exhaust points are pointed opposite the direction of the supply air source to make sure that fresh air is brought into the bathroom.
Are there any legalities involve when it comes to installing a bathroom exhaust fan?
Before you start on the project, you may need to verify local building codes to see if you need to settle any requirements or permits. For instance, in some states, bathroom ventilation fans have to meet building codes.
It also helps to go over your homeowner’s insurance and check if all electrical tasks are required to be handled by a licensed contractor.
Why do my mirror and windows still fog up even when the bathroom exhaust fan is running?
There are different reasons why this can happen:
- The room temperature is very cold, causing condensation to form on surfaces. To fix this, run the heater first and make sure the room is already warm before you start your shower or bath.
- The bathroom is sealed too tightly that the replacement air is unable to enter the room quickly enough to get rid of the moist air. To solve this problem, make sure there is some space underneath your door and the floor to draw more replacement air in the bathroom.
- Your fan is not installed in the right place. Your fan should be placed away from the replacement air source so that the moist air can be drawn out quickly.
Are fan-forced heaters better than infrared heaters?
This will depend on your personal preferences. You have to know that although infrared heaters can build up heat instantly, it only works on a limited range. You must stay in range of the bulbs to benefit from it. In contrast, fan-forced heaters take longer to heat up, but it works on the entire room. If heat is a priority because you live in cold temperatures, you will be better off with fan-forced heaters.
Can I paint the unit’s grille in a different color?
It is not recommended since the grille is exposed to temperatures that are higher than the usual – your paint job may lead to different results. If you do want to paint it, it is better off to consult a paint professional first. They may come up with a paint solution that can deal with high temperatures.
Do bathroom exhaust fans use a lot of electricity?
If an exhaust fan needs 1 watt for every 3 to 5 CFM, it consumes between 30 and 50 Watts. You have to note that your exhaust fan’s energy efficiency will vary depending on its model and features.
One more way to ensure that you do not waste any energy is to keep your exhaust fan clean all the time. The more your bathroom fan will accumulate dust, the more the fan and motor will struggle to perform. The motor will have to work harder to maintain its speed and effectiveness. Since performance is affected, it would have to run longer to heat up the bathroom too. Because it runs longer, the motor turns hotter, and all this will cause more electricity than it usually consumes.
Conclusion
With this information, you now have what it takes to make an informed decision and the right judgment call when you make your purchase.
We hope that this product review and buyer’s guide will help you end up with the best bathroom exhaust fan with light and heater.
Remember, a fully functional bathroom exhaust fan with light and heater is not a luxury – it is a necessity. It maintains your bathroom, keeps it a clean and healthy zone, and saves you dollars on maintenance and upkeep in the long run!