Top 10 Bathroom Exhaust Fans for Odor and Moisture Control
Bathroom exhaust fans help control moisture, reduce odors, and improve air quality. When choosing one, consider factors such as fan power, noise levels, and extra features like lighting or humidity sensors. Below are our top 10 bathroom exhaust fans for 2025 to help you find the best option for your space.
Broan-NuTone AE110 Invent Flex ENERGY STAR Qualified Single-Speed Ventilation Fan
- The fan operates quietly at 110 CFM and 1.0 Sones, suitable for rooms up to 105 sq. ft.
- Its powerful ventilation quickly eliminates fogged mirrors, ensuring clear visibility and comfort.
- Installation is straightforward, allowing retrofit setups from the room side without attic access.
- TrueSeal Damper Technology reduces air leakage by up to 50%, improving home performance and minimizing backdrafts.
- It is UL Listed for use over tubs and showers with a GFCI circuit, effectively capturing steam where needed.
Panasonic FV-0511VF1 WhisperFit DC Fan 50-80-110 CFM Retrofit Bathroom Exhaust Fan
- The bathroom exhaust fan features a revolutionary ECM motor and SmartFlow Technology for optimal CFM output.
- It includes a built-in Pick-A-Flow airflow selector, allowing you to choose between 50, 80, or 110 CFM with the flip of a switch.
- The fan is equipped with a single-hinged Flex-Z Fast bracket for flexible, fast, and easy ceiling installation.
- It has a low-profile design with a 5-5/8 housing depth, fitting 2 x 6 joist sizes or larger.
- The vent fan can be used to comply with standards such as ASHRAE 62.2, LEED, IAP, and California Title 24.
Broan-NuTone 688 Ceiling and Wall Ventilation
- The ventilation fan effectively eliminates humidity, tobacco smoke, and cooking odors, making it ideal for various spaces.
- It operates at 50 CFM with a 4.0 Sone rating, ensuring quiet performance during use.
- Installation is quick and easy with torsion springs, requiring no tools for setup.
- The fan features paintable polymeric grilles, allowing you to match it with your existing decor.
- It includes a plug-in motor with a polymeric blower wheel for reliable operation, and the motor can be easily removed for cleaning.
- The fan's corrosion-resistant galvanized steel housing ensures durability in moist environments.
- For certain states, the Broan-NuTone AE50 model is recommended to meet specific requirements.
Broan-NuTone BHFLED80 PowerHeat Bathroom Exhaust Fan, Heater, and LED Light Combination, 80 CFM
- The fan, light, and heater can operate independently or together, providing comfort at 80 CFM and 1.5 sones in your bathroom.
- It has a decorative design with a white grille that complements various decor styles.
- The integrated dimmable LED lighting features CCT color control and acts as a nightlight, offering three color options.
- The 1300-watt heater efficiently heats any room for added comfort.
- Designed for compact spaces, it fits 2" x 6" ceiling constructions and features durable galvanized steel housing.
OREiN OL005 Bathroom Fan with Bluetooth Speaker
- The OREiN bathroom fan operates at 110/160 CFM with a 1.0 sones rating, making it suitable for rooms up to 160 sq. ft.
- It features a bright 1500lm LED light for ample illumination and a toggle switch to select the desired CFM.
- The fan includes a 3CCT LED light with adjustable color temperatures (2700K, 4000K, 6500K) and a 200lm nightlight for easy navigation in the dark.
- Equipped with a Bluetooth speaker, the fan allows you to enjoy music with a 7-color LED light that syncs with your tunes.
- Installation is straightforward with a design that fits standard ceiling constructions and a 6-inch duct.
- The fan effectively eliminates moisture and humidity, ensuring comfort and clarity after showers without fogged mirrors.
- The Kaze Appliance SNP100 is featured in Consumer Reports’ “Best Bathroom Exhaust Fans of 2024” for its excellent performance and value.
- It is designed for easy installation without attic access, fitting most standard 9 x 9 inch ceiling openings.
- With a powerful airflow of 100 CFM, it effectively removes moisture, odors, and stale air in bathrooms up to 100 square feet.
- Operating at just 0.8 Sones, this fan is impressively quiet, making it easy to forget it’s running.
- The fan includes a detachable 4-inch polymeric duct with a backdraft prevention damper for improved efficiency.
Homewerks 7140-80 Bathroom Fan Ceiling Mount Exhaust Ventilation, 1.5 Sones, 80 CFM, White
- The Homewerk's bath fan effectively eliminates moisture and humidity, operating at 1.5 Sones and 110 CFM for spaces up to 110 square feet.
- It helps remove harsh odors, especially after cleaning, by providing powerful ventilation.
- Constructed from galvanized steel, the fan is designed to be corrosion-resistant and features a modern-style grille.
- Installation is easy with a no-cut design, fitting ceiling openings of 7-1/2 inches by 7-1/4 inches, and includes a 4-inch round duct connector.
- Homewerk ensures trusted quality with products certified to regional, national, and international standards, backed by a 3-year limited warranty.
- The fan is ETL listed and HVI certified for added assurance of quality and performance.
Broan-NuTone 678 Ventilation Fan and Light Combo for Bathroom and Home, 100 Watts, 50 CFM,White
- The exhaust fan and light combo effectively reduces foul odors and is suitable for rooms up to 45 square feet, including bathrooms.
- It has a bright 100-watt lighting capacity (bulb not included) and features a shatter-resistant light diffusing lens for durability.
- Installation is easy for DIY enthusiasts, with polymeric duct connectors and a plug-in, permanently lubricated motor for straightforward setup.
- The decorative white polymeric grille complements various décors, with dimensions of 10.625" in length and 11.125" in width.
- The housing dimensions are 8" x 8-1/4" x 5-3/4", making it a compact choice for any room.
- For customers in specific states, the Broan-NuTone AE80BL is recommended to meet state requirements.
- This bathroom fan operates at a very quiet 1.5 sones while delivering strong air movement at 80 CFM, suitable for bathrooms up to 85 square feet.
- It features easy installation with no cut housing, allowing it to replace most standard small bathroom fans using the existing opening without attic access.
- The housing dimensions are 7.5 inches x 7.25 inches x 6 inches, with a 4-inch duct; the ceiling mounting opening required is 7.6 inches x 7.3 inches.
- Designed for efficiency, the fan boasts excellent motor performance, working for at least 25,000 hours.
- It is Energy Star qualified and UL and HVI certified for performance assurance, making it acceptable for use over a bathtub or shower when installed on a GFCI-protected branch circuit.
Broan-Nutone 668RP Ceiling Bathroom Exhaust Fan and Light Combo
- The fan and light combo effectively reduces odors and is suitable for rooms up to 65 square feet, operating at 70 CFM.
- It includes a bright 100-watt incandescent light (bulb not included) for lasting illumination and has a 4.0 Sone rating for moderate sound levels.
- Installation is straightforward for DIY enthusiasts, featuring a 4" duct connector with a built-in damper and a 24" adjustable hanger bar system.
- The white polymeric grille seamlessly blends into the ceiling, complementing virtually any decor.
- Please note that this item is not available for purchase in Vermont, Washington, Colorado, Washington DC, Oregon, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, or New York due to state requirements.
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How to Choose the Best Bathroom Exhaust Fans?
Bathroom exhaust fans serve a practical purpose by managing humidity and improving air quality in a space where moisture accumulates quickly. This helps prevent mold, mildew, and moisture damage to walls, ceilings, and fixtures. To select the right exhaust fan for your bathroom, consider factors such as fan size, noise level, and additional features that may be useful to your space. Let’s break down these considerations in detail.
Why Proper Ventilation is Essential
In bathrooms, the combination of water and humidity can lead to unpleasant odors, slippery surfaces, and long-term damage to paint and fixtures. By removing excess moisture from the air, exhaust fans maintain a balanced and dry environment, protecting against the growth of mold and keeping the space fresh and comfortable.
Sizing the Fan for Your Bathroom
Choosing the correct fan size is key for effective ventilation. Bathroom exhaust fans are measured by their airflow capacity, known as cubic feet per minute (CFM). To ensure the fan can efficiently clear the air, it’s recommended to match the CFM to the size of your bathroom.
- For a bathroom up to 50 square feet, a fan rated at 50 CFM should be sufficient.
- For bathrooms between 50 and 100 square feet, look for fans rated between 70 and 100 CFM.
- For larger bathrooms, or if you have features like a jetted tub or steam shower, you may need a fan with a higher CFM rating for optimal moisture removal.
Noise Levels to Consider
One factor that often comes up when selecting a bathroom exhaust fan is how loud it will be during operation. Fans are rated in “sones,” a unit used to measure sound. The lower the sone rating, the quieter the fan. While a fan with a 1 sone rating or lower is considered very quiet, fans above 2 sones may be noticeably louder, which could be distracting if your bathroom is close to living spaces or bedrooms.
- Fans rated 0.5 to 1.5 sones are ideal for quiet operation.
- Higher sone ratings may work for bathrooms located in less noise-sensitive areas.
Features That Add Convenience
When browsing for exhaust fans, you’ll find many models with additional features that can enhance their functionality. Depending on your bathroom needs, you might want to consider a few of these extras:
- Integrated lighting: Some fans come with built-in lights, allowing you to save space by combining ventilation and lighting in one unit.
- Humidity sensors: These automatically activate the fan when moisture levels in the bathroom rise, eliminating the need to turn it on manually.
- Heaters: For colder climates, some fans include built-in heaters, which can be useful for warming the space while ventilating it.
- Motion sensors: Some models have sensors that activate the fan when someone enters the room and automatically shut it off when the room is empty.
These features can simplify the use of the fan and may also help you save on energy costs by automating its operation.
Installation Tips for Optimal Performance
Proper installation of an exhaust fan is vital for it to function correctly. It should be installed in a location that allows it to pull air efficiently from the entire room. This usually means placing it near or directly above the shower or bathtub. If you’re replacing an old fan, make sure the new one is compatible with your existing venting system to avoid unnecessary adjustments.
If you’re installing a fan for the first time, or your bathroom lacks proper ventilation, hiring a professional can ensure that the fan is set up to perform well and meets local building regulations. Venting the fan directly outside, rather than into an attic or other enclosed space, is important to avoid moisture buildup in other parts of your home.
Maintaining Your Exhaust Fan
Like most household appliances, bathroom exhaust fans require regular maintenance to keep them running efficiently. Over time, dust and debris can build up on the fan blades and in the vent, reducing airflow and causing the fan to work harder than necessary. Cleaning the fan periodically, typically every 6 months, can extend its lifespan and ensure it continues to function at full capacity.
Here are a few steps to maintain the fan:
- Turn off power to the fan before cleaning.
- Remove the cover and vacuum any dust or debris.
- Wipe down fan blades with a damp cloth.
- Clean the surrounding ductwork if possible to ensure optimal airflow.
Regular maintenance can prevent the fan from getting clogged and reduce the risk of overheating.
Energy Efficiency Considerations
With rising energy costs, many homeowners look for ways to reduce energy consumption. ENERGY STAR-rated bathroom exhaust fans are designed to use less energy without sacrificing performance. These fans use more efficient motors and advanced designs to move air while using less electricity. Choosing an energy-efficient fan not only lowers your utility bills but also reduces your environmental footprint.
Venting Options and Ductwork
For the exhaust fan to function properly, it must vent air outdoors. This can be done either through the roof or an exterior wall. Properly sealed and insulated ductwork is essential to prevent condensation from forming inside the ducts, which could lead to mold and water damage in other parts of the house.
Shorter, straight ducts with fewer bends allow air to flow more efficiently, which helps the fan maintain optimal performance. If the ducts are too long or have multiple turns, it can reduce the effectiveness of the fan, leading to slower removal of moisture from the bathroom.
Commonly Asked Questions
- How long should you leave the fan running after a shower?
It’s recommended to leave the fan running for 20 to 30 minutes after showering to remove excess moisture. Some fans come with built-in timers that can handle this automatically. - Do you need an exhaust fan if your bathroom has a window?
While windows can provide ventilation, they don’t always remove moisture as effectively as a fan, especially in colder months. An exhaust fan is a more reliable solution for managing humidity levels year-round. - Can a fan be too powerful?
Choosing a fan with a CFM rating that’s too high for the space can cause drafts or unnecessary noise. It’s best to match the CFM to the size of the bathroom to achieve the right balance of airflow without overdoing it.
