The presence of an exhaust fans in a bathroom helps in more ways than one, preventing humidity build up as well as offering proper ventilation. This comes with numerous benefits mostly seen by overall better condition of the bathroom. A silent bathroom exhaust fan is a very useful device to have installed, and when it also falls in the quiet bathroom exhaust fan with heater and light category, what more could you ask for to keep a bathroom in optimal condition.
We are going to be opening up some bathroom exhaust fan with heater reviews, discussing widely about the best exhaust bathroom fan. Although noise generation as well as fan speed should be held in highest esteem, other features like light for visibility, and a heater for increasing the bathroom temperature should also be considered. The quietest bathroom exhaust fan with light and heater would be the most ideal product to purchase.
With quiet bath fans, one can worry less about any form of moist problems that might cause furniture damage, while a bath fan with heater would give that extra warmth addition in days of cold. However, a quiet bath fan heater light device combines all these qualities for simply a little extra cost.
We would rank the Broan-Nutone QTXE150FLT as the best heater bath fan for you, because it possesses the best blend of fan speed and noise production. This supplies it capacity to handle large sized bathrooms very effectively, as well as generating a very low amount of noise in the process.
What is the quietest bathroom exhaust fan?
The quietest bathroom exhaust fan is the one with the lowest sone rating. Practically, this stands 0.3 sones for the most quiet, although some manufacturers make products with claims of less than 0.3 sones. From 0.3 level downwards, there isn’t really much difference as per quietness, as the device is barely noticeable, and is why most of the products at that sound level comes with indicator lights.
There are also numerous brands and models with this criteria, as it is not exclusive to one alone. Amongst the top producers however, is Broan-Nutone.
What is the best brand for bathroom exhaust fan?
We would give this title out rightly to the Broan-Nutone brand. Having been in existence since 1932, they have lead the market for decades, always coming out with forward thinking residential ventilation products like the bathroom exhaust fan for instance.
They are also recognized for an award winning customer service (ICCSO), with branches in over seven countries, and more than 2,500 employees.
Their products are also very durable, as well as coming in different grades for different categories and purposes. Many of their exhaust fans also doubles as either lighting unit or heater too, which makes them pretty handy for their price.
Top 4 Quietest bathroom exhaust fans with heater and light in 2022 – Consumer Reviews
1) Broan-Nutone QTXE150FLT Ultra-Silent Ventilation Fan with Light, Quiet Exhaust Fan for Bathroom
Quiet and effective operation
With speed of 150CFM, this exhaust fan generates noise of 1.5 sones which is a little noisier than a quiet regenerator in a quiet kitchen.
In the real sense, with all the activities that goes in a bathroom after mounting, the fan can be barely heard, and its 150CFM air flow rate is enough to recycle air in a 140sqft sized bathroom. This makes it very effective for reducing moisture and VOCs, leaving the bathroom with a clean and fresh atmosphere. Its fan motor is also engineered for continuous operation.
Multipurpose design with 6 inch duct connector
Though primarily an exhaust fan, the device also makes provision for two lighting systems, a fluorescent and night light. Purchasing this device would therefore eliminate the need for a separate light bulb installation. The fluorescent bulb is contained in the product purchase, and wired to work with the exhaust fan which are both controlled by a single switch.
To use the night bulb, a separate wiring system has to be installed, and the bulb purchased, because it doesn’t come with the product. The exhaust outlet is a 6 inches duct connector, which allows more air to move at a time, and also easy connection to the duct system of the home.
Easy to install and Design adaptable
Asides the fancy lights, and a very effective but quiet exhaust fan, the Broan-Nutone QTXE150FLT actually looks pleasant to the eyes, surely adding to the bathrooms overall looks. This claim is especially supported by a paintable polymeric grilles, allowing you to blend the fans color with the rooms existing decoration. For easy installation, two hanger bars are included in the package, while the fan takes a construction space of 2 x 8 inches.
Quality for the price
All the qualities possessed by this product ensures that it meets several standards. It is HVI certified and UL listed, asides the impressive quality of being energy star rated. These qualifications makes it usable over bathtubs and even showers when installed with a GFCI protected branch circuit.
Pros:
- very silent exhaust fan,
- fluorescent (included) and night light (purchased separately) inclusive design,
- 150CFM and 1.5sones motor is engineered for continuous operation,
- easy installation with 6inches ducting,
- paintable polymeric for decorative color designs,
- energy star rated,
- HVI certified and UL listed,
- can serve bathrooms up to 140sqft in size,
Cons:
- Although top notch in quality, it costs quite a lot to purchase.
2) Broan-Nutone QTX110HL Very Quiet Ceiling Heater, Fan, and Light Combo for Bathroom
Quietness
With sound level at 0.9 sone, this exhaust fan is even quieter than a silent refrigerator, and the Broan-Nutone QTXE150FLT too. However, this quietness is achieved at a lower speed of 110 CFM compared to the Broan-Nutone QTXE150FLT 150 CFM, which is understandable.
In a nut shell, it would constitute zero sound nuisance during usage in your bathroom. It also comes with a 60 watt light bulb for doubling as lighting device, and 7 watt night light for those who desires to use one. Note that the package doesn’t include nightlight bulbs.
Independent heater
Specially designed with this device is an independent heater. This means that the heater is able to work simultaneously or independent of the light bulb or exhaust fan, and really a source of cheap quick heat, eliminating the wait and power consumed by a standard whole house heater.
Depending on your need, one can decide to keep the lights and kill its heater and exhaust fan, or leave everything working all at once. Its heater is powered by electricity, and it is 1500watt capacity heater, which is able to produce a very decent amount of heat for that size.
Highly Decorative
The surface of the device is made with a white polymeric grille design. Although this isn’t exactly paintable like the QTXE150FLT model, its white color ensures that it can pretty much fit into any existing design the bathroom has. This quality makes the device not only a good product, but also a beautiful one at that.
Easy DIY installation
If you are a dedicated DIY person, then you would really love how much pleasure there is in installing this product. Overall installation is practically easy to perform, especially with adjustable mounting brackets that spans up to 24 inches, allowing much flexibility as per position.
Its resilient anti vibration mounting brackets and a long with a 1.1 inch long tapered sleeve also makes things quicker, more flexible, and a very firm structure after installation.
Quality for the money
The international credentials of this product includes being energy star rated, and HVI certified. Energy star rated meaning that it wouldn’t consume a humungous amount of energy, while its HVI qualification means that it can be used over a bathtub or shower as far as it is installed with a GFCI circuit.
Pros:
- fan is very quiet while operating,
- 60 watt light and 1500 watt heater for optimal bathroom comfort,
- white polymeric grille gives a decorative nature,
- comes with nightlight option (bulbs not included on purchase), easy and firm installation,
- HVI certified with 0.9 sones and 110CFM operation,
- permanently lubricated fan motor allows continuous operation irrespective of the ventilator,
- energy star rated,
Cons:
- poor heater element quality,
- means that it would get damaged very often.
3) Broan-Nutone QTXEN080FLT Ultra-Silent Ventilation Fan, Quiet Exhaust Fan and Light for Bathroom
Quiet and efficient
The noise level of this exhaust fan stands at 0.3 sones, which so far is the lowest we’ve seen among all reviewed products, producing next to no sounds. It however gives up a fairly large amount of strength, with its speed at 80CFM.
If you are looking for something ultra-quiet first before another quality, then this is your guy, but if you rather favor a good level of performance with that quietness then you should try something else. This also makes it suitable for bathrooms of about 75sqft in size.
Additional two lighting systems
It comes with a provision for both regular lighting, and an optional night light. The regular lighting consist of two 18 watts bulbs which are included on purchase, but the night light would have to be purchased separately. The whole system is also controlled by a single switch, and if you would rather have it separate, then get ready to wire each individually.
Stylish and color variant
For decorative purposes, this fan comes with an option of two colors. Its whole design is pretty nice, and users are allowed to choose from either the white or cream polymeric grille colors available, depending on what blends better in your home.
The quality of this product also speaks for itself, being energy star, HVI and UL listed. It can be used above a bathtub and shower as far as it is installed with a GFCI protected branch circuit.
Pros:
- operates at 80CFM and 0.3 sones for a very quiet and efficient performance,
- comes with two 18 watt fluorescent lights and a 4 watt nightlight option to double as a multipurpose device,
- stylish white or cream polymeric grille colors to choose from,
- good quality being energy star and HVI certified, as well as UL listed.
Cons:
- very effective in smaller sized bathrooms only,
4) Broan Very Quiet Ceiling Bathroom Exhaust Fan, ENERGY STAR Certified
Efficient performance
Once again, a very low noise device on our list is the QTXE080 product. Its noise production number stands at 0.3 sones, which is almost as low as exhaust fans can get, therefore it offers a completely quiet operation, but also a lower speed.
Its fan speed stands at 80CFM, which is just about enough to prevent a mirror from fogging, but doesn’t do much beyond that. It is not an effective source of humidity removal from the bathroom, let alone VOCs released by newly installed furniture.
Lightening
Like all other fans so far, it comes with a dual lighting system. The first is a regular lighting, which consist of two 60 watts bulbs that offers very powerful illumination in the enclosed space. You wouldn’t be needing any other light source in a small sized bathroom. The other option makes provision for night light, which would be purchased and wired separately.
Easy installation
Installing is pretty easy and straight forward, with every fitting needed for the mounting process provided in the package. It needs only a 2 x 8 inches construction space, where the hanger bar would be fitted.
Other qualities possessed includes being HVI certified, and can be used over bathtubs and showers when connected to a GFCI protected branch circuit. Being energy star rated, it is also an efficient consumer of power, preventing the bills from high spikes.
Pros:
- operates very quietly at 0.3 sones and 80 CFM,
- easy installation,
- energy star and GVI certified,
- built with two 60 watt bulbs and a 7 watt nightlight,
- cheap to purchase,
Cons:
- doesn’t do well when faced with high humidity atmosphere,
- generally more suited to small sized bathrooms up to 75sqft,
5 Crucial Features to consider when choosing a quiet bathroom exhaust fan with heater and light
- Sound and speed level:
The two most important factors to consider when picking an exhaust fan is how fast it runs, as well as the amount of noise it produces.
Generally, the faster the fan’s speed, the more air it would be able to extract per time, and the more effective it would be in getting the job done. However, higher speeds also means higher noise levels, while lower speeds means less.
These high fan speeds have noise levels between 1 and 2 sones, which is still very much okay to live with in a bathroom. Always start your research by picking the best of both of these two features.
- Multipurpose:
Although primarily an exhaust fan, there are many of this product that also comes with extra qualities, making it a multipurpose device as a result.
The most common one is having regular lights and night lights, while more rear is having a heater along with this setup. Going for a product which combines all of these features in one is surely a better option than just having a standalone feature.
- Ease of installation:
This shouldn’t be much of a problem, because most exhaust fan heaters today is designed to fit the DIY category for easy domestic installation. All the heaters in our review fits this category, and you shouldn’t settle for less, especially paying extra to have a fan installed after spending over $100 on purchase.
- HVI and UL certified:
Electronic products are always tricky when used in moisture filled or water prone environment. This is why they have to meet certain standards for performance, and safety from all forms of malfunctions that could cause hazards. The HVI and UL regulation body exists to that regard, and only products that passes their requirement should be used.
- Room service capacity:
Exhaust fans also differs in the area of space which they can cover. Some can go as high as 150sqft or more (high end fans), or the midrange of 100sqft, while some remains at the lower end of 50sqft to 70sqft. It is important to measure your bathroom, and purchase something strong enough to get the job done, and of course, the higher its capacity, the more expensive the product would be.
Where do bathroom exhaust fans vent to?
The area where bathroom exhaust fans vent air to is totally dependent on the user. Normally, exhaust fans always comes with duct outlet of about 6 inches, which allows them connect to the home’s already laid duct vent system that eventually leads outdoors.
For this reason, the fan has to be strategically located and installed at the shortest and most direct route to the where ever the external vent opening is (mostly through a wall or the roof).
In all, air extracted from the bathroom really have no use again, therefore its eventually released outdoors, allowing a less humid air replace the jus extracted humid one.
How can you make your bathroom fan quieter?
Firstly, it is important to know that a fan cannot get quieter than it was originally deigned to be. That means that an exhaust fan with 1 sone rating, cannot be as quiet as that of a 0.3 sone rating regardless of whatever procedure done, because the difference is in hardware fundamentals like motor and blade designs.
Overtime however, some fans starts to generate more noise than it normally should, and in such condition, it can be remedied to start sounding as low as it was originally designed to be. Simply follow these few steps:
- Start by killing off power to the fan through its control switch.
- Open the compartment, and thoroughly clean the fan and all other moving parts, as well as casing preferably using hot water.
- Vacuum the duct and vent housing, and ensure all dirt and dust are removed especially the ones on the fan blade and blower wheel.
- Turn on the fan and observe the blades to see if it makes contact with any part it is not supposed to, and adjust accordingly.
- Place few drops of lubricant on the motor shaft to oil its bearings, eliminating any squeaky sound in the process.
- Turn on the fan once again to ensure everything is working normally, and the extra sounds produced are gone.
- Couple the fan and keep running as usual.
Should you run the bathroom exhaust fan while showering?
Running an exhaust fan in a bathroom while showering is pretty much what is was built for, and it can be done without restriction when the fan isn’t located anywhere near the shower.
However, when the fan is located close to or directly above the shower, it becomes a different ball game entirely, and some other things has to be put in place for a completely safe use.
The first criteria is that the product passes the HVI and IL certifications, and finally, it should be installed with a GFCI protected branch circuit.
It is an outlet branch circuit which is different from the conventional ones, being specially designed to protect that branch. When installed, it protects circuit wirings, cords, and power supply cables connected to it from negative effects like ground faults and arcing.
Having this installed would greatly protect users from the dangers of an electrical device receiving splashes of water, and without this additional installation, never use an exhaust fan anywhere close to a shower.
Final Verdict : Quiet bathroom exhaust fan with heater and light
Our top choice for the best bathroom exhaust fan is the Broan-Nutone QTXE150FLT. Although not the most quiet, the noise produced is relatively low, and would be barely noticed. With speed of 150CFM, as well as being able to serve up to 140sqft size in capacity, its raw power and performance is unmatched by the rest. Its polymeric surface is also paintable for decorative preference, and let’s not forget its HVI, UL and energy star qualifications.
Your next best bet for effective air circulation in a bathroom is the Broan-Nutone. QTX110HL. This fan has a noise level of 0.9 sones, and speed of 110CFM, which is a little below the QTXE150FLT. It however possesses a 1500heater for generating more heat in the bathroom, which comes in really handy in winter times.