Our homes face a variety of issues when it comes to the quality of air. In a video from the Home Performance channel, Dr. Richard Corsi who is an indoor air researcher said that there are things to remember in order to achieve safe air quality indoors: ventilation and dry environment indoors. These can be achieved through the use of exhaust fans: an important component in bathrooms to prevent the occurrence of unfavorable odors.
If you can make sure you don't bring harmful things into your home, you ventilate properly, and you keep it
dry... you're likely going to have a healthy house.
Richard L. Corsi, Ph.D.
Indoor Air Researcher
Types of Bathroom Exhaust Fans
Bathroom exhaust fans are available in several designs and types to suit a variety of bathroom sizes and applications. Ceiling-mounted, wall-mounted, or inline/remote bathroom exhaust fans are the most common types which are described as follows:
Ceiling-mounted
As the name implies, these are the kind of bathroom exhaust fans that are mounted to or from the ceiling and vent through the roof or in the attic.
Wall-mounted
These are the kinds of bathroom exhaust fans that are installed on the room's exterior wall and are typically used where there is no practical way of releasing stale air through the roof or attic. This kind of bathroom exhaust fan is commonly used in first-floor bathrooms.
Inline fans
These bathroom exhaust fans are also known as remote fans as they are installed in a remote area, such as in the attic. They are frequently used when you want to use a single fan to vent several bathrooms or have several vents in a single large bathroom. The ductwork in this type attaches the fan to a grill-covered opening in the bathroom ceiling.
What to Look for in Bathroom Exhaust Fans?
If you're searching for the best bathroom exhaust fans, keep in mind that the brand is a significant factor to consider. Panasonic and AC Infinity are revolutionizing home ventilation with outstanding ventilation power that easily eliminates polluted air and moisture. You will always receive the guaranteed CFM power rating you need as described in the package once you choose them. Having said that, if you want to experience great air movement, AC Infinity RAXIAL S6 is an excellent pick. It will give you great air flow at 265 CFM.
Such a fan however, might not fit everyone’s taste, not to say that there are other major considerations you need to look into deeply. This includes the bathroom fan size, installation, noise level, features, and power.
That being said, to aid you better, we've gathered the information and advice you'll need before purchasing a bathroom exhaust fan. Our group of specialists assists us in evaluating and examining all products on the market, so we're confident that we've compiled the best choices for you. Also, please don’t forget to click the buttons below to see what Amazon has to offer that is right for you!
Best Bathroom Exhaust Fans Comparison & Rating
1. Panasonic FV-0811VF5 WhisperFit EZ Retrofit Ventilation Fan
Brand | Panasonic |
Max Air Flow | 110 CFP |
Noise Level | 0.8 sones |
Type | Ceiling |
The Panasonic FV-0811VF5 WhisperFit EZ Retrofit Ventilation Fan has made installing a bathroom exhaust fan as simple as possible. With a low profile of 5-5/8-inch housing depth, it is built not only for home construction but also for remodel installations. The Flex-Z supports a quick and simple installation bracket during the testing procedure to make the installation much smoother. This enables us to install the product without climbing up through the ceiling/attic.
The Pick-A-Flow Speed Selector on this bathroom exhaust fan controls fan operation within 80 and 110 CFM, making it ideal for a range of bathroom types. We were blown away by the fact that the Panasonic FV-0811VF5 WhisperFit EZ Retrofit Ventilation Fan allows us to select between 80 CFM and 110 CFM by simply clicking a switch.
2. AC Infinity RAXIAL S6 Inline Booster Duct Fan
Brand | AC Infinity |
Max Air Flow | 265 CFM |
Noise Level | 35 dBA |
Type | Inline |
AC Infinity RAXIAL S6 is the solution you are looking for if you need something that will boost the HVAC system of your home. It is just 6” in size but it is a giant when it comes to its performance. It has a 265 CFM that is enough to manage the airflow in spaces like attics, workshops, basements, kitchens, and, most of all, bathrooms.
The speed of the fan can be controlled through its built-in control (Off, Low, Medium, and High). Very helpful, especially if you think its 35 dBA is a bit bothering.
We also praise its great matte black body that is made of die-cast construction with no welded seams. It also has an AC brushless motor, steel blades, and lubricated bearings. Contains all the crucial details to help it have the best performance for its size. Overall, it looks really flawless and there is almost no vibration even when it is set at the maximum speed!
3. SAILFLO LFW-15 6” Wall-Mounted Bathroom Exhaust Fan
Brand | SAILFLO |
Max Air Flow | 176 CFM |
Noise Level | 40 dB |
Type | Wall-mounted |
Despite its size, the SAILFLO LFW-15 is one of the most powerful exhaust fans on the market. It boasts 176 CFM at 40 dB. It at least has 1.40 sones which is noticeable but for the air flow this model can give, it is still something that will amaze you. It beats the 110 CFM of Panasonic FV-0811VF5. This makes it ideal not just for the bathroom but so as for areas where odor is a primary issue like the kitchen and smoke room.
However, at only 9,000-hour product life, it is a bit behind other models like Delta Electronics SLM70 which can provide at least 70,000 hours. Despite that, once you experience its performance, you will be pleased with how efficient it is. When placed in a medium-sized bathroom, it can eliminate excessive moisture and odor within 3 minutes.
It also sports a double direction ventilation system that is very simple and straightforward. Using the rope hanging on the bottom of the unit, you can control the fan in a matter of seconds. The first pull of the rope allows the fan to exhaust outward. The second pull activates the reverse run which draws the air inward. Lastly, the third pull deactivates the ventilation fan and closes the louver. Excellent!
4. BV BF-01 Ultra-Quiet Bathroom Ventilation & Exhaust Fan
Brand | BV |
Max Air Flow | 90 CFM |
Noise Level | 0.8 sones |
Type | Ceiling |
BV provides numerous products and equipment for home improvement in North America and its most popular ventilator system is BF-01 Ultra-Quiet Bathroom Ventilation & Exhaust Fan. This exhaust fan has a heavy-duty motor that is UL and HVI 2100 approved, as well as lifetime lubrication and thermal safety. With a 90 CFM airflow rating, it has just the right amount of power for optimal ventilation and exhaust to remove moisture, dust, mold, and contaminants from the air.
It can easily ventilate a space of up to 90 square feet, as well as keeping your bathroom mirror from being steamy and wet. Overall, we were astounded by the consistency of its performance. What's more, as compared to other fans with comparable specifications, this BV Ultra-Quiet Bathroom Ventilation & Exhaust Fan is indeed very economical.
Its fixed volume of air might not please others but at 90 CFM, it works just fine. If you need an upgrade, nonetheless, its BV-BF-02 can offer 110 CFM. However, expect a more noticeable sound from it. As a matter of fact, it can be as loud as 2.0 sones with its BV-BF-04 model which offers 200 CFM. This is one of the reasons why we settled for this BV-BF-01 variant as it has the right balance for noise, performance, and value.
5. Delta Electronics SLM70 Bath Fan
Brand | Delta |
Max Air Flow | 70 CFM |
Noise Level | 2.0 sones |
Type | Ceiling |
Delta is a reputable bathroom appliance and electronics maker with a long history of producing high-quality items. And here's another bathroom exhaust fan from Delta that we're happy to introduce: the Delta Electronics SLM70 Bath Fan.
During the testing process, we found that this Delta Electronics SLM70 Bath Fan is identical in size to Broan 688/689 exhaust fans (another model we tested) and both use a 3-inch tube. One noticeable difference, however, is that the Delta Electronics SLM70 Bath Fan has a higher CFM rate at a lower noise level than the Broan 688 with 50 CFM at 4.0 sones. We took a decibel reading of the former model and noted a spike in sound at the 15-second point, which hit about 34 dB. Kind of audible but at a 70 square feet bathroom, you’ll barely notice this.
Moreover, this SLM70 is a powerful and effective fan that moves 70 CFM, making it an excellent option for use in medium-sized bathrooms. It comes with the established assurance that it will work without malfunction for eight years or 70,000 hours! This is truly wonderful that at its great economical price, you’ll have a motor that can last years. A true performance and economical option.
Best Bathroom Exhaust Fans - Buyer's Guide
The sound of exhaust fans are commonly measured in sones, with most fans ranging from 0.5 to 4.0 sones. A certain exhaust fan with such a sones rating of 1.0 or a little less is found extremely quiet, as it corresponds to the noise of a quiet refrigerator. A sones rating higher than 4.0, on the other hand, could be loud enough. Keep in mind that it’s always preferable to get a fan that extracts so much air with the least amount of noise.
Cubic feet per minute (CFM) is the unit of measurement for exhaust fan power or airflow. If you want to be much more precise, calculate your bathroom size and use the formula: Length X Width X Height X 0.13 = Recommended minimum CFM rating.
Several bathroom exhaust fans now have unique features for comfort and aesthetics. Some fans come with an optional humidity sensor to sense and monitor your surroundings, and for improved aesthetic value, some fans have a nightlight, bathroom light, LED lighting, and motion sensor. Nevertheless, these are all just additional aspects to take into account. The most important thing to consider is its air flow power and system.
To withstand the rigors of everyday use, you must look for a bathroom exhaust fan that is tough and sturdy. Your bathroom exhaust fan will be responsible for a variety of functions, including eliminating moisture and odors as well as supplying ventilation. To ensure that it does not break down, look for a fan that is well-built from high-quality materials. Also, often looks for HVI certification, which certifies that the material has been tested extensively from an unbiased testing procedure. Also, check for the lifespan rating.
Best Bathroom Exhaust Fans - FAQs
A bathroom exhaust fan is a critical component of a home's ventilation system. It reduces odors, increases indoor air quality, and eliminates humidity and moisture, which can cause room deterioration and even mold and mildew formation.
Always choose a bathroom exhaust fan that can propel at least 1 CFM every square foot of the bathroom. To calculate it, measure your bathroom and multiply the dimensions by the formula: Length X Width X Height X 0.13 to get the recommended CFM.
Yes, the bathroom exhaust fan works well at eliminating odors from the bathroom. It removes the stale air as the fan continues to work, resulting in clean-smelling air.
A bathroom exhaust fan ranges in price from $15 to $300 depending on the type, model, power, and style. In addition, you can also probably pay $60 for labor on the cheaper side or $500 on the premium side. Keep in mind that this price is based on the cost of the fan and the complexity of the task or installation.
