A Guide to Buying the Best Bathroom Fan
Moisture levels in a bathroom are usually higher than what they are in other areas of your dwelling. Good ventilation is therefore a must to keep the airflow moving, both for upkeep of the room as well as for a dose of fresh air.
A bathroom exhaust fan is the best fixture to add fresh airflow when you shower. It helps in reducing the steam density when showering; the air flow also dries up the bathroom faster after the shower.
In absence of a ventilation mechanism, the bathroom will stay damper for longer periods. The air could become stale and therefore, chances of mold & mildew growing on the walls or around sinks and other bathroom fixtures are also higher.
Over a prolonged period of time, walls and bathroom fixtures in a moist and damp bathroom would corrode and prove expensive to repair and replace. Put simply, a good bathroom fan is not just about convenience; it should also be looked upon as a long term investment.
| Picture | Name | Flow Rate (CFM) | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Broan QTX110HL Ultra Silent Series Bath Fan with Heater and Light | 110 | $$ | 4.5 |
 | Panasonic FV-0511VQ1 Whisperceiling DC Fan | 110 | $$ | 5.0 |
 | Panasonic FV-15VQL6 WhisperLite Bathroom Ventilation Fan | 150 | $$ | 4.6 |
 | Air King BFQ 90 High Performance Bath Fan | 90 | $$ | 4.1 |
 | Panasonic FV-08VQ5 WhisperCeiling 80 CFM Ceiling Mounted Fan | 80 | $$ | 4.6 |
 | Broan 690 60 CFM Bathroom Fan Upgrade Kit | 60 | $$ | 4.4 |
 | Delta Electronics VFB25AEH Breez 130 CFM Humidity Sensor Exhaust Fan | 130 | $$ | 4.4 |
 | Broan Model QTXE110FLT 110 CFM 42 Watt Fluorescent Light Ultra Silent Bath Fan/Light | 110 | $$ | 4.5 |
 | Air King BFQ 90 High Performance Bath Fan, 90-CFM | 90 | $$ | 4.1 |
 | Broan 164 2-Bulb Ventilation Heater Bath Fan with Lights | 70 | $$ | 4.1 |
 | Delta Electronics VFB25ACH Breez 80 CFM Humidity Sensor Exhaust Fan | 80 | $$ | 4.4 |
 | Air King AK100L Deluxe Bath Fan with Light and Night Light | 100 | $$ | 4.5 |
| Picture | Name | Flow Rate (CFM) | Price | Rating |
The Basics: What Exactly Is A Bathroom Fan?
A bathroom fan is an exhaust, installed to control the air quality of the bathroom. It does so by venting out all kinds of bathroom smells.
These fans can be integrated in the basic air handling unit of the house; some units can also be installed independently. Bathrooms tend to get a lot of steam, which can lead to formation of molds on the tiles. A bathroom fan will throw out the moisture and keep the walls dry and moisture free.
Plus Points: The Key Benefits of Bathroom Fan
Proper ventilation is an important factor to be considered, when planning the layout of the bathroom. A good quality bathroom fan will ensure that the bathroom is moisture free and devoid of any smells at all times.
- Effective removal of moisture. A bathroom fan will ensure that the components of your bathroom such as the doors, metallic handles, plumbing and other fixtures have a long life. The fan will help remove the water vapor and keep the bathroom dry.
- Bathroom smells nice at all times. A stinky bathroom is the last place you want to step into, especially when you want to rejuvenate yourself. Stale air is not only a turn-off but it can have health implications as well; plenty of bacteria may start growing inside the bathroom with time if the air inside is stale.
- Improved décor. Modern age bathroom fans only add to the overall looks of a bathroom. They are evenly priced and only add to the finesse.
- Works as temperature control. A bathroom fan can be used as an alternative to air conditioning on many occasions. It promotes the flow of air by drawing in fresh air from the outside and releasing the stale air in to the environment.
- Keep your bathroom mirrors sparkling clean. A bathroom fan can greatly help in preventing the mirrors from fogging up.
Selection: Which Bathroom Fan is best for me?
Selecting a good bathroom fan is not such a tough job. Just keep a few points in mind.
- Choose the optimum size. The bathroom fan should not be too wimpy; neither should it be too powerful. The former will be useless and the latter will be too over bearing for a small space.
- Energy efficient for sure. A good quality bathroom fan will consume very little energy and deliver superior performance. Always look for a brand that has great user reviews. An energy star rated mode will consume at least 20% less power.
- Noiseless for sure. You don’t want to choose a fan that hums or makes an irritating noise. A bathroom fan should work in the background, quietly.
- Calculate the CFM before ordering. The fan that suits your needs will be determined by its CFM or cubic feet per minute air movement. Choose anything that ranges between 380 CFM to 100 CFM.
- The location is very critical. Always place the fan close to the shower, toilet or tub. The moisture and the steam are greatest here. Choose a fan that can be easily installed in these areas.
- Fans with sensors are also available. There are bathroom fans in the market, which come with in-built sensors. These sensors switch the fan ON as soon as they detect a certain level of moisture in the air.
- Fan light combo. Such fans come with attached lights. They serve the dual purpose of an exhaust and a night light. The light may be turned ON through a motion sensor in some bathroom fans. Others may have a switch activated light unit.
- Most bathroom fans can be installed without having to hire a handyman. Read the instructions to find out. If the electric wiring is to be altered, you’d probably have to call in an electrician.