7 Best Bathroom Exhaust Fans: A Definitive Guide and Comparison

Humid atmospheres are great for places like your socks or a fish tank, but definitely not your bathroom!

Whether it’s cracked paint, overgrown mildew or a disgusting algae film on your tiled floors, the damages that come with from an excessively moist bathroom is the last thing you want to condone in your home.

Unfortunately, the walls and ceilings are never free from the excess moisture left behind from a warm or cool refreshing shower.

This is why you need to get a bathroom exhaust fan to keep your bathroom crisp, dry and more comfortable.

You don’t want any member of your family getting a fever or concussion because of a growing mold behind the tub or a slimy algae film on the bathroom floors or walls.

In this article, we are going to review the top exhaust fans in the market to help you get rid of excess moisture and odor in your bathroom after your warm steamy showers.

Our Best Bathroom Exhaust Fan Reviews

Considering the humongous number of exhaust fan options available today, finding the best model for your bathroom can be overwhelmingly difficult.

To save you the time and stress of scouring the internet for the best product, we’ve compiled a list of the best bathroom exhaust fans to look for the money.

Without further ado, let’s get started!

1. Delta Breez SLM70 Slim 70 CFM Exhaust Fan

If you are concerned about space and need a small exhaust fan that can deliver amazing power and efficient exhaust ventilation for your small bathroom, then the Delta Breez SLM70 Exhaust fan will make a great choice. Well, if you go for venting the fan through soffit, it would take even lesser space.

Not only will you find it affordable, but you will also be impressed by the number of the positive feedback it has received so far. Whether you desire the fan for your bathroom wall or ceiling, you will not be disappointed by its performance.

In terms of size, this unit is pretty small, so you can stay rest assured it won’t overpower the other features you have in your bathroom.

With a sone rating of only 2 sones, this exhaust fan produces very little noise when on. More so, the use of a brushless motor is another reason why the unit tends to produce less noise than most similar models with the same sone rating of 2. However, there are other high-end models with lower sones that are quieter.

To lessen the rattling noise associated with the operation of the unit, a spring-mounted grille is included which features an LED indicator at its base. The light comes ON whenever the machine is at work.

Since normal metal is likely going to corrode in a humid atmosphere, this housing of the fan is made from galvanized steel which helps protect the fan and prevent the entire unit from rusting.

An airflow of 70CFM might not be so efficient in large bathrooms, but it will definitely make a great solution for small bathrooms. So even though this unit may be used in a bathroom of various sizes, we strongly advise using it for smaller bathrooms, as it will be more efficient and faster in removing humid air.

Overall, this unit is a great product and will definitely make a value buy. It is inexpensive and highly efficient for getting rid of moisture and odor in a small bathroom without causing any disturbance.

PROS

• Highly efficient
• Low noise levels
• Resistant to corrosion
• Highly affordable
• Durable

CONS

• Not ideal for large bathrooms

2. Panasonic FV-08-11VF5 WhisperFitEZ Fan 80 or 110 CFM

If you are looking for a perfect replacement for your current bathroom fan under the ceiling, then the FV-08-11VF5 WhisperFitEZ from Panasonic can be the exact thing.

This fan promises to offer you top performance in terms of efficiency and power, and comes with a compact design that makes it quick and easy and quick to install. As long as you have some DIY skills, you should be able to do the job and save yourself some money.

The low profile fan is great for budget buyers and operates quietly to get rid of excess moisture in your bathroom. It is ideal for remodeling homes to give your bathroom an impressive look. It may also be used in new hotels or similar buildings.

Instead of just a single airflow capacity like most standard exhaust fans, this unit comes with a flow speed selector which allows you to select one between 80 CFM and 100 CFM airflow capacity. In other words, the fan will work great for both small and medium-sized bathrooms. It also operates quietly at 0.6 sones.

Like we indicated earlier, the appliance is pretty easy to install; with a little handy experience, you should be done with the set-up within a short while. A Flex-Z bracket and low profile housing are provided to ensure a smooth, fast and easy installation.

Interestingly, this unit complies with Energy Star requirements, so you can be rest assured it won’t significantly upset your power bill. It also uses GFCI materials which is another guarantee of its high quality and promised efficient performance.

Overall, this model is long lasting and offers you great value for your money.

PROS

• Quiet operation
• High quality
• Affordable price
• Low maintenance requirement
• Low power consumption

CONS

• Lousy instruction manual

3. BV Ultra-Quiet 90 CFM, 0.8 Sone Bathroom Ventilation and Exhaust Fan

One of the most important considerations when choosing a fan is the level of noise it produces when in operation. No matter how powerful a model is, if it disturbs the peace in your household, then it’s probably not worth it.

You want an exhaust fan that will work without drawing attention or making you feel uncomfortable. One of the best options you will find in this genre is the BV Ultra-Quiet Bathroom Ventilation and Exhaust Fan.

We are proud to have this fan on our list and also confident it will offer you great value for your money. Equipped with a super execution motor that doesn’t cause a commotion, this fan provides extensive ventilation for a 90 square feet bathroom space.

Considering how much moisture bathroom fans have to deal with, it’s imperative to choose a unit that is rust free and won’t peel off sooner. The use of a treated steel lodging body including thermal protective clothing helps to ensure the durability of this unit.

The sones rating is 0.8, which makes it one of the best exhaust fans in the market with super quiet performance.

To further guarantee its quality, this unit is certified for safe use by UL and HVI2100 and its price is reasonable too.

PROS

• Quiet performance
• Long-lasting
• High quality
• Highly efficient

CONS

• Set-up might be difficult

Best Exhaust Fan with Light for Bathroom

Here are few top fan light combo exhaust fan for bathroom

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4. Delta BreezGreenBuilder GBR80LED Exhaust Bath Fan with LED Light

The Delta BreezGreenBuilder GBR80LED 80 CFM Exhaust Bath Fan/Dimmable LED Light is an Energy Star qualified and HVI certified, ultra-quiet bathroom exhaust fan with light operating at a sound level of 0.8 sones with an indicator light that shows that this fan is operating smoothly and quietly.

Its airflow of 80CFM would help you reduce or completely eliminate excess moisture in your bathroom and foul air which will improve the air quality in your bathroom for a healthier and decent fragranced bathroom. It is also designed to reduce the emission of greenhouse gas.

This exhaust fan with light benefits both you and your environment by reducing energy consumption, keeping the environment safe and reducing your electricity bills, helping you save enough money.

It features a DC brushless motor for a more reliable and durable fan. For added durability it is made up of galvanized steel that prevents it from getting damaged easily at the same time making it resistant to corrosion. It also produces a better and high light accuracy with up to 80 CRI. With a light output of 80 Lumens, it’d always be bright in your bathroom.

The Delta BreezGreenBuilder GBR80LED is also easy to install with a duct size of 4 inches for superior performance and quick installation and it is one of the best bathroom exhaust fans with led light.

5. Broan Very Quiet Ventilation Fan and Light Combo

We also have another super quiet and Energy Star certified ventilation fan with a “lower sone, more power technology” producing a 0.7 sone level of sound effects, all thanks to its blower wheel that is centrifugally balanced, making it almost impossible to hear this blower in motion.

Improving the quality of air in your bathroom for a better and convenient bath becomes less difficult to achieve, with an airflow of about 110 CFM getting rid of excess moisture in the bathroom that might cause your mirror to fog after every bath and cause your bathroom to stink.

The efficiency of this ventilation fan is one of the reasons why we love it and consider it one of the best in 2019. It features two energy-saving 18-watt GU24 fluorescent bulbs that lightens up your bathroom and increases visibility and a nightlight function that produces just enough light to brighten up your bathroom, especially at night.

Adding to its efficiency is its permanently lubricated motor which keeps this ventilation fan in operation for a longer period of time. It is also very durable with its galvanized steel construction, preventing it from quick and easy damages. Installing this ventilation fan in a 2 × 8 in. ceiling construction is quick and easy with its 6 inches duct connector and hangs bar system.

Asides from its overall operation, this bathroom vent fan is also very attractive and suits any existing home décor with its white grille that blends in perfectly. Installing your fan where you need it the most is possible because it is UL listed and can be used over your bathtub or shower with a GFCI circuit.

Best Bathroom Exhaust Fan with Light and Heater

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6. Broan-Nutone 9093WH Exhaust Fan, Heater, and Light Combo

Next on our review, we have the Broan-Nutone 9093WH Exhaust Fan, Heater, and Light Combo that is effective and powerful enough to give your whole room enough heat to keep it warm, covering up to 65 square ft. and preventing the formation of mildew.

Keeping total control in your hands, this NuTone product comes with a four-function switch attached to the wall helping your control all its function easily. This bathroom exhaust fan is also easy to install or replace with a duct size of 4-in. requiring a minimum construction space of 2×8 inches, making it possible for you to properly install or replace it with little or no stress.

Its heater produces enough warmth to go around with a heating element of 1500W with blower wheels that are centrifugally balanced, ensuring that heat is evenly distributed across the room and a ventilation fan that produces an airflow of 70 CFM for eliminating excess moisture.

Broan-Nutone 9093WH Exhaust Fan, Heater, and Light Combo also produce a sound level of 3.5 sones for quiet operation without having to trade your peace and quiet for warmth, you could always get both. Its galvanized steel construction also makes it durable, reducing the chances of it getting damaged quickly.

Its aesthetics is also another reason to love this fan, heater and light combo. It comes with a white grille that matches any existing décor, you also get to change the color of your paints without worries. It also comes with a 100-watt incandescent bulb that provides enough visibility around the bathroom and a 7-Watt nightlight to give your bathroom a soft glow at night.

Other Great Models

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7. Electric Motors C01575 Universal Bathroom Fan Replacement Kit with Fan

If you’re looking for a bathroom fan kit that will last you for years, consider the Electric Motors C01575 from Endurance Pro as a great pick. Equipped with an electric condenser motor for efficient performance, this fan is specially designed to meet the ventilation needs of your humid bathroom.

Interestingly, it is able to run at low temperatures which helps to ensure the longevity of the fan motor and bearings. To ensure protection against rust and corrosion, the fan housing is made of stainless steel material which also helps the appliance to withstand vibration.

The provision of easily adjustable heavy duty brackets also helps to make installation easy and fast for various construction projects. With a little handy experience, you should be able to complete the job in a few minutes. And you don’t even need any special tool for this.

The fan motor basically runs at 3000 rpm and is mechanically reversible.

Overall, it is hard to beat the price of this product considering what it offers. It is the best replacement motor you can get in the market right. You may need to cut off the shaft make it fit with your housing.

PROS

• Offers great value
• Efficient performance
• Great quality
• Highly durable
• Great fit for any setting

CONS

• Can be somewhat noisy

8. Broan QTXE080 Ultra Silent Bath Fant

If you are particularly interested in power and durability and desire a fan that will work without getting tired, then you might want to check out the renowned QTXE080 Ultra Silent Bath Fan from Broan.

This machine is not only a great place to start but also a favorite for many homeowners. So this list would probably not be complete without mentioning this vital brand.

The Broan QTXE080 is one of the few bathroom exhaust fans that is specially designed to run continuously without any interruption due to exhaustion.

It is equipped with a high-quality motor that makes this possible, as well as durable parts and wiring. Various hanger bars are also included to make installation easy and fast in almost any type of construction.

The airflow capacity of this unit is rated at 80 CFM, which makes ideal for bathrooms measuring 80 sq.ft.

With a sones rating of 0.3, this is one of the quietest bathroom exhaust fans out there. So if you need a unit that will not upset the silence or peace in your home, then the Broan QTXE080 is your best bet.

To further guarantee its quality, this unit is certified by HVI, so you can rest assured of its reliability and value. It is also certified by Energy Star, so it doesn’t consume much power. This helps you save on your energy bills compared to when you’re using a less energy-efficient fan.

Overall, this unit is the way to go if you need a fan you won’t replace in a few years. It comes at an affordable price and offers great value for your money.

PROS

• Consumes less power
• Sturdy and long-lasting
• Easy to install
• Doesn’t make noise

CONS

• Not very powerful

9. Delta BreezSignature VFB25AEH Exhaust Bath Fan

The Delta BreezSignature is a great option for everyone looking for incredible quality and power with their bathroom exhaust fans. It comes at a very affordable price without any compromise on performance. This makes it ideal for homeowners who wish to buy a quality exhaust fan without breaking the bank for it.

Like most standard bathroom fans, this unit comes with an airflow rate of 80 CFM which makes it perfect for small-sized bathrooms. It has a sone rating of 0.6, so it doesn’t produce any noise when it’s under operation.

Luckily, this fan features a brushless design, which means you don’t have to worry about frequent maintenance. The major reason why brushless design is mostly preferred these days is that you don’t need to replace the brushes when they wear.

Also, this fan uses a brushless motor, so it is highly reliable and consumes less power. To ensure longevity and prevent rust, the body of this unit is made of galvanized steel. The kind of housing used for a unit is extremely important because you don’t want to buy a fan that will degrade sooner due to frequent exposure to moisture.

Interestingly, this fan saves up more energy compared to most fans that come with a similar specification. Furthermore, its smaller profile allows you to use it in smaller bathrooms.

Overall, this fan is a great product; one that will make a good buy. It is affordable and performs incredibly better than many models in the same category. Not to mention its smaller size which makes it more convenient and versatile.

PROS

• Comes with a built-in WiFi speaker
• Operates very quietly
• Long-lasting
• High quality

CONS

• Bluetooth is not very reliable

10. Nutone EZ80N EZFit 80 CFM Bath Ventilation Fan, White

If you are looking for a reliable bathroom fan to complement any décor, then the Nutone EZ80N EZFit 80 CFM Bath Ventilation Fan is the brand you want to consider.

The fan comes with a compact design that makes it sturdy and adequate for meeting the ventilation needs of your small bathroom. It is suitable for ceiling mounting and offers a pretty easy installation which allows it to be directed to the housing by means of ceiling trusses or joists.

Like most standard exhaust fans, this unit comes with an air flow capacity of 80 CFM, which makes it pretty effective for removing excess humid air from your small bathroom.

Besides doing its job quickly, the Nutone EZ80N also operates quietly without causing any disturbance. This is mainly because it comes with a sone rating of 1.1, which makes it possible to use the fan even at night.

More so, the grille located at the front of the fan is supported with springs to absorb any vibration produced when the unit is in operation. In other words, this fan is designed for a quiet environment and may be used over bathtubs and showers when connected to a GCFI protected brand circuit.

To further guarantee its quality and efficiency, this appliance is approved by Energy Star, so you have absolutely nothing to worry about.

While this fan might not be able to handle large bathrooms, it comes at a very affordable price which is a great take for what it does. Installation is made easier with the provision of an installation manual which comes with user-friendly instructions.

So with a little enthusiasm and attention to detail, you should be able to save some cost by installing the unit yourself.

PROS

• Very affordable
• Highly durable
• Energy star qualified

CONS

• Not ideal for larger bathrooms

Best bathroom exhaust fans – top picks for 2022

Broan-NuTone 688 Ceiling and Wall Ventilation Fan, 50 CFM 4.0 Sones, White

Broan NuTone 688 bathroom exhaust fan is ideal for bathroom sizes up to 45 square feet. It works at 50 CFM and 4.0 sones, so people who do not prefer the whisper-quiet type of fans will find this unit very effective. It is UL-Listed for GFCI installations above bathtubs and showers. The fan removes humidity easily, and its compact unit allows for simple ceiling and wall installations using the torsion-spring grille. You can also remove the snap-in motor to clean it for maintenance. This ventilation fan uses a 3-inch-diameter duct.

PROS

• No tools needed
• Easy installation and removal
• Paintable grille can be customized
• Good instructional videos

CONS

• Compatibility issues during replacements
• Can be too loud in some bathroom settings

Broan-NuTone Broan AER110CCTK CleanCover Bath, 110 CFM, 1.0 Sone, with Selectable CCT LED Light, Energy STARBath Fan, White

Broan NuTone AER110CCTK bathroom exhaust fan with LED lighting is another great option. It works at 110 CFM for superior, continuous ventilation in 105-square-feet bathroom spaces. You can select from 4 light settings: daylight, cool white, bright white, and soft white. The fan light unit will retain your latest setting automatically. Its 1.0 sones sound rating is ideal for whisper-quiet results. Also, a TrueSeal Damper Technology is included to prevent air leakage and ensure maximum ventilation. The fan can fit 2″ x 6″ ceiling construction and is also compatible with room-side installations, which comes in handy when there is no attic access.

PROS

• CleanCover grille has fewer vents and can be painted
• Versatile and seamless installation
• Customizable lighting

CONS

• Instructions could be better
• Tough to install cover with the light
• Can be too bright

KAZE APPLIANCE SE110PL2 Ultra Quiet Bathroom Exhaust Fan with LED Light (110 CFM, 0.9 Sone)

Kaze Appliance has some of the best bathroom exhaust fans, and the SE110PL2 unit is one example. It is an exhaust fan and LED light combo unit working at 110 CFM and 0.9 sones. The low sound level is a huge plus for homeowners looking for a quieter replacement fan. This Energy-Star-rated unit works perfectly for 110-square-feet bathrooms. Its LED panel has a color temperature of 2700K and also includes a 2-watt nightlight feature. You can install the fan easily using the sliding hanger bars; they are designed for fitting all types of framing. The unit works with a 6-inch duct.

PROS

• Comes with a 4-inch duct adapter
• Easy to install for bathroom retrofits
• Quiet and functional

CONS

• Insufficient instructions
• Heavy unit

Homewerks 7136-02HW Bathroom Vent Fan with Automatic Humidity Sensor and Powerful Exhaust Ventilation Fan for Large Room 140 CFM Whisper Quiet 1.0 Sone Energy Star

This is one of the best bathroom exhaust fans by Homewerks, and we have included it in our list for its one very special feature: automatic humidity sensing! The 140-CFM unit is equipped for heavy-duty ventilation in up to 140-square-feet bathrooms. Its humidity sensors can detect the current humidity to operate or switch off the fan automatically. The best part is that this powerful ventilation is achieved at a sound level of just 1.0 sone. It is a great choice for home automation systems and can automatically remove humidity when the sensing mode is activated. You can always use the wall switch to operate the fan manually in its normal mode.

PROS

• Perfect for large bathrooms
• Automatic humidity sensing
• Quiet operation
• Powerful airflow and ventilation
• Red and green indicator lights

CONS

• Incomplete instructions; more guesswork
• Motor design hinders installation

Ultimate Buying Guide For The Best Exhausting Fans

Although there’s no such thing as a “perfect” product especially when it comes to home appliances, however, it’s extremely important to choose an exhaust fan that is durable, strong and highly efficient.

Often times, finding such a fan can be tricky because you run the risk of buying a unit that causes so much noise in the house that no one would like to use it even though it gets the job done.

In order to get a fan that will provide the service you need, there are certain factors to look out for when making your buying decision.

Let’s look at each one of these considerations.

Noise Level

One of the most important factors to consider when purchasing an exhaust fan is its sound level. You don’t want a fan that sounds like a grounding machine or a jet engine whenever it’s in operation.

So it’s extremely important to choose a unit that does its job quietly without disrupting the peace in your home.

The volume and intensity of the noise an exhaust fan produces when it’s in operation is usually measured in terms of its sones rating.

Units with a sones rating of 4 or more may produce a lot of noise, while those with a rating of 2 or lesser tend to operate quietly. The latter is definitely more preferable since you don’t want a fan that will stop you from relaxing whenever it’s in use.

So make sure you are satisfied with the sones rating of the fan you have in mind before you put out your money for it.

Ease of Installation

Another thing you want to consider when buying an exhaust fan is how easy it is to install. Installation can either be done on the wall or ceiling depending on the fan model and the size of your bathroom.

So whether you choose to install the unit over your combo or shower, make sure there’s a certification on the product that allows such installation.

It is important to have access to the right resources when installing any exhaust fan or you would have a difficult time. These include the various hardware that make up the appliance, as well as a well-detailed installation manual or video with clear instructions.

To prevent your fan from rattling, we advise using screws for holding it to the wall or ceiling, instead of nails.

Appearance

Anyone can easily distinguish a bad design from a good one. And when it comes to the bathroom exhaust fan, you want to choose a product that fits in every way.

You want to check out the fan blade, motor, and housing to make sure they are properly designed and sized. You don’t want a fan that rattles a lot or one whose blade is same sized as the housing.

It’s also important to pay attention to the color and finish of the fan. You want an appliance that blends in with your bathroom. White or creamy finish is usually more desirable as they easily fit most bathroom ceiling and wall.

Whatever you decide to go for, make sure it’s something that complements your bathroom design.

Energy Consumption

The energy rating of a fan determines the amount of money you are going to spend on the fan during its period of use. You don’t want a fan that will significantly add to your energy bills.

Luckily all the products featured in our best bathroom exhaust fan list are all energy efficient. In fact, some of them will even save you over 70% on energy compared to other models in the same category.

This is mainly because they come with powerful motors that do not easily get damaged. As a result, most of them are energy star rated.

Air Flow Capacity

Another thing you want to pay attention to when choosing a bathroom fan is airflow capacity and size.

Bathroom fans are sized based on the amount of air they are able to displace. This is what is known as air flow capacity and is commonly measured in CFM, which means cubic feet per minute.

It is extremely important that your fan’s airflow capacity matches the humidity condition in your bathroom or else it won’t be able to do a good job. It is also expected that the fan will remove excess air and moisture at a healthy rate.

A CFM rating of 50 will do for small bathrooms while that of 110 or above will be fine for medium-sized bathrooms. Fans for larger bathrooms should not have a CFM rating below 150.

So you need to determine the size of your bathroom before putting out your money for an exhaust fan.

Generally, the rule of thumb is to go for a fan with a higher CFM rating if you have a large bathroom. After all, it’s important to make a odor free bathroom.

How to Determine Bathroom Exhaust Fan Size

Bathroom exhaust fans are usually rated according to their effectiveness measured in Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM). Here are a few steps to calculating the CFM with just a measuring tape and a calculator, to make sure you’re installing the right bathroom exhaust fan size in your bathroom;

Step 1: Get the right measurements of your bathroom

The CFM of a bathroom exhaust fan is the volume of air it can move and this is directly proportional to your bathroom size. So, start measuring, get a measuring tape, a paper, and a pen, a calculator too; unless maybe your brain can do all the work.

You need to measure the length of each wall carefully and the height of each wall from the floor to the ceiling, get a foldable ladder or any kind of ladder if you can’t properly reach for the ceiling. It is usually easier when the floor plan of your bathroom has a regular shape.

Step 2: Calculate the area of your bathroom floor

Like I said, it is always easier when your floor plan is a regular shape like the rectangle. Measuring a rectangular floor plan is just simply multiplying the width of your bathroom by its length, remember to write this down somewhere.

Just in case your floor plan isn’t particularly regular shaped, all you have to do is divide your floor plan into every shape you can identify and calculate their areas and add them up to give you the total floor area of your bathroom.

Step 3: Calculate the total volume of your bathroom using your dimensions

Get that piece of paper you wrote your dimensions in, if you don’t have it, go back to step one. Calculating the volume is just multiplying step one by step two i.e. multiplying your bathroom floor area by the height of its ceiling. Easy, right?!

Step 4: Calculate the Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) your bathroom requires

Yay! You made it to the final step and you didn’t even have to get a degree in mathematics or plumbing. A standard exhaust fan should effectively replace the air in your bathroom 8 times every passing hour. You need at least 1CFM per square foot to get the exhaust fan to perform effectively.

Here’s the final calculation to getting the perfect exhaust fan. Divide the total volume of your bathroom by 7.5 i.e. divide step 3 by 7.5.

Step 5: Go to the store

Purchase an exhaust fan that matches your calculated CFM. It is most times advisable to purchase an exhaust fan with a CFM with higher rating for better performance.

Bathroom Exhaust Fan Duct Size

A short duct can cause malfunctioning and an extremely long duct reduces airflow in the bathroom. So, make sure the fan duct is as short and straight as possible. The fan duct should be about 4ft long when the vent cap is located on the ceiling. In some cases, the duct is to be stretched so that the fan is far from the intake register to reduce noise, an 8ft long duct is required here. There are no standard measurements yet, but the best fan duct size is short and straight.

How to Install a Bathroom Exhaust Fan – Quick and Easy Steps

Installing a bathroom could be rocket science to newbies but following these steps will make it as easy as watching your favorite TV show.

Step 1: Drill a Reference Hole and Mark the Bathroom Ceiling

Drill a hole in the ceiling with your power drill, use a very long spade bit, preferably a 3/8-inch spade bit. drilling this hole and making this mark right between the shower and toilet facilitates effective performance.

To ensure that the ceiling mark is the right size for the fan’s intake-port hole, use a framing square or layout square and marker to mark the ceiling using the fan housing measurement.

Step 2: Cutout the Intake-port hole

Pick up your jigsaw and carefully cut out the marked part. Be sure to use protective goggles to protect your eyes. While sawing, use your less busy hand to hold the cutout piece to prevent it from falling carelessly. Your safety is important.

Step 3: Place the Fan

Before placing the fan, secure the duct attachment by fixing in a 90-degree duct elbow and attach fan to your duct pipe using a foil duct tape to make it firm. Slide down the house wiring into the connector and tighten the loose screw.

Fit your fan into the hole, making sure all connections are properly done. Also, make sure that the electricity in your bathroom is switched off before taking this step.

Step 4: Connect the fan to the joist

After securing the fan unit to the joist, plug the fan into the receptacle of the unit and place the motor housing in and make it firm by screwing it in.

Step 5: Putting the duct pipe in the right position

Look for the shortest path that leads the duct pipe out of the house, placing the vent outdoors is the best way to get rid of foul air. The selected path should be as straight as possible for effective performance. You could run the duct pipe through the side of the wall or the ceiling.

Step 6: Install the vent cap

There are basically two ways to go about this and they both depend on your preferred location. If you want the vent on top of the roof;

• mark the ceiling by drawing a circle and cut it out with a saw
• go to the top of your roof where the cutout was made
• remove the circular cut out
• install your vent cap carefully, fill in all spaces with cement or foams
• go back into your apartment, up to the attic and connect the duct pipe to the vent cap and use duct tape to hold it down

If you want the vent at the side of your wall;

• make reference marks in between two wall studs
• go back inside and locate your reference mark
• cut it out with a saw and install the vent cap
• attach duct pipe to vent cap and use a foil duct tape to secure

Step 7: Make some wire connections

Take off the junction box cover, first of all, pick up your connector and slide the wire from your ceiling into it and tighten the screws of the connector. Then, twist the green wire of the fan and the house ground wire – use duct tape or wire nuts to cover naked wires and help the wires twist properly. Do the same for the black and white wires of the fan, match the colors together.

Be fully aware that any wrong connection can lead to power failure. Although these connections are easy, call an electrician for help if you feel you got something wrong.

Step 8: Attach the Grille

Pinch all the mounting springs of the grille together and slide them into the slots provided in the fan. Push it up to make it stay firm and properly attached.

Step 9: Test your fan

 Turn the electricity back on and test to see if your bathroom fan is working fine and enjoy a more comfortable bathroom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I get a high CFM fan (e.g. 150 CFM or more) for my 80 sq.ft. bathroom?

Definitely! Although it is recommended to get a CFM that’s equivalent to your bathroom space in sq.ft., going higher is not a problem. However, that’s really not necessary since you will end up spending more money on the fan.

You can go a little overhead, but make sure you don’t end up buying a herculean fan when you have a shoebox bathroom.

Q. Should I vent my extractor fan out into somewhere else like the attic or basement?

No, you must not! The mere fact many people do this doesn’t make it right. We strongly advise against these guys, because the humid air from the bathroom will still generate the same effect in another non-ventilated room like your bathroom.

It’s just like venting out the smoke from your chimney into another room. It’s as simple as that. So make sure you vent out into the external air.

Q. What if the air still feels a little heavy even after the fan does its job?

This problem commonly arises when the bathroom door is not correctly positioned to allow new fresher air to fill up the void created by the air that’s being rented out by the bathroom fan.

Make sure there’s at least ¾ of an inch between your bathroom door and the floor. You can read our article on changing a bathroom fan.

Q. Is horizontal installation possible for a ceiling or a wall mount?

Usually, a wall mount fan is meant to be installed on a wall, while a ceiling fan should take its place on the ceiling. Although there are reports of many users, who were able to successfully install their fans horizontally, which includes both ceiling and wall mountable units.

However, we strongly advise following the manufacturer’s instructions. But if you still need to install your unit horizontally, then try to get in touch with the product seller so you can be rest assured you are doing the right thing.

Q. What about cleaning?

The question of how and when to clean your exhaust fan is an important one. First, you mustn’t get too hands-on with the unit. Normal cleaning should be done every 4 to 6 months. This should involve cleaning only the grilles to remove any junk accumulated within the period.

For deep cleaning, disconnect the fan from the power supply and clean with warm soapy water and damp cloth. But we strongly advise assigning this type of cleaning to the professionals.

Bottom Line

There you have it – the best bathroom exhaust fans for your money! Now, you can say goodbye to all the cracked paints and overgrown mildew. Feel free to leave your comments and questions. Because we will be glad to provide further assistance.