The Best Bathroom Exhaust Fans With Light And Heater

Investing in the best bathroom exhaust fans with lights and heaters is a smart way to remove excess moisture from your bathroom as well as odors.

Bathrooms are normally moist and humid because of the warm air and water that is thrown around, and thus it makes sense to invest in an exhaust fan.

By installing a quality bathroom exhaust fan, you can keep mold and mildew at bay, both of which are culprits when it comes to destroying wooden frames and bathroom walls.

A bathroom exhaust fan with an inbuilt heater and light is the best bet, especially when you want to save the cost of installing separate heat and light sources in your bathroom. It also helps your bathroom ceiling to look spacious and neat.

However, there is a challenge. Shopping for the best bathroom exhaust is not easy as the market is flooded with many different models made by different brands.

To make this task easier for you, I have handpicked the bestsellers after analyzing their durability, pricing, reliability, and brand trust, among other important factors I will discuss in a few. For those who don’t know what this unit is, here is a brief explanation.

The Best Bathroom Exhaust Fans With Light And Heater in 2023

Best Choice

Product Specification:

• The Manufacturer: ‎Panasonic
• Item Weight: ‎‎1.6 ounces
• Item Model Number: ‎FV-11VHL2
• Material: ‎Alloy Steel

It’s much more convenient to have an exhaust fan that can do more than just remove moisture. The Panasonic WhisperWarm can perform other functions such as heating the bathroom and lighting it up. The exhaust, heater, and light combination make it a perfect choice for anyone looking for comfort and convenience.

It has been designed for large bathrooms featuring a reliable heating element and a 70 CFM energy-efficient fan. It also comes with a 30,000-hour continuous run and can clean up to about 8 feet up from the floor to ceiling. The blower uses a wheel design to draw air from both sides to clean faster.

This model from Panasonic comes with a heating system rated 1400W that should provide warmth when the weather is frosty. The heating element is steel sheathed with a Nichrome wire and magnesium oxide to enable heat transfer. It should take less than a minute to feel warmth and comfort.

Panasonic did an excellent job of encasing the electric motor, which ensures that the fan runs silently. Most users say that you may not even know it’s running. Another reason for its quiet operation is the vast blower wheel that relocates more air at lower RPMs.

This unit should provide you with a trouble-free operation for years to come, thanks to its top-quality elements. The electric motor is lubed to ensure a long-lasting service without damage. The electric motor also runs at reduced temperatures, which boosts its lifespan. The fan has been constructed using zinc galvanized steel to secure against corrosion.

The Panasonic FV-11VHL2 WhisperWarm is built to be easy to mount for DIY enthusiasts with basic skills. In case you find it too complicated, you can confirm with the manual or hire an expert to do it for you. Remember to connect it to not less than 20 Amp for the best results.

Editor Choice

Product Specification:

• The Manufacturer: ‎Broan
• Item Weight: ‎‎9.13 pounds
• Product Dimensions: ‎‎‎8.25 x 12.75 x 6.75 inches
• Item Model Number: ‎744
• Material: ‎Plastic
• Warranty Description: 2 year limited.

You don’t have to switch the central lighting system minutes before entering the bathroom at night. This exhaust fan heater from Broan comes with a heating element that begins working with a flick of a switch. The model has a minimalist design with fancy features that should match any bathroom.

The Broan 744 is a high-quality centrifugal fan that combines 70 CFM energy ratings to extract moisture from your bathroom and create a comfortable environment. It offers various settings to adjust, making it suitable for anyone looking for convenience.

It includes 100W incandescent lighting that should help shower after the dark in the nighttime. The bulb endures up to 25,000 task lights without on/off cycling.

The heating element of 1500 watts helps offer a suitable environment in small bathrooms. The fan, heater, and led light combo make this a whole useful unit, and the maintenance is low.

Installation is fairly easy as the package comes with a comprehensive manual to guide you through the process. A few users say that it was challenging to figure out its installation and had to call an expert to help out. The fan comes with a 6.87” housing that should fit in any bathroom. The ceiling joists make mounting easier.

Coming from one of the frontiers of the industry, this product from Broan passes rigorous safety and energy efficiency standards. It’s also easy to use with simplified controls.

The motor is powerful with a safety feature that shuts off the motor in case of any issues to prevent damage. Yet, it’s one of the quieter heaters with a rating of 1.5 sones.

Best Value

Product Specification:

• The Manufacturer: ‎Nutone
• Item Weight: ‎17 pounds
• Product Dimensions: ‎‎‎18 x 18 x 12 inches
• Item Model Number: 9093WH
• Material: ‎Plastic, Metal
• Warranty Description: ‎1-year limited warranty.

The Nutone 9093WH exhaust fan, heater, and light combo come with everything you need for comfort and convenience in your bathroom.

A poorly ventilated bathroom can easily provide a breeding ground for harmful germs and spores, which can severely impact your health. Check out this bathroom vent from Broan.

Its heating system is rated at 1500 watts so you can heat your bathroom to suit your ideal temperature needs. If you hate taking showers on those chilly mornings, this fan can cycle on and off to maintain the temperatures for comfort. This fan can maintain a comfortable environment in a 100-square-foot bathroom without hitches.

Moreover, you can switch between an incandescent bulb and a nightlight for your comfort. The 100W incandescent lighting is bright enough for a large room and can help you focus on the details.

When you want to use low light, especially in the morning before your eyes adjust to the light, there is a nightlight that offers a soft glow to soothe your eyes. A 70 CFM ventilation fan is enough for most bathrooms, as it can distribute high air quality to the broader area.

It is quiet with no more than 1.0 sones, with a centrifugal wheel blower that is designed to use low RPM. Broan uses lubricated motors to ensure longer life and smooth continuous operations.

Apart from lighting up your bathroom, this unit features an enamel coating that is suitable for decorating any bathroom. Installation is easier because it comes with everything you need for installation. It comes with four wall switches that allow you to install in a different location. It is Energy Star certified to save your bills with added convenience.

Best Budget

Product Specification:

• The Manufacturer: ‎Broan
• Item Weight: ‎‎9.1 pounds
• Product Dimensions: ‎11.38 x 7.63 x 10.5 inches
• Item Model Number: QTXE080
• Material: ‎Plastic

When installing a ceiling bathroom exhaust fan, you need one that doesn’t emit a loud noise. And if you come across looking for the best silent exhaust fan, you can end your search here. The Broan Very Quiet Bathroom exhaust fan is both powerful and less noisy.

The fan measures 11.4 x 7.6 x 10.5 and weighs just 12 pounds. Therefore, it is an easy one to install on most ceilings without a problem.

The fan operates at 80 CFM and can clean up to 75 square feet so it can do the job in most medium bathroom size. The design is so efficient emitting noise levels of 0.3 sones, so you need not worry about waking others in the house.

Installation is a breeze so long as you use a GFCI circuit wiring branch for your bathroom. This design means you can install it over a shower or bathtub.

You need to use not less than 20 AMP of the circuit to ensure it operates continuously without breaking. It is easy to install for anyone with the know-how, but you can hire an expert to handle it.

This fan also comes with a lighter and heater for added convenience. The heating element offers a high output of 1500 W to get rid of humidity, moisture, and odor in your bathroom.

This model can clean up to 100 square feet, so it should provide a comfortable environment even for larger bathrooms.

There are two 60-watt bulbs to light up your bathroom. They include a 4-watt nightlight that should offer dim light in your bathroom, especially when you want to wind up after a long day.

The 36-watt incandescent bulb is bright enough for when you need enough light. It is energy-star qualified.

Best Seller

Product Specification:

• The Manufacturer: Broan
• Item Weight: ‎12.8 pounds
• Product Dimensions: ‎‎11.38 x 7.63 x 17.63 inches
• Item Model Number: QTX110HL

Here is a wall fan or window-installed fan with an inbuilt heater and light. This way, you don’t have to look for the light switch as you head to the bathroom. All controls are placed in a centralized location, allowing you to switch on the light, heat, and fan.

The motor has been permanently lubricated; hence you can leave it running for as long as you want. The fan has a 1500-watt heater, which provides efficient heating in small bathrooms. In addition to having a reliable motor, the Broan Nutone QTX110HL is one of the quieter fans at .9 sones.

For lighting, the system employs two 60-watt incandescent bulbs and a 7-watt nightlight for the soft glow. You need to connect the system to a dedicated 20-amp circuit for it to work efficiently. Besides, there is a 110 CFM fan that should clean any small-sized bathroom.

It’s easy to install this system by yourself because it directly plugs into a power outlet. The exhaust fan comes with all the essential accessories you need for easy installation and replacement of parts.

It also includes a long tapered sleeve for fast installation. The equipment also comes with a guide that you can check for quick mounting. It is also lightweight for easy placement on the ceiling or window.

As for the construction, the unit is made of galvanized steel housing to prevent corrosion. The heavy-duty steel is also extremely durable and should offer years of reliable service. The white polymeric grille provides a cohesive look that should look elegant in any bathroom.

Best Overall

Product Specification:

• The Manufacturer: Broan
• Item Weight: ‎16 pounds
• Product Dimensions: 10.25 x 5.88 x 16 inches
• Item Model Number: 100HL

By now, you can tell how Broan goes all-out to offer the perfect combination of functions to fit in one unit. The Broan-Nutone 100HL has all it needs to compete with other top models in the market. What makes it unique is the adjustable direction design that allows you to direct it in the areas you need to be warmed.

Its installation is a breeze, and you don’t need the expertise to install it. For easy mounting, there is a 4″ duct connector and a 24″ adjustable hanger bar to ensure fast and flexible installation.

The design is compact and could easily fit on a 2″ x 6″ ceiling construction. Ensure that to power it with a dedicated 20 amp circuit.

The unit features a heat outlet that allows you to adjust it anywhere. This is a great feature that lets you direct the heat to other rooms apart from the bathroom. It comes with a 1500-watt heater that should offer powerful heating during those early morning cold baths.

The lighting source is an incandescent light bulb that ensures enough light in the bathroom. There is a nightlight lamp that should shower you with soft light just after waking up, although you need to buy this one separately.

Also, the Broan Nutone 100HL is HVI certified, which means it meets industry standards for performance and efficiency.

This product even surpasses energy efficiency standards, meaning you won’t notice any significant changes in your bills. HVI-certified fans are also guaranteed to perform to standards, and the noise level is low.

Now that you know the top 7 perfect bathroom exhaust fans with light and heater let’s discuss several things about exhaust fans, including the benefits of having one and how to choose the right one.

What’s the Importance of Using the Bathroom Exhaust Fans

Bathrooms are susceptible to molds because of being overly humid, and an exhaust fan can get rid of this excess humidity in your bathroom. This helps to maintain a cleaner, fresher, and dryer bathroom at all times, which can benefit you in different ways including;

Eliminating odors:

A major benefit of installing the best bathroom fan is that it removes unwanted odors. Bathrooms often have bad smells because of excess moisture being trapped in a room. Therefore, by installing an exhaust fan, you can help draw out odor, thereby keeping your bathroom dry and fresh.

Drawing out excess moisture:

When the bathroom gets overly humid, there is a tendency to get its walls and ceiling damaged. If your bathroom doesn’t have enough ventilation, you are likely to notice wallpapers and paint peeling off. If left to settle for some time, you will notice your doors warping.

Also, excess moisture encourages mold infestation. Prolonged exposure to mold can lead to respiratory conditions and skin allergies.

This is why installing a bathroom exhaust fan can make your bathroom a hygienic and healthy place to clean up as it will minimize the chances of mold infestation.

Exhaust fans eliminate foggy mirror syndrome:

Foggy mirrors are annoying as they prevent you from dressing well, and can be more frustrating if you are in a hurry. In most cases, foggy mirrors are a sign of an underlying issue- poor indoor air circulation.

This is caused by a lack of enough ventilation, and you can rectify this by investing in an exhaust fan. Upgrading your bathroom exhaust fan, if you have an outdated one, will help you control moisture and remove water vapor on your walls and mirrors.

Reducing maintenance cost:

Excess moisture can damage a lot of things, including paint and walls, and this is why you should do all you can to reduce the amount of moisture in your bathroom.

If not controlled, excess moisture can also cause rust to water pipes and toilet tanks, which will ultimately result in costly fixes. That’s why investing in a bathroom exhaust fan is crucial if you don’t want to prevent this from happening.

How to Install a Bathroom Exhaust Fan with Light and Heater

Although each fan has its way of installation and the manufacturer provides directives on how to install your fan, here are the general guidelines;

• Ensure the circuit breaker that controls appliances and fixtures in your bathroom is turned off
• Take out the light bulb and loosen the screws attached to the holder.
• Remove the junction box and insert a wire through the attic area
• Separate the heater and fan from the fan housing
• Fit the fan housing and attach the braces to the ceiling joist
• Locate the best place for a vent and drill a 4-inch hole
• Link the duct from your vent to the exhaust and secure the joints
• Fix the light bulb into the housing
• Turn the circuit breaker

What You Need to Look For When Buying a Bathroom Fan with Light and Heater

There are many options in the market when it comes to bathroom exhaust fans, and you might be stuck on which one to choose. Although I have reviewed the best in this guide, I’m going to discuss what you need to look for in an exhaust fan so that you can make the right choice.

Types of exhaust fans

You will need to consider the type of exhaust fan that best suits your needs. You will find the following types in the market;

Wall-mounted exhaust fan. This is ideal for homes that have limited roof areas. If you don’t want to install your exhaust fan on the ceiling, this is the type to go for.

They remove humid air and odor in your bathroom at high speed. Exterior exhaust fans. These are installed by being attached to the end of the roof or sidewall. This ensures that they don’t make noise and affect people in other rooms.

Ceiling-mounted exhaust fans. These use suction to remove humid air and excess moisture from your bathroom. The moisture is channeled through a vent.Light/fan exhaust fans.

These fans not only expel humid air and odor from your bathroom but also illuminate the area. Knowing these types will help you choose the right exhaust fans for your needs.

Size of fan and airflow

When buying an exhaust fan, you need to know the size of your bathroom and the humidity levels in it. This will help you choose a fan with the right airflow capacity. This is expressed in cubic feet per minute (CFM).

Every exhaust fan has its own CFM rating, and it is vital to pick one that removes all the humid air that is trapped in your bathroom.

A fan with a low CFM rating is less powerful and thus ideal for a small bathroom. A high CFM rating means a fan is powerful and thus suitable for large bathrooms. Most fans in the current market have a CFM rating of 50-100CFM.

Installation process

Depending on the type of exhaust fan that you go for, you can install your fan on a wall or ceiling. Depending on where you want to install it, you must ensure it doesn’t have a complex installation process.

Most bathroom exhaust fans on the market today feature a duct adapter that connects to your existing ductwork. Therefore, instead of having your fan channel air into an attic, you can have it use your home’s ductwork.

The reason for this is that channeling air into an attic means that it can be taken to another room, which in turn could lead to mold infestation.

Noise levels

Exhaust fans are different, with some running quietly while others are extremely noisy. You don’t want to be distracted by bathroom fans sounding like jet engines.

Unlike most other home appliances, exhaust fan sound is measured in sones. For most fans, the sone scale ranges from 0-6. The quietest fans are rated 0.3. As the sone level increases, so does sound. For quieter operations, go for fans with a rating of below two sones.

Energy Star Rating

You don’t want to buy an appliance that is not energy efficient, and exhaust fans are not an exception. That’s why you should go for appliances with an Energy Star rating.

However, you shouldn’t compromise other features such as noise levels, airflow capacity, etc. If a bathroom fan runs quietly, is efficient in removing stale air, and is still energy-efficient, that’s the ideal buy.

FAQ About Bathroom Exhaust Fans

What Is the Best Bathroom Exhaust Fan With a Heater?

A bathroom exhaust fan is a ventilation device installed in a bathroom to draw out impure, stale, and humid air, thereby making your bathroom smell fresh.

A properly installed exhaust fan for the bathroom will rid of excess moisture, pollutants, odors, and humidity. It also removes water vapor that accumulates on walls and mirrors.

Additionally, they add safety to your home and its occupants as it reduces the fumes and smells of cleaning agents that could potentially cause health issues.

Are there electrical specifications for a bathroom exhaust fan?

Yes. The electrical requirement of exhaust fans varies depending on the brand. For example, an exhaust fan with heating and lighting functions might need a special circuit. However, an ordinary fan can work with a light circuit.

What is the best place to install an exhaust fan?

This depends on your bathroom layout, but it is recommended that you install the fan with your heater over the shower. However, if your fan comes with a heater, this doesn’t apply. Should I clean my man?

Yes. Cleaning a washroom fan should be done once every six months to get rid of mildew and mold that might have gathered.

How long should a bathroom fan operate?

You should leave a bathroom shower for several minutes after you are done bathing. However, this depends on other factors, as well.

Your exhaust fan should run until it clears out moisture. It also depends on the size of your bathroom. Bigger bathrooms may take longer to clear out.

Does the bathroom exhaust fan consume a lot of power?

This depends on the size of the fan, working hours, and capacity. In general, exhaust fans consume less power compared to other house appliances.

Final Verdict

A bathroom exhaust fan with light and a heater offers better value for your money. When making a purchase, in addition to considering durability, light, low sound levels, great performance, and noise levels, be sure to check your model for safety standard certifications and Energy Star rating.

This way, you will get a unit that doesn’t use a lot of power but offers great service. I have reviewed the best bathroom exhaust fans with light and heaters, and I hope that you have found the right one from the list.