Keep air circulating, humidity down and mold at bay with these bathroom fans.
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Exhaust fans are critical in rooms with small or no windows at all.( Learn more about bathroom exhaust fans.) Ironically, these window-challenged rooms, like laundry rooms and bathrooms, are most often the ones that have excessive amounts of moisture. The best bathroom fan will suck moist, humid air out of a room and exchange it with fresh, dry air from the outside.
A well-made bathroom fan will not only refresh stale air but will prevent condensation, eliminate odors and stop mold from forming. “I highly recommend automated exhaust fans in all bathrooms,” says Gregg Cantor, the President and CEO of home building company Murray Lampert Design, Build, Remodel. “The cost of a quality fan is a small price to pay considering how important it is to ventilate bathrooms properly so that mold and fungus do not grow,” confirms Cantor. Here are our picks for the best bathroom fans to dry your damp lavatory.
Indoor air quality is more important than ever, which is why we chose the Broan-NuTone SurfaceShield as one of our top performers. It uses patented antimicrobial violet light-emitting diode (LED) light technology and powerful ventilation to protect against bacteria, mold, mildew and fungal growth. DIYers will especially appreciate the Ezduct connector for easy room-side installation—no attic access is required.
Cast in contemporary chrome with a swirled marble glass cover, the Hunter Halcyon Bathroom Fan is designed to look good while removing excess moisture from your bathroom. Aesthetically, the fan mounts flush to the ceiling to maintain a sleek profile. On the practical side, the Halcyon boasts an airflow of 90 CFM and can be installed so that the fan and light work together or independently.
Of all the fans on this list, the Panasonic WhisperChoice is best suited for large bathrooms. Besides removing unhealthy air at a rate that exceeds industry standards, the versatile ceiling fan provides the proper airflow based on the size of the bathroom or the amount of moisture.
Toggle between 130 cubic feet per minute (just what you need for standard-sized bathrooms) and the more powerful 150 CFM (ideal for large and en suite bathrooms). It’s also UL Listed, so it can safely be placed above a shower enclosure. Plus, it comes with a Flex-Z Fast bracket for fast installation.
A noisy fan can discourage people from using it, rendering it ineffective. That won’t be a reality with the Panasonic WhisperCeiling bathroom fan. Noiseless and powerful, its SmartFlow technology senses static pressure and adjusts the speed accordingly for optimal output. Additionally, the fan has a Flex-Z Fast bracket and a 4- or 6-inch duct adapter for simple installation.
Wouldn’t it be nice to get out of the tub or shower in a warm, toasty environment? With the BreezRadiance bathroom fan, you can. The best bathroom fan for chilly and under-insulated bathrooms, the BreezRadiance comes with a built-in thermostat to regulate temperature. And the heating element does more than add comfort. Keeping your bathroom warm also inhibits vapors from condensing on floors, walls, ceilings and furniture.
Plug-in ready, the Broan-NuTone Ceiling and Wall Ventilation Fan is a steal at less than $25. Fitting for half baths and small powder rooms, the compact fan with torsion-spring grille mounting installs easily between ceiling joists and wall studs without tools.
Moreover, the galvanized steel housing stands up to corrosion, and the polymeric damper prevents cold backdrafts. This best bathroom fan pick is UL Listed, so it’s approved for use directly in tub or shower enclosures.
Another standout from Delta Electronics, the dual-speed BreezGreenBuilder Exhaust Fan has a sensor that automatically kicks on the fan when the humidity level reaches a certain threshold. Available in either 80 or 100 CFM (and with or without an LED light), the fan is engineered with a direct-current brushless motor to ensure optimal reliability.
Equipped with dual, high-fidelity Sensonic speakers with Bluetooth functionality, the Broan-NuTone Sensonic lets you play your favorite tunes, listen to the news or catch up on your daily podcasts while bathing or getting ready for the day. The best bathroom fan for music lovers pairs with Bluetooth-enabled devices in seconds, leaving electrical outlets free for your getting-ready necessities.
There are three different types of bathroom fans to choose from:
Here’s also how you can replace a bathroom exhaust fan.
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The best bathroom fans get rid of excess moisture, odors and pollutants. “Bathroom fans are always recommended to mitigate odors and move air to reduce moisture that can cause mold growth,” says Cantor. They also remove vapor that fogs up mirrors and shower doors. In addition to providing proper ventilation in the bathroom, you’ll breathe easier and be much more comfortable.
Simply put, a bathroom fan sucks the air out of a room, sending it outside through ductwork. For optimal performance, ensure your chosen bathroom fan is powerful enough for the space and properly installed.
Although continuously running the fan can remove excess humidity and contaminants in the air, it could cause the motor to wear out, and increase fire risk from dust and lint collecting in the grate. Clean exhaust fans of debris periodically.
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