Are you looking for a quiet bathroom exhaust fan? You’re not alone. A recent study found that over 60% of people are looking for a quieter exhaust fan. So, what are your options? In this blog post, we will compare the five quietest bathroom exhaust fans on the market. We will also provide you with a buyer’s guide to help you choose the right one for your home. Let’s get started!
After taking into account 50+ fans across various brands, shapes, designs, etc., we picked out 5 bathroom exhausts that personify ‘whisper quiet’ while ensuring no odor ever lasts in your bathroom.
Note: US Department of Energy states that any fan rated 1.5 sones is a quiet fan while those rated 0.5 to 1 sones are pretty much inaudible. In this review, we’ll cover fans within this range so you know they will be quiet.
Top 5 Quietest Bathroom Exhaust Fans Reviewed
#1: Kaze Appliance SEP120L2
With sound levels of just 0.3 sones (even lesser than the figure mentioned by the US Energy Department), the Kaze, without a doubt, is inaudible. Whether you want to listen to stuff or prefer the quiet, Kaze ensures you have the power to choose.
But what about its cleaning power?
Well, the Kaze can remove 120 cubic feet of air per minute. This makes it the perfect exhaust for bathrooms up to 120 sq. ft. which is around the average bathroom size in the US.
And if you have a bigger bathroom, there’s also a 150 CFM model. Usually, higher CFM means more noise, but even with 150 CFM, Kaze’s sound levels are a mere 0.5 sones easily fitting this exhaust fan in the inaudible category.
You also want the exhaust to be easy to install, and if you go with the EZ Install model, that’s exactly what you get. It has a one-piece assembly and installs below the ceiling without having to reach the attic to connect the ducting and wiring. This means installation can be done without the need for professional help.
If you go for the basic models, installation is a tad difficult but there are detailed manuals and videos to help you out.
Irrespective of the model, you can adjust the mounting brackets up to 24-inch joist centers, so your bathroom design is never a hindrance (whatever the shape or structure, any Kaze exhaust fits in perfectly).
You also do not have to worry about any reconstruction of ducts to reduce the size if you used a smaller fan in the ceiling. While this is designed for 6″ ducts, you also get a 4″ duct reducer with it.
Another thing I love about the Kaze is the 11-Watt LED light. While it won’t light up your whole bathroom, it is ample light to find your way around in the dark and not slip. And it is warm light so won’t hurt your eyes either.
Plus, the light has a 30,000-hour rating which means it will last you for years, all the while saving you on the electricity bills.
You also get value for money since the fan is built to last as the housing is made using rugged 26 GA galvanized steel. Furthermore, the painting ensures it doesn’t rust even with all the water splashing the bathroom is prone to.
Pros
- It has a 0.3 sones rating which makes it inaudible.
- Comes with a warm LED light
- The light lasts for 30,000 hours.
- You can install the EZ Install variant without any help
- Ideal for bathrooms of up to 12 sq. ft.
- Thanks to the Duct reducer, it can fit into most ducts
- Built to last and does not rust either.
Cons
- The light isn’t strong enough to light up the whole bathroom.
#2: Broan-Nutone QTXE110S we
Next up on the list is bathroom exhaust from one of the most trusted home and kitchen appliance brands, Broan-Nuton, and the QTXE110S exhaust lives up to the reputation.
It has a 0.7 Sones rating. While that is a tad higher than the Kaze exhaust, 0.7 means it is still inaudible and won’t cause any disturbance.
It is also perfect for small to medium-sized bathrooms since it can clear 110 cubic feet of air per minute (whether it is tobacco smoke or other odors, it can take care of them all within minutes). The power difference compared to the Kaze is negligible.
One standout feature of the Broan exhaust is its auto-detection feature. It has sensors that detect the rise in dampness and automatically turn the exhaust on (it is effortless, just the way things in life should be). And don’t worry, it automatically turns off as well.
Plus, it has a 5 to 60 mins automatic turn-off that you can manually set. In case you often forget to turn off the exhaust fan, set it at 5-10 mins and you won’t have to worry about it ever again (as we said, it is effortless).
But let’s say you left it on and forgot to set the timer. Even then, energy consumption is minimal. And you don’t have to take our word for it, as it is Energy Star qualified. Plus, it is also HIV certified and UL listed, so you can use it over a bathtub or shower without worries. Just make sure you do it with a GFCI-protected branch circuit.
The only drawback of this exhaust fan is that it is harder to install, unlike the Kaze EZ Install models which made things easier. So get help if needed, and there are always manuals to help.
Plus, there isn’t any duct reducer with this one, so you’ll need a little restructuring of the duct in case you used a smaller fan before.
Pros
- It is inaudible at 0.7 sones
- Turns on automatically thanks to the dampness sensors
- Turns off automatically as well between 5 to 60 minutes.
- It is Energy Star qualified
- It is also HIV certified and UL listed
- Perfect for small to medium-sized bathrooms.
Cons
- Installation isn’t easy
- The duct might need reconstruction since it only fits 6″ ducts
- Does not have a light
#3: BV Ultra-Quiet Exhaust Fan (Budget Pick)
If you are on a tight budget or have a smaller bathroom (around 90 sq. ft.) then the BV ultra quiet exhaust fan is perfect for you as it costs less than $100 while being quiet and pretty durable. Here’s more about it.
The BV exhaust comes with a 0.8 sones rating. Yes, that’s higher than the previous two picks but considering the cost and that it is still within the whisper-quiet zone, it is a great buy.
Furthermore, the exhaust is HVI 2100-certified. HVI 2100-certification means that the product is tried and tested and the airflow, sound, energy, and lighting ratings are exactly as advertised by the manufacturer. Also, adding credibility is the UL Approval.
With a 90 CFM, cleaning ability is also good if you keep in mind the bathroom size. it shouldn’t take more than 5-10 minutes to remove the worst odors like that of smoking.
As for durability, the housing is made with stainless steel. This means it is solid and won’t rust. The motor is also good. As long as you don’t overuse it, the exhaust should last you at least 2-3 years.
In case you experience any problem before, there’s a 1-year warranty backing it. This is a rarity with cheaper exhaust fans and thus, ensures that the BV exhaust fan stands out from the pack.
This exhaust is designed only for 4″ ducts so make sure you cut the hole accordingly. You might also want to get help with the installation. It isn’t as straightforward and if it isn’t tight enough, it can cause a malfunction or ineffective cleaning.
Pros
- It has a 0.8 Sones rating which is good considering its low price
- Costs less than $100
- Ideal for small bathrooms i.e.e up to 90 sq. ft.
- It is HVI 2100-certified.
- Also comes with UL Approval
- Cleans smaller bathrooms in 5-10 minutes.
Cons
- Fits only 4″ ducts
- Does not have a light
- Installation isn’t easy.
#4: Panasonic FV-0511VQCL1
Panasonic is another well-known brand. We know they make quality appliances when it comes to home and kitchen, and the FV-0511VQCL1 exhaust is another example of it.
It does cost higher than the previous exhausts but it isn’t your ordinary exhaust fan as it has a few fancy frills. Here’s all about it.
If you want quiet, the Panasonic FV-0511VQCL1 is primed for that. Thanks to the WhisperSense technology the exhaust has an excellent sound rating of 0.3 sones thus matching the silence of the Kaze exhaust.
But unlike the Kaze, Panasonic has an adjustable CFM. It allows you to switch between 50, 80, and 100 CFM making it ideal for bathrooms of varied sizes. Oh, and irrespective of the speed you choose, it is also capable of removing air impurities.
Plus, there’s Dual Sensor Technology (motion and moisture) which means it automatically adjusts its functioning based on the moisture and odor in the bathroom. This is one of the reasons it is Energy Certified which means it meets the US Environmental Protection Agencies standards.
It will also fit into both 4″ and 6″ ducts since you get a 4 or 6-inch duct adaptor. If you are renovating your bathroom and making it bigger or smaller, this is perfect.
Installation is also easier compared to any of the exhausts mentioned here. The Flex-Z Fast bracket with articulating joints means you can fix it yourself with the help of the manual within a few minutes.
Plus, it gives you the freedom to position the fan in any direction you want. So even if the duct is further away, it won’t be a problem.
Lastly, it also comes with an LED light. But the Panasonic has much brighter light than the Kaze and will easily light up the entire bathroom.
Pros
- It has a 0.3 sone rating
- You can adjust the CFM from 50, 80 to 100.
- It comes with a 4 or 6-inch duct adaptor.
- Automatically adjusts functioning based on the odor and dampness in the bathroom as it has dual sensors.
- Energy Certified
- Easy to install. Plus, you can adjust the direction of the fan.
- Comes with a bright LED light.
Cons
- It is on the expensive side
#5: Broan-NuTone QTXN110HL
We wanted to end with a bang and so here’s taking multi-functionality to a different level with the Broan-NuTone QTXN110HL.
This bad boy isn’t your ordinary exhaust, it doubles up as a ceiling heater as well. So if you live in places where it gets crazy cold, it is worth every penny.
Imagine entering the bathroom and you no longer dread touching the metallic taps, want to jump off when you sit on the commode or are shivering since you had to take off all the layers you were wearing.
The 1500-Watt heater can easily warm up the biggest of bathrooms.
And coming to the exhaust fan, it has a 0.9 sone rating so you won’t hear a thing. Another thing that stands out about it is the dual lights.
If you want the whole bathroom to be well-lit, there’s the bright 120-watt incandescent light. And if you just want to find your way around at night, then you can use the 7W nightlight.
Durability is top-notch as well. it can handle all the spills and splashes without any rusting. And the use of quality parts and housing means you won’t have overhead expenses with it for years.
On the downside, we were disappointed that it didn’t come with a duct reducer. It only fits 6″ ducts.
Installation isn’t the easiest either. If you haven’t worked with exhaust fans and heaters before, we’d recommend you get help with the installation.
Lastly, it is expensive as it costs over $450. And unless you live in a cold region, it doesn’t make sense to spend big on this one since you won’t need the heater.
Pros
- It has a 0.9 sone rating so you won’t hear a thing.
- Doubles up as a heater when needed.
- The 1500-Watt heater can warm medium and large bathrooms
- Comes with a powerful exhaust that has a 100 CFM.
- There’s a 120W bright incandescent light that lights up the whole bathroom.
- You also get a 7W nightlight
- Solidly built with high-quality parts and housing.
Cons
- It costs over $450
- Not suitable for people who live in warmer regions.
- Won’t fit 4″ ducts.
If you are looking for more home improvement products, check our review of best bidet attachments.
How to Choose a Bathroom Exhaust Fan in 2023
Let’s go over some of the key things to think about when selecting a bathroom exhaust fan, so you can be sure to choose one that will work well for your needs.
Size
One of the first things to consider when choosing a bathroom exhaust fan is the size of the fan. The size of the fan will determine how much air it can move, which is important for effectively ventilating your bathroom.
As a general rule, you’ll want to choose a fan that is rated to move at least 50 cubic feet per minute (CFM) for every square foot of space in your bathroom. So, if your bathroom is 50 square feet, you’ll want to choose a fan that is rated to move at least 2500 CFM.
Noise Level
Another important factor to consider when choosing a bathroom exhaust fan is the noise level. Some exhaust fans can be quite loud, which can be annoying if you’re trying to relax in the bathroom or if the fan is located close to a bedroom. Look for a fan that has a low sones rating, as this will indicate that it is relatively quiet.
Mounting System
In addition to size and noise level, you’ll also want to think about the type of mounting system you prefer for your exhaust fan. There are several different options available, including ceiling-mount, wall-mount, and inline (ducted) fans.
Ceiling-mount fans are the most common type and are easy to install, but they do take up space in the ceiling. Wall-mount fans are a good choice if you don’t have enough space in the ceiling, but they can be more difficult to install.
Inline fans are installed in the ductwork and are a good choice if you want to ventilate multiple bathrooms or if you have limited space in the ceiling or walls.
You also want to take into account the type of ventilation system it uses. There are two main types of ventilation systems – ducted and ductless.
Ducted systems are the most common and involve running a ventilation duct from the fan to the outside of the house. This type of system is generally more effective at ventilating the bathroom, but it can be more expensive and time-consuming to install.
Ductless systems, on the other hand, use a filter to remove odors and contaminants from the air before recirculating them back into the bathroom. These systems are easier to install and are a good choice if you don’t have the space or budget for a ducted system.
Style and Finish
Last but not least, comes the style and finish of the exhaust fans. There are many different styles and finishes available, so you should be able to find one that fits in with the décor of your bathroom.
Consider the overall design of your bathroom and choose a fan that complements it. You may also want to consider energy efficiency when choosing an exhaust fan. Look for a fan that has an Energy Star rating, as this will indicate that it is energy-efficient and will help to save you money on your energy bills.
Finally, you’ll want to think about the price of the exhaust fan you choose. There are many different models available at a wide range of price points, so you should be able to find one that fits within your budget. Just be sure to consider all of the factors mentioned above when making your decision, as a cheaper fan may not always be the best choice if it doesn’t meet your
Thank you for reading our blog post on the best quiet bathroom exhaust fans. We hope that this information was helpful and that you are now able to make an informed decision when purchasing a new fan for your home. Have a great day!
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