Choosing The Right Bathroom Exhaust With Heater balances ventilation power, heating capacity, noise, and installation type. The table below summarizes the five selected units from trusted brands to help you compare core specs quickly.
| Model | Key Features | Airflow / Heater |
|---|---|---|
| Broan-NuTone BHFLED80 | Dimmable LED, 3 CCT, 1.5 sones | 80 CFM / integrated heater function |
| Panasonic WhisperWarm FV-0511VH1 | Pick-A-Flow, Flex-Z bracket, quiet | 50-80-110 CFM / 1600W PTC heater |
| Delta Breez Radiance | Brushless DC motor, energy efficient | 80 CFM / 1300W heating element |
| WELNEK 13.8in 4-in-1 | Metal housing, 1800W heater, 1.0 sone | 110 CFM / 1800W heater |
| GROWNEER 110/160 CFM Combo | Bluetooth speaker, smart shower mode | 110/160 CFM options / adjustable heat settings |
Broan-NuTone BHFLED80 PowerHeat Fan, Heater & LED Light
The Broan-NuTone BHFLED80 is a combination unit offering ventilation, heating, and dimmable LED lighting. Its 80 CFM airflow is designed to remove bathroom moisture while the integrated heater provides supplemental warmth during use. The motor rating is about 1.5 sones, which places it in a low-to-moderate noise class for a combined fan-heater-light unit.
Lighting features include an integrated LED with three selectable CCT settings (2700K / 3500K / 5000K) and dimming capability suitable for night lighting. Controls allow independent operation of fan, heater, and light for flexible use.
From an installation and design standpoint, the BHFLED80 has a white decorative grille intended to match typical bathroom trim. It’s targeted at standard bathroom sizes where 80 CFM ventilation and on-demand heating are adequate. The unit’s feature set emphasizes balance between comfort and simple lighting control.
Panasonic WhisperWarm FV-0511VH1 Fan With Heater
Panasonic’s WhisperWarm FV-0511VH1 combines a quiet DC motor, high-efficiency ventilation and a powerful 1600W PTC heater. The model uses Pick-A-Flow technology to set airflow to 50, 80, or 110 CFM, enabling adjustment for room size and desired ventilation rate.
The unit is noted for an ultra-quiet acoustic profile, typical of Panasonic’s Whisper series, making it suitable for bathrooms where low noise is a priority. The PTC heater provides rapid warm-up and self-regulating behavior for steady temperature output.
Installation is simplified via the Flex-Z Fast Bracket, which supports single-hinge mounting and options for 4″ or 6″ ducting. This reduces attic access requirements and streamlines positioning. The unit targets homeowners seeking efficient, quiet operation with multiple airflow choices and robust heating.
Delta Breez Radiance 80 CFM Fan With Heater & Thermostat
The Delta Breez Radiance is built around energy efficiency with a brushless DC motor designed for long life and low energy consumption. The motor’s expected lifespan supports continuous performance and reduced maintenance.
For heating, the Radiance integrates a 1300W heating element1.5 sones, balancing ventilation efficacy and acoustic comfort. Efficiency rating around 7 CFM/watt helps lower operating costs.
This model targets buyers who prioritize durability and energy savings in a combined vent/heater/light package. The Radiance’s energy-efficient motor and safety features make it a practical option for medium-sized bathrooms.
WELNEK 13.8in 4-in-1 Exhaust Fan With 1800W Heater
The WELNEK ceiling unit emphasizes high heating power with an 1800W element intended to deliver rapid warmth in colder bathrooms. It pairs the heater with 110 CFM ventilation and a low-noise motor around 1.0 sone.
Design features include a metal housing and a 13.8″ panel size, with a specified ceiling cutout for guided installation. The package typically includes a controller and aims for straightforward mounting when dimensions match the existing opening.
Because of the higher wattage heater and 110 CFM airflow, WELNEK suits bathrooms that need faster temperature recovery and more aggressive humidity removal. The manufacturer highlights quick heating and quiet operation as the core performance claims.
GROWNEER Bathroom Fan With Bluetooth, Light & Heater
GROWNEER’s multi-function ceiling fan integrates an exhaust fan with selectable 110 or 160 CFM performance, dual heating settings, and a Bluetooth speaker for in-bath audio. Measured noise is around 1.0 sone at typical airflow settings.
Smart Shower Mode offers a timed heating cycle (60 minutes heating followed by 15 minutes ventilation) to keep the space warm during and after showers while assisting in moisture removal. The unit also provides adjustable color temperature lighting and multiple RGB modes for ambient effects.
This model is positioned for buyers who want both functional heating and modern conveniences like a speaker and programmable heating cycles. The higher airflow option supports larger bathrooms or faster dehumidification needs.
Buying Guide: How To Choose A Bathroom Exhaust With Heater
Selecting the right exhaust fan with heater depends on several technical and practical factors. Consider the following to match a unit to your bathroom and comfort goals.
Airflow (CFM) And Room Size
Calculate required airflow using the formula: bathroom area (sq ft) x ceiling height / 7.5 (approximate). Typical guidance: 80–110 CFM fits most average bathrooms; higher CFM (150–190) is suited for larger spaces or faster moisture removal.
Heating Power And Type
Heating elements range from PTC heaters (~1300–1600W) to higher wattage resistive heaters (1800W). PTC heaters self-regulate and are often quieter, while higher wattage units heat faster. Match heater wattage to how quickly you need the space warmed and your electrical circuit capacity.
Noise Level (Sones)
Sones quantify perceived sound. Look for 1.0 sone or lower for whisper-quiet performance. Units at 1.5 sones are still acceptable, but louder models above this may be disruptive in master bathrooms or when used at night.
Energy Efficiency And Motor Type
Brushless DC motors offer higher efficiency and longer service life versus standard AC motors. Energy-efficient motors reduce operating costs if the fan runs frequently.
Controls And Modes
Consider independent controls for fan, heater, and light for flexible operation. Timed modes (e.g., shower mode) and remote or wall controls improve convenience. Smart features like Bluetooth are optional but may add value for some buyers.
Installation Considerations
Check ceiling cutout dimensions, housing size, and whether the unit supports 4″ or 6″ ducting. Features like Panasonic’s Flex-Z bracket simplify installation in tight attic spaces. Verify electrical requirements—high-wattage heaters may need dedicated circuits.
Safety Features
Look for thermal cutoff fuses, UL listing, and metal housings for enhanced safety. Overheat protection and proper thermal management are essential for heater-equipped fans.
Lighting Options
Integrated LEDs offer long life and multiple color temperatures. Dimmable lights and nightlight modes can add convenience. If vanity lighting is primary, choose a unit with sufficient lumens appropriate for your layout.
Build Quality And Warranty
Metal housings and reputable motor designs often indicate durability. Check manufacturer warranties and expected motor life ratings (e.g., 70,000 hours for DC motors) to assess long-term reliability.
Comparison Perspectives
- Quiet Operation: Prioritize models with low sones and DC motors (e.g., Panasonic WhisperWarm).
- Fast Heating: Higher wattage units (e.g., WELNEK, Oeukas-type 1800W) deliver quicker warmth for cold climates.
- Energy Savings: Brushless DC and efficient CFM/watt ratios (e.g., Delta Breez) reduce running costs.
- Feature-Rich: Models with Bluetooth, RGB lighting, and smart shower modes (e.g., GROWNEER) suit modern, multi-use bathrooms.
- Installation Ease: Units with quick-mount brackets and flexible ducting options (e.g., Panasonic Flex-Z) lower labor and DIY complexity.
Use the combination of CFM, heater wattage, noise rating, installation constraints, and desired features to narrow choices. Match a unit’s technical capabilities to room size and lifestyle to ensure effective ventilation and comfortable heating without unnecessary energy use.