Research-backed
Image: MomJunction Design Team
After a hot shower, your bathroom can get quite humid and moist. So, we have compiled a list of the best humidity-sensing bathroom fans to keep your bathroom cool and dry. These fans work as a thermostat, but they depend on the relative humidity levels instead of the room temperature. They automatically detect high humidity levels and turn on until the moisture level goes down considerably.
With several features and designs, you can browse through the tried-and-tested products to choose the right one for your bathroom.
Top Picks
Safety Precautions While Using Humidity Sensing Bathroom Fans
Below are some safety precautions to keep in mind while using bathroom exhaust fans with humidity sensors.
- Adjust the fan blower based on the desired levels of humidity. Experiment with various humidity levels to know the right adjustments for your bathroom
- Follow the installation instructions carefully to reduce any error
- Clean and maintain the fan regularly for proper ventilation
- Turn off the power while cleaning the unit
- Do not install a humidity sensor bath fan in a thermally insulated ceiling
7 Best Humidity Sensing Bathroom Fans
1. Best Airflow:Hauslane Humidity And Motion Sensor Electric Fan
Image: Hauslane The Hauslane built-in sensors will regulate the humidity levels in your bathroom. Its small electric fan provides powerful ventilation using suction and removes bad odors from rooms of a size up to 120sq. ft. It uses 1007 RPM fan speed and includes a double hanger bar for ideal positioning between ceiling joists.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Six-watt LED panel provides illumination
- Backed with a limited two-year guarantee
- Powerful airflow
Cons
- Noise levels may be high
"The included brackets came in handy while putting up this fan. Although made of steel, I would recommend keeping water away from it to prevent rusting. Nevertheless, it also functions quietly, and the LED light is a boon for nighttime use."
Remember2. Best Energy-Efficient:Delta BreezSignature VBF25AEH Exhaust Bath Fan
Image: Delta 
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has garnered more than 672 positive reviews on Amazon.
BreezSignature’s bathroom fan has an automatic humidity-sensing mode and a virtually silent operation. This tried-and-tested option has a LED indicator light that assures the fan is running. Engineered using DC brushless motor technology makes it a highly durable humidity extractor fan with the effective cost-saving operation. To find out more about this trusted product, check out this video review.
Pros
- Energy Star-qualified design
- Includes a three-year warranty
- Low noise levels of 2.0 sones
- Consumes lesser energy
- HVI-certified
Cons
- Does not shut off
"This fan activates quickly when it senses humidity. Also, the noise level is surprisingly low. Installation was a bit tricky, requiring some improvisation. However, it is energy efficient and works well."
3. Best Easy-To-Install:Panasonic FV-0511VQC1 WhisperSense DC Ventilation Fan
Image: Panasonic Designed to remove moisture and unhealthy air from your home, this high-quality WhisperSense exhaust fan comes with an automatic humidity sensor. The bathroom ventilation fan has been through rigorous performance and quality tests, and it features a four- or six-inch built-in duct adaptor that offers flexibility in the layout. The reliable product includes Flex-Z fast brackets for quick and easy installation, and it provides quiet operation and powerful ventilation. If you are an absolute beginner, this video might be useful.
Pros
- Removes contaminated air
- Energy Star-certified
- Adjustable airflow
- Complies with the latest standards and codes
Cons
- May not allow disabling motion sensor
"Installing this vent fan was straightforward, and its functioning is also primarily noiseless. Its adjustable speed and motion sensor add convenience, but the latter can sometimes be too sensitive. Still, it is very efficient and keeps my bathroom humidity-free."
Hauslane Humidity And Motion Sensor Electric Fan Best Airflow | Delta BreezSignature VBF25AEH Exhaust Bath Fan Best Energy-Efficient | Panasonic FV-0511VQC1 WhisperSense DC Ventilation Fan Best Easy-To-Install | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 8.93 pounds | 9.81 pounds | - |
| Dimensions | 10 x 10 x 8 inches | 9.7"D x 9.7"W x 8"H | 13 x 13 x 7.38 inches |
| Wattage | 6 watts | 19.1 watts | - |
| Color | - | White | White |
| Material | - | Alloy Steel | - |
| Weight | - | - | 9.48 Pounds |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 131 | 672 | 376 |
| Price | $119.99 | $123.5 | $199.99 |
4. Best Corrosion-Resistant Design:Homeworks Worldwide Humidity Sensor Exhaust Ventilation
Image: Homewerks The bathroom exhaust fan with a humidity and moisture sensor is effective in removing moisture and harsh odor from your bathroom. Designed to control humidity in bathrooms of area up to 80sq. ft, the bathroom vent fan also features a 15W LED that senses motion and automatically turns on and off.
Pros
- Corrosion-resistant
- Contemporary design
- Easy to install
- Includes a three-year warranty
- Noiseless with LED touchpad for convenient control
Cons
- Sensors may not be effective
"While this bathroom fan generally meets my expectations, the design could be more installation-friendly. However, it offers adequate lighting, and motion detection is handy. Overall, it is a reliable unit for ventilation."
5. Best For Removing Odor:ESD Tech Bathroom Exhaust Fan
Featuring an extremely low noise level of 0.7 sones, this is one of the most powerful humidity sensing exhaust fans with a four-inch duct. As per reviews, it ensures mildew prevention and reduces bad odor, keeping your bathroom free from any buildups. This is a wise and affordable choice for a bathroom of size up to 85sq. ft and includes four hanger bars for flexible installation.
Pros
- HVI- and Title 24-certified
- Includes a one-year warranty
- Energy Star-listed
- Convenient to install
- Offers airflow of 90 CFM
- Safety-tested, ETL-certified
Cons
- LED light may not be of good quality
"Adding this exhaust fan to my bathroom has helped me deal with damp walls and floors. It operates quietly and prevents mirror fog-up after hot showers. However, it doesn't shut off automatically at my desired humidity level, which is a minor hiccup. Still, it is worth considering."
Quick tip6. Best With Delay Timer:Kaze Appliance SEP120H Humidity Sensing Exhaust Fan
Image: Kaze The SEP120H exhaust fan by Kaze Appliance has an airflow rate of 120CFM and comes equipped with a condensation sensor that automatically turns it on or off. In addition, the quiet bathroom fan features a delay timer that allows it to continue functioning for five to thirty minutes even after achieving the ideal humidity levels. Made of high-quality materials and permanently lubricated motors, this exhaust ensures trouble-free operation.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Includes duct reducer
- Rust-resistant
- Suitable for larger bathrooms
- Universal compatibility
Cons
- Fan might rattle at times
"I had to get professional help to install this fan, but the way it clears steam from my bathroom has been remarkable. Moreover, the hands-free operation is a boon, and the low-noise motor makes me forget if it's even on."
7. Best Motor:Broan-NuToneRoomside Humidity Sensing Exhaust Fan
Image: Broan-nutone Enjoy fresh air every day with the Broan-NuTone. It offers a high-quality humidity-controlled exhaust fan effective for rooms of a size up to 105sq. ft. It comes with a unique automatic moisture control technique and offers effective mildew or mold prevention in bathrooms. This humidity sensing fan is integrated with a LED lightthat promises long-lasting illumination. It features a powerful motor engineered for uninterrupted operations.
Pros
- Sturdy design
- Made of galvanized stainless steel
- Quick-to-remove moisture
- Includes a three-year warranty
- Energy Star-certified
Cons
- May be noisy
"The best part about this fan is the low-profile design, as it seamlessly blends into my washroom's decor. Its humidity sensor was a bit finicky initially, but some tweaking fixed that issue. All in all, it's been the perfect find to remove excess moisture from my home."
Quick FactHow To Choose The Right Humidity Sensing Bathroom Exhaust Fan?
Humidity-sensing fans are essential to regulate humidity levels. To ensure the safety and ideal operation of the fan consider the below points while buying a humidity-sensing fan
- Installation: Choose a fan that is easy to install and includes detailed instructions you can follow. These fans come with the necessary tools for convenient installation.
- Design: Ensure the fan is made of high-quality, durable material for long-lasting, optimal performance. It should provide strong suction power, good ventilation, and a low noise level. The humidity sensor should be accurate. Choose an Energy Star-qualified design to ensure energy efficiency.
- Size: Consider your bathroom space to find a suitable size. Fans with a compact design allow better ventilation without blocking space. Determine how much suction power and motor power is required to choose a fan size accordingly.
- Ease of use: Choose humidity-sensing fans with an automatic on-off function, LED indicator, convenient controls, and other additional features for smooth functioning. They should be easy to clean and maintain for long-term use.
Features To Consider While Buying A Humidity Sensing Bathroom Fan
Here are some factors that you must consider to choose the best humidity-sensing bathroom fan.
- Energy usage: Choose Energy Star-certified fans as they promise good efficiency and save your electricity bill.
- Noise levels: The noise levels are measured in sones. The lower the count of sones, the quieter the fan is. Look for bathroom fans with low values of sones to have low noise levels.
- Bathroom size: Keep in mind the bathroom’s size to buy a humidity sensing fan that offers good performance. Buying a small fan might not deliver the desired performance and buying a powerful fan will lead to energy wastage.
- Ease of installation: Look for exhaust fans that are convenient to install. Be aware of the complications of installing it in your bathroom before buying one.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I use a bathroom exhaust fan with a humidity sensor?
Humidity sensor-enabled bathroom exhaust fans work on electricity. You just have to leave the power on. As soon as the sensors situated in the fan detect an increase in humidity level, they trigger the fan to switch on automatically.
2. What are the benefits of bathroom fans with humidity sensors?
Bathroom fans with built-in humidity sensors are time-tested devices to keep the bathrooms dry and moisture-free, especially if they are not well-ventilated. This in turn helps prevent mold buildup and keeps foul smells at bay.
3. How do I replace a bathroom exhaust fan?
Here are the general steps involved in replacing a bathroom exhaust fan:
- Cut the power supply to the fan
- Remove the current fan’s cover, disconnect the wires, detach the fan from the vent pipe, and unscrew the fan housing in order to remove it
- Resize the vent hole as per the new fan if needed
- Connect the new fan’s duct connector to the vent’s pipe and ceiling
- Connect the new fan’s wires to that of the house as per the instructions provided by the manufacturer
- Screw the brackets of the new fan to the vent’s joists
- Secure the fan’s cover via the metal clips (1)
4. How do I clean a bathroom exhaust fan?
First, cut the power supply. Then, remove the fan’s cover and give it a good scrub with soapy water and a bristle brush and let it dry thoroughly. Remove the fan’s motor as per the instructions given by the manufacturer. Followed by that, remove as much dust as possible from the fan’s blades and fan box with a cloth. Finally, clean the blades using a wet (but not dripping) sponge and let the interiors dry completely.
5. Why does my bathroom exhaust fan make noise when off?
The bathroom exhaust fan may make noise when off due to faulty wiring, damaged backdraft, invasion of the vent by animals or insects, or broken components.
6. How do I size a bathroom exhaust fan?
While selecting a bathroom exhaust fan, keep in mind the duct’s size. Most 50 CFM fans fit well in a four-inch round duct. Fans with higher CFMs might be more compatible with ducts that measure five to six inches.
7. What CFM do I need for a bathroom fan?
The CFM required would depend on your bathroom size. The general rule is that you need a minimum of one CFM per square foot of your bathroom.
Why Trust MomJunction?
If you are worried about your bathroom turning humid after a shower, you could consider installing a humidity-sensing bathroom fan. If you are not quite sure about this product, we have curated exclusive details and important safety measures to note before you plan to buy a humidity-sensing bathroom fan. These consumer-tested products have been selected after reviewing and comparing various options and user reviews.
The Bottom Line
Keeping your washroom cool and odor-free becomes easy with a humidity-sensing bathroom fan that can remove excess moisture and unhealthy air. When buying one, you must consider factors such as easy installation, corrosion resistance, automatic turn-off function, and low noise to make the right choice. Also, you should consider the star ratings and certifications as an assurance of quality. Thus, our top recommendations are the Delta BreezSignature VBF25AEH Exhaust Bath Fan, a high-quality HVI-certified fan with low noise and LED indicator, and the Kaze Appliance SEP120H Humidity Sensing Exhaust Fan with an auto on-off feature and universal compatibility. We hope our list of the best humidity-sensing bathroom fans can help you understand your requirements to find a suitable option.
Infographic: Safety Tips To Follow When Using A Humidity Sensing Bathroom Fan
Humidity-sensing bathroom fans help control the moisture level in the bathroom. They help keep your bathroom dry and give your exhaust fan a break. However, properly using and cleaning the fan is crucial to extend its durability and efficiency. Check out the following infographic to learn about the basic rules of using these fans.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- How To Replace And Install A Bathroom Exhaust Fan:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Igim_iXOJMQ
Recommended Articles
