Research-backed
Image: MomJunction Design Team
Bring home the best bathroom exhaust fans with heaters and lights. This three-in-one bathroom essential is just what you need to spruce up your bathroom and keep it fresh.
Bathrooms are a place where you go to relieve yourself, but it’s more than that. It’s also a place where you relax and enjoy some me-time and probably get your best ideas too. So, having a well-lit and pleasant-smelling bathroom is essential. So, when you’re looking to keep your bathroom free of excessive moisture and dampness, you will need a reliable exhaust fan.
Why settle for only an exhaust when you can have one with lights and a heater? You might wonder if you need the add-ons, but these integrated features help improve ventilation, prevent you from tripping over, and keep you warm during the chilly winters. So, without further ado, pick your favorite from the time-tested options below.
Top Picks
5 Best Bathroom Exhaust Fans In 2024
1. Best Compact:HG Power Six-Inch Exhaust Fan
Image: Hongguanfan HG Power exhaust fan produces 308 CFM airflow with the help of its robust dual ball bearing brushless motor. At 2800 RPM, it swiftly clears the air of any mustiness and expels excess moisture, thus ensuring moisture control, facilitating proper ventilation in the bathroom, making the air fresh, and reducing the risk of mildew and mold buildup. Its heavy-duty iron-based body makes it durable. In addition, the wall- or ceiling-mount bathroom exhaust fan comes with a dense protective front mesh to prevent blade-associated injuries, thus enhancing its safety quotient.
Pros
- Energy-efficient
- Sturdy design
- Easy to clean
- Detachable design
- Suitable for the kitchen and attic too
- Convenient installation
Cons
- May be a bit noisy
- Speed may not be adjustable
- Remote may not be durable
"Although compact, it efficiently eliminates heat and condensation. Its durable build has also kept working seamlessly despite being used regularly. I had to use some tools for installation, but it was surprisingly easy, and the detachable design has been a boon for maintenance."
2. Best Corrosion-Resistant:Apple Barrel Delta Breez Radiance Exhaust Fan/Light With Heater
Image: Delta 
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 1,069 positive customer reviews on Amazon are a testament to its quality and reliability.
Don’t miss out on this tried-and-tested multipurpose ventilation fan by Apple Barrel that comes with many benefits. This ceiling-mount bathroom exhaust fan, made from galvanized steel, is corrosion-resistant and delivers long-lasting performance. With a low power consumption of 10.5 W and an energy efficiency of 7.6 CFM/W, it features a built-in thermostat in the heater module to control the temperature and ensure fresh air circulation. The best part is its engineered DC brushless motor technology, which saves energy and reduces emissions to keep the environment healthy and reduce pollution. And if you’re wondering if it operates quietly, the answer is yes. With a speed of 1.5 sones, you can barely hear it run.
Pros
- HVI and Energy Star certified
- Reduces moisture
- Improves bathroom air quality
- Efficient and reliable
- Includes a 26 W CFL lamp
- Button system included
- Detachable 4-inch plastic duct adapter
- Metal guards to prevent contact with heat
Cons
- The installation may be difficult.
"This compact exhaust fan is a practical addition to our bathroom. It operates quietly, and its warming effect feels very soothing during winter. However, I’d recommend getting professional help to ease the installation process."
3. Best Easy-To-Install:Aero Pure Exhaust Fan With Heat And Light Bulb A515 Series
Image: Aero Pure Here is the best bathroom ceiling fan with light and a heater that improves air circulation and purifies the air around you to enhance health and well-being! This metal unit is equipped with 2 anti-blast heat lamps of 270 W capacity and a 60 W incandescent bulb to help you reap multiple benefits. The 3-way multi-function wall-switch enables you to wire each part of the unit separately, while its ventilation capacity stands high at 80 CFM. The infrared rays from the heat lamps also facilitate faster heating, and the noise reduction mechanism ensures it operates at a 1.0 sones noise level.
Pros
- Compact design
- Easy installation
- Easy maintenance grilles
- Comes with mounting brackets
- Steel housing to prevent rusting
- Eradicates odor and excess moisture
Cons
- The lighting might be slightly dim.
- Might involve an additional cost of installing a circuit
"The highlight of this exhaust fan is its noise-free operation. While installing it was tricky, its versatile control options allow me to use it according to my needs. Plus, the quick warmth offered by the heat lamps is much appreciated."
Did you know?HG Power Six-Inch Exhaust Fan Best Compact | Delta Electronics BreezRadiance RAD80L - 80 CFM Fan/Light With Heater Best Corrosion-Resistant | Aero Pure Exhaust Fan With Heat And Light Bulb A515 Series Best Easy-To-Install | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 3.36 pounds | 2.5 Kilograms | 11.4 Pounds |
| Wattage | 38 watts | 10.5 watts | 610 |
| Material | Plastic | Alloy Steel | Alloy Steel |
| Dimensions | 7"D x 7"W x 5"H | 8.25"D x 14.38"W x 5.5"H | 7.05"D x 7.25"W x 13.18"H |
| Color | Black | Off White | White |
| Shape | - | - | Rectangular |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 115 | 1,069 | 139 |
| Price | $41.99 | $125.32 | $231.0 |
4. Best Ventilating:Air King Bathroom Heat Lamp And Exhaust Fan – 70 CFM
Image: Air King Do you get surrounded by excess humidity during showers? The solution to this could be this white bathroom fan by Air King that maintains proper humidity levels. The ceramic bathroom ventilation fan with light and heater has a 70 CFM ventilation capacity and ensures proper steam removal. It can be easily installed in a 70 sq. ft bathroom or 85 sq. ft room. As per reviews, it features 2 heater bowls — metal and polymeric ones to help keep your bathroom warm. With the automated heating component, it ensures a steady heat of 1350 W. Besides this, the moonstone glass lens, which can function with a 100 W incandescent bulb, is installed in the unit to diffuse light thoroughly in the room.
Pros
- HVI-certified fan
- Easy installation
- Handy wall plate
- Includes control switches
- Adjustable hanging brackets
- Duct connection with a back draft damper
Cons
- Might not run quietly (5.0 sones)
"I recently installed this exhaust fan in my bathroom, and it works well. The heater adds a cozy touch, and the modern design fits nicely with the decor. It's a bit louder than my previous unit, but I don't mind a little background noise."
Do remember5. Best Efficient:NuTone Bathroom Ceiling Fan With Light And Heater – 80 CFM
Image: Nutone Check out this versatile bathroom exhaust fan by NuTone, which is efficient at odor elimination, thus offering a pleasant and rejuvenating bath experience. This ceiling-mount bathroom exhaust fan is equipped with a 1300W heating element and a 100W light fixture. It is a classy addition to any bathroom with its white polymeric grilles that complement the ceiling. Another added advantage is that this durable white bathroom fan ensures good exhaust airflow and distributes warm air evenly throughout the room.
Pros
- Easy to install
- HVI-certified
- Compact mounting clips
- Quiet operation and functioning
- Eradicates mold and mildew
- Easy installation with hanger bar locks
- Junction box with receptacles for plug-in
- Galvanized steel housing to avoid corrosion
Cons
- Doesn’t include control switches
"My bathroom has no other heat sources, so this fan works great with a quiet operation and warmth from the heater. It has been a good upgrade from my older bathroom fan, and I'm also considering installing this in my guest bathroom."
Quick tipHow To Choose The Right Exhaust Fan With Heater And Light?
These are a few crucial factors you should review when choosing a bathroom exhaust fan.
- Size: Before purchasing an exhaust fan, make sure that you know your bathroom size (sq. ft) to avail maximum benefits. The fan’s CFM must be eligible to replace the warm air in your bathrooms up to 8 times per hour. Generally, the level falls between 50 and 110. For instance, a 70-square-foot bathroom needs an exhaust fan with at least 70 CFM to maintain the proper humidity level. Thus, larger bathrooms need higher CFM, and vice versa.
- Motor quality: The motor quality of the fan determines power consumption. Electronically commutated motors are considered to be the most reliable and durable ones. By choosing a product with a high-quality motor, you are purchasing an energy-efficient unit that not only saves money and power but is also environmentally-friendly.
- Noise level: Don’t we all get annoyed by the loud and constant sound made by exhaust fans? This is why we need to ensure that the unit comes with a minimum sound (sone) level. As the sone level gets high, the noise also increases. Usually, products with a sone rating from 0.5 to 2.0 offers a quiet and pleasant operation.
- Easy installation: This is yet another essential factor to be considered while choosing an exhaust fan. Products with a complex installation process may not only be time-consuming but may also require professional help. Thus, it is crucial to select fans that come with a built-in junction box, plug-in receptacles, adjustable hanger bars, mounting clips, and multi-function wall switches to ensure easy installation.
- Heating element: To avoid overheating, opt for exhaust fans with heaters after looking at the wattage of its heating element. We would recommend you to purchase an element which lies between the range of 1000-1500 W. Anything below this wouldn’t provide enough heating.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does a heater do in a bathroom fan?
A heater can heat your bathroom and keep you warm no matter the season. It can also control the musty smell and rusting of any fixtures caused due to moisture and prevent your mirrors from fogging.
rusting of any fixtures caused due to moisture and prevent your mirrors from fogging.
2. How long can I leave a bathroom exhaust fan running?
Unlike regular fans, bathroom exhaust fans have smaller motors. Therefore, to avoid motor malfunction, the expert-approved time limit would be no more than 30 minutes.
3. Can a bathroom fan and light be on the same circuit?
Yes, a bathroom fan and light can be on the same circuit, given it has the required wattage. However, having different switches is recommended for individual use of each fixture.
4. Does a bathroom exhaust fan need to be vented outside?
An exhaust removes excess moisture from your bathroom. Outside-placed vent fans are mostly effective for mold prevention and mildew control by preventing extra humidity and moisture inside your bathroom.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Bathroom exhaust fans are an essential home product that ensures your bathroom is free of odor, moisture, and wetness. However, it might be confusing for you to choose the right product with numerous options available. So, we have compiled a list of the best exhaust fans with heaters and lights for proper ventilation after going through various product details and user reviews in different forums. Along with product specifications, we also added the benefits and drawbacks of each product and included a buying guide to help you make an informed decision.
The Bottom Line
Most bathrooms have an exhaust fan to rid the area of excess moisture, humidity, odors, and pollutants. But not all of them come with an attached light and a heater. With these essential features, the best exhaust fans help prevent accidental slips in the bathroom and keep you toasty when cold. However, before choosing an exhaust fan with light and heater, you must consider factors like size, low-noise operation, etc. We recommend the Apple Barrel Delta Breez Radiance Exhaust Fan/Light With Heater for its quiet operation at 1.5 sones and the NuTone Bathroom Ceiling Fan With Light And Heater, which efficiently helps eliminate odors. You may also choose an exhaust fan with a high-quality motor and a heating element that ranges between 1000 and 1500W for optimal warmth.
Infographic: Points To Consider About Bathroom Exhaust Fan Installation
A bathroom exhaust fan is an essential ventilation system designed to remove excess moisture and odor from the bathroom, preventing mold and mildew while maintaining air quality. However, improper installation or usage can pose fire and shock hazards. Refer to the infographic below to learn about the factors to consider when using bathroom exhaust fans.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Kwok Wai Mui et al.;(2017); Exhaust ventilation performance in residential washrooms for bioaerosol particle removal after water closet flushing.
https://research.polyu.edu.hk/en/publications/exhaust-ventilation-performance-in-residential-washrooms-for-bioa - Bathroom exhaust fans.
https://basc.pnnl.gov/resource-guides/bathroom-exhaust-fans
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