Compact Guide: This article reviews five bath fan heaters that combine ventilation, heating, and lighting to improve bathroom comfort, reduce humidity, and protect finishes. The table below summarizes each model’s core specs to help you compare at a glance.
| Product | Brand | Airflow (CFM) | Heater Type / Wattage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broan-NuTone BHFLED80 | Broan-NuTone | 80 CFM | LED Light + Heater (integrated) |
| Panasonic WhisperWarm FV-0511VH1 | Panasonic | 50 / 80 / 110 CFM (selectable) | 1600W PTC Heater |
| Delta Breez Radiance | Delta Breez | 80 CFM | 1300W Heating Element |
| GROWNEER 4-in-1 Bath Fan | GROWNEER | 110 CFM | 1700–1800W Heater (model dependent) |
| Broan-NuTone 164 Bulb Heater & Fan | Broan-NuTone | 70 CFM | Two 250W Infrared Bulbs (lamp-based) |
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Broan-NuTone BHFLED80 PowerHeat Exhaust Fan
The Broan-NuTone BHFLED80 combines an 80 CFM exhaust fan with an integrated heater and dimmable LED light. The fan operates at approximately 1.5 sones, suitable for typical bathroom noise expectations. The LED offers three color temperature choices—2700K, 3500K, and 5000K—allowing a nightlight setting or brighter task lighting. The grille’s white modern styling fits many decors and the unit supports independent operation of fan, heater, and light functions for flexible use. This model is aimed at homeowners who want an all-in-one ceiling unit with controllable lighting and ventilation performance for small to medium bathrooms.
Broan-NuTone 164 Bulb Heater And Fan
The Broan-NuTone 164 is a bulb-style infrared ceiling heater paired with a 70 CFM ventilation fan. It uses two R40/BR40 infrared bulbs (not included) to provide instant radiant heat and can warm a bathroom quickly without adjusting the home thermostat. The fan runs at around 4.0 sones, making it louder than some modern low-sones units, which is typical for older bulb-heater designs. This model is often selected for straightforward replacement of existing bulb heater fixtures and for users who prefer infrared lamp heat over element-based heaters.
Panasonic WhisperWarm Ceiling Exhaust Fan With Heater
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Panasonic’s WhisperWarm FV-0511VH1 features a 1600W PTC heater and selectable airflow with Pick-A-Flow settings (50, 80, or 110 CFM). The slim, energy-efficient DC/ECM motor keeps noise low while offering tailored airflow for room size. The Flex-Z Fast Bracket simplifies installation, avoiding attic access in many cases, and the unit supports 4″ or 6″ ducting. Energy Star certification and a powerful enclosed heater make this model a choice for buyers prioritizing quiet operation, customizable ventilation, and robust electric heating in one integrated ceiling assembly.
Delta Breez Radiance Exhaust Fan With Heater & Thermostat
The Delta Breez Radiance combines an 80 CFM exhaust fan, integrated 1300W heating element, and LED light with a thermostat option. It uses a brushless DC motor rated for long life and efficient operation, producing about 1.5 sones. The motor efficiency is advertised as 7 CFM/watt and the unit includes safety features such as thermal cutoff for the heater. This unit targets users who want a balance of energy-efficient ventilation and responsive supplemental heat with quieter, long-lasting motor technology.
GROWNEER 4-in-1 Bathroom Exhaust Fan With Heater
The GROWNEER 4-in-1 model provides 110 CFM airflow, an electric heater rated around 1700W, adjustable three-color LED lighting, and remote control or wireless wall switch operation. It offers 1.5 sones noise level and remote-accessible functions for fan, heater, and lights, plus overheat protection. Certain GROWNEER variants include a humidity sensor model option for automatic operation at set humidity thresholds. This unit is suitable for larger bathrooms where higher CFM and multi-function remote control are priorities.
Buying Guide: How To Choose A Bath Fan Heater
Selecting the right bath fan heater requires matching performance, installation constraints, and safety features to your bathroom’s size and layout. Consider the following factors together rather than in isolation to make a balanced choice.
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Airflow (CFM) And Room Size
CFM indicates how many cubic feet per minute of air the fan moves. For most bathrooms, a minimum of 50–80 CFM is acceptable. Larger or multi-fixture bathrooms benefit from 100+ CFM units. For accurate sizing, calculate room volume and consult CFM guidelines—higher CFM means faster moisture removal.
Heating Method: Lamp vs. Element vs. PTC
- Infrared Bulb Heaters (lamp-based): Provide immediate radiant warmth and are simple to replace bulbs. They can be louder and require bulb maintenance.
- Metal Sheath / Element Heaters: Often lower-profile and durable, using a resistive element; they heat the air directly and are common in many ceiling units.
- PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) Heaters: Self-regulating ceramic-style heaters offering fast warm-up, stable output, and integrated safety characteristics; used in higher-end units.
Noise Level (Sones)
Sones describe perceived loudness. Values around 1.0–1.5 sones are considered quiet; values above 3.0 sones are notably louder. Choose low-sones models if the bathroom is close to sleeping areas or if you prefer quiet operation.
Lighting Options
Integrated LED lights offer multi-color temperature options and dimmability. Consider whether nightlight functionality, color temperature control, or bright task lighting matters for daily routines.
Controls And Automation
Look for independent controls for fan, light, and heater. Features such as remote control, humidity sensors, and thermostats increase convenience and can reduce unnecessary run-time, improving energy efficiency.
Installation Considerations
Ceiling height, attic access, and ducting size (4″ vs 6″) affect installation ease. Models with quick-install brackets or low-profile housings are preferable where attic access is limited. Ensure wiring and circuit capacity match heater load—many heaters require dedicated circuits and proper breaker sizing.
Energy Use And Efficiency
Higher wattage heaters (1300–1800W) deliver more heat but draw more current. For continuous ventilation, a brushless DC motor or energy-star-rated fan reduces long-term electricity use. Consider units that allow the heater to be used independently from the fan.
Safety Features
Essential safety elements include thermal cutoff, overheat protection, grounded metal housings, and adherence to local electrical codes. For bulb-based units, follow bulb wattage limits and check for reliable thermal fuses.
Durability And Maintenance
Look for corrosion-resistant grilles, accessible filters or washable grills, and motors rated for long life. For lamp heaters, factor in bulb replacement frequency. Units with sealed or enclosed elements may require less maintenance.
Comparison Perspectives
- Best For Quiet Operation: Models with DC/ECM motors and low sones (e.g., Panasonic WhisperWarm).
- Best For Instant Radiant Heat: Bulb-style heaters like Broan 164 and Air King provide quick warmth via infrared bulbs.
- Best For High Airflow: Higher CFM units like some GROWNEER models suit larger bathrooms needing strong ventilation.
- Best For Integrated Lighting: Units with multi-color dimmable LEDs (Broan BHFLED80, GROWNEER) offer more lighting flexibility.
- Best For Energy Efficiency: Brushless DC motor units and Energy Star-rated fans reduce long-term operating costs (e.g., Delta Breez, Panasonic).
When comparing models, cross-check CFM vs. sones and confirm the heater wattage aligns with your circuit capacity and warming needs. Combined-function units offer convenience but require careful installation and attention to safety specifications.
Tips for Getting the Best HVAC Prices
- Prioritize Quality Over Cost
The most critical factor in any HVAC project is the quality of the installation. Don’t compromise on contractor expertise just to save money. - Check for Rebates
Always research current rebates and incentives — they can significantly reduce your overall cost. - Compare Multiple Quotes
Request at least three estimates before making your choice. You can click here to get three free quotes from local professionals. These quotes include available rebates and tax credits and automatically exclude unqualified contractors. - Negotiate Smartly
Once you've chosen a contractor, use the proven strategies from our guide — How Homeowners Can Negotiate with HVAC Dealers — to get the best possible final price.