Choosing the right bathroom fan heater with thermostat balances ventilation, warmth, and safety. Below is a concise comparison of five relevant models suited for bathroom installation, combining exhaust, heating, lighting, or ceiling-mounted warmth.
| Product | Type / Key Features |
|---|---|
| Broan-NuTone BHFLED80 | Exhaust fan + heater + dimmable LED light, 80 CFM |
| Delta Breez Radiance | Exhaust fan + light + 1300W heater, brushless DC motor |
| GROWNEER Bathroom Fan | Exhaust fan + heater + Bluetooth speaker, 110/160 CFM, smart shower mode |
| Panasonic WhisperWarm FV-0511VH1 | Ceiling exhaust fan with 1600W PTC heater, Pick-A-Flow airflow |
| Broan-NuTone 157 Ceiling Heater | Low-profile fan-forced ceiling heater, 1250W, enclosed sheath element |
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Broan-NuTone BHFLED80 PowerHeat 80 CFM
The Broan-NuTone BHFLED80 is a combination exhaust fan, heater, and LED light designed for standard bathroom installations. It delivers 80 CFM airflow and operates at 1.5 sones for relatively quiet ventilation. The heater and fan functions can be used independently or simultaneously, allowing tailored use during or after showering.
Lighting features include an integrated dimmable LED with CCT color control, offering three color temperatures (2700K, 3500K, 5000K) which serve as functional or night lighting. The product’s white grille and modern styling suit a range of décors. The unit’s description emphasizes moisture removal, mirrored-surface clarity, and adjustable light tones, useful for bathrooms where combined ventilation and lighting are desired.
Delta Breez Bathroom Fan Radiance 80 CFM
The Delta Breez Radiance integrates an efficient exhaust fan, light, and a 1300W heating element. It runs quietly at about 1.5 sones and features an energy-saving brushless DC motor rated for extended service life (approx. 70,000 hours).
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Heating is provided by the 1300-watt element with a thermal cutoff fuse for safety. The motor’s efficiency is expressed as 7 CFM/watt, which supports lower operational energy draw for continuous ventilation. This model is positioned for users who need a durable, integrated fan/heater/light solution with a focus on quiet operation and long-lasting motor performance.
GROWNEER Bathroom Fan With Heater And Speaker
The GROWNEER unit is an exhaust fan with heater, light, remote control, and Bluetooth speaker. It offers two heating settings and a smart shower mode that provides 60 minutes of heating followed by 15 minutes of ventilation to manage humidity post-shower.
Airflow options include 110 or 160 CFM with low noise at 1.0 sone, making it suited for larger bathrooms up to the indicated coverage. Lighting supports multiple color temperatures (2700K/4000K/5000K) plus RGB modes and a night light. The combination of fast heating, ventilation, and programmable shower mode targets users wanting integrated comfort and humidity control without separate devices.
Panasonic WhisperWarm Ceiling Mount Fan Heater
Panasonic’s WhisperWarm FV-0511VH1 combines a quiet exhaust fan with a 1600W PTC heater. It features Pick-A-Flow technology allowing selectable airflow of 50, 80, or 110 CFM, which makes it flexible for different bathroom sizes.
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The fan uses a DC/ECM motor and is Energy Star certified, emphasizing efficient operation. Installation is simplified with a Flex-Z Fast Bracket, and the ceiling-mount design is intended for robust heating performance with minimal noise. The PTC heater design provides rapid warm-up and consistent output suitable for cold mornings and fast post-shower warming.
Broan-NuTone 157 Low-Profile Ceiling Heater
The Broan-NuTone 157 is a low-profile, fan-forced ceiling heater designed to supplement bathroom heating. Operating at 1250W and 120VAC, it uses an enclosed metal sheath element intended to provide reliable, compact heating where a dedicated fan/heater combo is not required.
With a slim housing and satin aluminum grille, the unit is designed for integration into finished ceilings and offers a straightforward heating solution without integrated ventilation or lighting. The enclosed element and compact footprint make it a choice where focused ceiling heating is preferred over combined fan/heater/light devices.
Buying Guide: Choosing A Bathroom Fan Heater With Thermostat
Selecting the right unit requires assessing several factors that influence performance, safety, and fit for your bathroom. Below are the core considerations.
Heating Type And Power
- PTC vs. Sheath Element: PTC heaters (like Panasonic) provide rapid warm-up and self-regulating behavior. Sheath elements (Broan 157) are traditional, durable, and direct but may feel different in warm-up and thermal mass.
- Wattage: Higher wattages (1300W–1600W) yield faster heating for larger spaces; lower watt values suit small bathrooms or supplemental heat needs.
Integrated Ventilation And Airflow
- CFM Rating: Match CFM to bathroom size. Common fan/heater combos range from 80 CFM to 160 CFM — higher for larger or multi-fixture bathrooms.
- Noise Level (Sones): Lower sones indicate quieter operation. If noise matters, seek units rated around 1.0–1.5 sones.
Thermostat And Temperature Control
- Built-In Thermostats: Some fan-heater combos include thermostatic control or multiple heat settings. Confirm if the thermostat controls the heater directly or requires separate wall controls.
- Precision And Range: For precise comfort, look for digital or adjustable thermostats with clear temperature ranges. Shower-focused modes or timers can add convenience.
Safety Features
- Thermal Cutoff & Overheat Protection: Essential for any heater in a wet environment. Verify the presence of thermal fuses or overheat cutouts.
- Moisture And Installation Considerations: Ensure the unit is rated for bathroom use and installed per local electrical codes. Ceiling-mounted units often require attic access or a quick-hinge bracket for safe installation.
Energy Efficiency And Motor Type
- Brushless DC Motors: Offer better efficiency and longer life compared to standard AC motors, reducing long-term energy use for continuous ventilation.
- Energy Certifications: Energy Star or similar efficiency claims can indicate lower operational costs for ventilation cycles.
Lighting, Extras, And Controls
- Integrated Lighting: Combined fan/light/heater units with dimmable CCT LEDs provide multi-function convenience and save ceiling space.
- Timers and Smart Modes: Smart shower modes, timers, or remote control support energy savings and pre-warming before use.
- Additional Features: Bluetooth speakers or RGB lights add ambiance but consider whether they add practical value for your bathroom layout.
Installation And Fit
- Ceiling Cutout And Ducting: Confirm required ceiling opening, duct size (4″ or 6″), and attic access or bracket needs before purchase.
- Electrical Requirements: Check the electrical circuit capacity for the heater wattage and whether a dedicated circuit or GFCI protection is needed per local code.
Comparison Perspectives
- Small Bathrooms: Consider compact ceiling heaters or 80–110 CFM fan/heater combos with lower wattage and quieter operation.
- Larger Bathrooms: Favor higher CFM (110–160) and higher wattage heaters or units with selectable airflow to heat the space effectively.
- Energy-Conscious Buyers: Look for DC motors, Energy Star certifications, and thermostatic control to reduce runtime and electricity use.
- Comfort-Oriented Buyers: Units with rapid PTC heating, adjustable color-temp lighting, and programmable shower modes deliver quicker comfort and better post-shower humidity control.
When comparing models, prioritize safety features, matching CFM to room size, thermostat control precision, and installation compatibility with existing ducting and electrical circuits. Each listed product targets different bathroom sizes and user priorities — choose the model that best aligns with your heating, ventilation, and control needs.
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.