Choosing a ceiling fan with a heater can improve comfort and ventilation in bathrooms and small rooms. Below is a concise comparison table of five well-reviewed ceiling fan heater combos selected for performance, features, and installation flexibility.
| Product | Type | Airflow / Heat |
|---|---|---|
| Broan-NuTone BHFLED80 | Fan + Heater + LED | 80 CFM, integrated heater |
| Broan-NuTone 157 | Low-Profile Ceiling Heater | 1250W fan-forced heater |
| Panasonic FV-0511VH1 | Exhaust Fan with PTC Heater | 50-80-110 CFM, 1600W PTC |
| Panasonic FV-0511VHL1 | Fan + LED + Heater | 50-80-110 CFM, 1600W PTC + LED |
| Delta Breez Radiance | Fan + Light + Heater + Thermostat | 80 CFM, 1300W heater |
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Broan-NuTone BHFLED80 PowerHeat Combo
The Broan-NuTone BHFLED80 Combines an exhaust fan, heater, and dimmable LED light in a single ceiling unit. The fan delivers 80 CFM at a reported 1.5 sones, balancing ventilation and quieter operation. The integrated heater operates independently so you can use warmth without running the fan or light.
Key features include a 3-color CCT LED (2700K, 3500K, 5000K) with dimming ability, a white decorative grille, and independent controls for fan, heater, and light. This makes it suitable for bathrooms where targeted warmth and lighting are both needed.
Installation is typical for ceiling-mounted bath units and requires appropriate wiring and a compatible junction box. The combination design reduces separate fixtures but requires planning for control switches and wiring. The 80 CFM rating is most appropriate for small to medium bathrooms.
Broan-NuTone 157 Low-Profile Heater
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The Broan-NuTone 157 is a low-profile ceiling-mounted fan-forced heater rated at 1250W and designed to supplement home heating in bathrooms, kitchens, and small rooms. Its enclosed metal sheath element aims to provide reliable, rapid heating while maintaining a compact ceiling footprint.
Features include a satin aluminum grille and a design intended for unobtrusive ceiling mounting. Because it is fan-forced, the unit circulates warmed air into the room rather than relying on infrared bulbs, which can affect perceived warmth and air distribution.
Installation requires standard 120VAC wiring and ceiling access; the low profile helps in situations with limited ceiling clearance. The 157 is often selected where a simple, compact heating supplement is desired without integrated lighting or larger fan options.
Broan-NuTone 164 Bulb Heater And Fan
The Broan-NuTone 164 Uses two infrared bulbs (R40 or BR40, not included) to provide instant infrared warmth while also offering ventilation at 70 CFM. The unit is an energy-conscious option for targeted heating without increasing central thermostat settings.
Infrared bulbs heat surfaces and people directly rather than warming all the air, which can feel faster for short bathroom use. The included fan improves ventilation, but noise is higher at around 4.0 sones, so expect more audible operation than quieter models.
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Choose this style when spot heating and rapid warmth at a fixture level are preferred. Bulb replacement and correct bulb type are considerations for ongoing maintenance and light/heat balance.
Panasonic WhisperWarm FV-0511VH1
The Panasonic WhisperWarm FV-0511VH1 Features a 1600W PTC heater paired with a whisper-quiet DC/ECM motor and selectable airflow via Pick-A-Flow: 50, 80, or 110 CFM. This flexibility allows matching ventilation and heating to bathroom size and needs.
Pick-A-Flow makes this unit adaptable: lower CFM for smaller spaces to reduce drafts and energy use, or higher CFM for better moisture removal. The PTC heater provides steady heat with automatic regulation, and the Energy Star-rated motor supports efficient operation and long life.
Installation is simplified by the Flex-Z Fast Bracket for ceiling mounting without attic access in many cases. This model is well-suited for users who want adjustable airflow, strong heater capacity, and quiet operation in one integrated unit.
Panasonic WhisperWarm FV-0511VHL1 With LED
The FV-0511VHL1 Combines the FV-0511VH1 heater and fan features with an integrated 3000K LED panel and adjustable brightness plus a <1W night light. It retains the 1600W PTC heater and Pick-A-Flow 50/80/110 CFM selection for versatile performance.
This variant is optimal where both ventilation, powerful heating, and reliable LED lighting are desired in a single slim-profile fixture. The LED light panel provides consistent, low-maintenance illumination compared to replaceable bulbs.
Like the heater-only model, the unit includes Flex-Z Fast Bracket installation features. The combined package supports integrated control strategies where one ceiling fixture manages heat, airflow, and lighting needs.
Delta Breez Radiance 80 CFM Heater
The Delta Breez Radiance Offers an integrated 1300W heating element with a thermostat and a high-efficiency brushless DC motor delivering around 80 CFM at low noise levels (around 1.5 sones). The motor is rated for long life and energy-efficient operation.
Features include a combined fan, light, heater, and thermostat-based temperature control. A thermal cutoff fuse is included for safety, and the long-life motor reduces operational costs over time. The Radiance is designed for users who want a balance of quiet ventilation, heating, and automated temperature control.
Consider this unit when integrated thermostat control and motor longevity are priorities, and when 80 CFM aligns with the bathroom size and ventilation needs.
Buying Guide: How To Choose A Ceiling Fan With Heater
Selecting the right ceiling fan heater depends on room size, desired heating method, noise tolerance, controls, and installation constraints. The sections below outline key considerations and comparison perspectives.
Heating Type And Capacity
- PTC Heater (Electric Ceramic): Provides steady, regulated heat (e.g., Panasonic 1600W). Good for continuous, even warmth and often includes automatic regulation.
- Fan-Forced Sheath Element: Rapid air heating by forced convection (e.g., Broan 157 at 1250W). Effective for circulating warm air quickly in small spaces.
- Infrared Bulb Heat: Heats people and surfaces directly (e.g., Broan 164 with two R40 bulbs). Feels instant but covers limited area and requires bulb maintenance.
Airflow And Ventilation (CFM)
- Use higher CFM for larger bathrooms and stronger moisture removal. Units offering multiple CFM settings (Pick-A-Flow) give flexibility for noise vs. ventilation trade-offs.
- 80 CFM is suitable for many small to medium bathrooms; 110 CFM or more may be needed for larger spaces or heavy humidity.
Noise Level (Sones) And Motor Type
- DC/ECM Motors offer lower noise and higher efficiency (Panasonic, Delta Breez). Expect quieter operation and longer life.
- Higher sones indicate louder units; infrared bulb units often run louder due to fan design.
Integrated Lighting Options
- Models with integrated LEDs (Broan BHFLED80, Panasonic VHL1) reduce ceiling fixtures and offer consistent light temperature and dimming.
- Consider LED color temperature and dimming or night light capabilities for bathroom ambiance and safety.
Controls And Thermostat Features
- Independent switches for heater, fan, and light allow selective use and energy savings.
- Built-in thermostats or temperature sensors offer automatic control of the heater and can improve comfort and efficiency.
Installation And Fit
- Check ceiling clearance and wiring access. Low-profile units (Broan 157) are useful for limited ceiling space.
- Look for installation brackets like Flex-Z Fast Bracket (Panasonic) to simplify mounting without attic access.
- Confirm duct size compatibility (4″ or 6″) if the unit vents to the exterior.
Energy Efficiency And Lifespan
- Energy Star-rated motors and efficient heaters reduce operational costs. DC motors and PTC elements typically offer longer life.
- Consider replaceable components: bulb-based units need bulb replacements, whereas LED panels and sealed PTC elements require less frequent upkeep.
Safety And Certifications
- Look for thermal cutoffs, overheat protection, and certified components. Proper installation with a licensed electrician is recommended for safety and code compliance.
- Confirm UL/ETL listings for bathroom use and suitability for damp or wet locations depending on placement.
Comparison Perspectives
- Quietest Operation: Models with DC/ECM motors and PTC heaters (Panasonic WhisperWarm series).
- Strongest Instant Heat: Higher watt PTC units (Panasonic 1600W) or 1250W fan-forced heaters for quick air warming.
- Best Integrated Lighting: Units with dedicated LED panels and dimming/night light features (Broan BHFLED80, Panasonic VHL1).
- Maintenance Simplicity: Sealed element and LED units require less frequent maintenance than bulb-based heaters.
- Budget/Retrofit Fit: Low-profile fan-forced units like Broan 157 may be simpler for smaller ceilings and retrofit scenarios.
Use the guidance above to prioritize the features that matter most for your space—whether that is quiet operation, adjustable airflow, integrated lighting, or instant heating method. Properly matching CFM, wattage, and installation needs will produce the best comfort and performance from a ceiling fan with a heater.
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.