Have you ever had the unfortunate experience of entering a bathroom and immediately smelling that musty scent of mold and mildew?
Do you cringe at the sight of discoloration on the corners of the bathroom walls?
These signs and symptoms are—you guessed it—the products of too much humidity.
Ah, yes, humidity—sometimes, it’s beneficial; other times, it’s a pain to deal with. When talking about bathrooms, though, as much as possible, you’d want to keep its levels at a minimum. For that, you’d want to install the Best Bathroom Exhaust Fan with Humidity Sensor.
A Quick Comparison of Our Top Picks
- Panasonic FV-0511VQC1 WhisperSense DC Ventilation Fan: Energy star certified with 3 speeds- 50, 80, 110 cfm. all are less than 0.3 sones and 13 x 13 x 7.38″ Dimensions
- Broan-Nutone QTXE110S Ultra-Silent Humidity-Sensing Ventilation Fan: Energy star qualified, 0.7 sones, 110 CFM and 11.4 x 10.5 x 7.6″ Dimensions
- Delta BreezSignature VFB25AEH: 130 CFM, Noise level of 2.0 sones, energy efficient and 9.7 x 9.7 x 8” Dimensions
- KAZE APPLIANCE SEP120H Ultra Quiet: 120 CFM, 0.3 sones, Dimensions- 11.38 x 10.5 x 7.63″
- Aero Pure ABF110DH: 0.9 sones, 50, 80, 110 CFM LED, Energy approved, Dimensions: 10.39 x 10.31 x 7.5″
What is Humidity Sensing Bathroom Fan and How It Works
The best bathroom exhaust fan with humidity sensor is a device that you mount onto the bathroom’s ceiling. It controls the level of humidity in the air to ensure that it is at its optimal level.
This device makes use of the technology of both an exhaust fan and a humidity sensor. Once this sensor detects an increased humidity level in your bathroom, it signals the fan to turn on to circulate the air inside.
As a result, too much moisture in the walls, as well as every nook and cranny, is reduced or even eliminated. Why do you need to get rid of humidity, anyway?
Benefits
A bathroom exhaust fan adds value to a home, but what does it really do? Are there really benefits to having it installed in your bathroom?
If you’re unsure why you need a humidity-sensing bathroom fan, here are a few of the most common reasons:
- Automatic On and Off
Unlike a regular exhaust fan that you switch on and off manually, those equipped with a humidity sensor turns on and off automatically.
As such, you can be sure that your bathroom stays moist-free, even if you live with housemates who forget to turn it on after showering or bathing. This is especially beneficial for households with children and older occupants.
- Protects Your Bathroom
Because humidity is kept at a minimum, you’re assured that your bathroom is protected from mold and mildew growth. In turn, everything from the tile and grout to the paint and the walls will last longer. That musty smell from mold growth is also eliminated.
Too much moisture will also cause rust to form and eat away at door and cabinet hardware. Thankfully, installing a fan with a humidity sensor solves these problems and more.
- Better Air Quality
If there is no build-up of mold, mildew, and rust, bacteria growth is also kept at bay. Without these contaminants lurking in the air, you will have better air quality in your bathroom.
List of the Best Bathroom Exhaust Fans with Humidity Sensor in 2022
Because of how important it is to have a fan that senses humidity levels, you will find a wide selection of this device. To help you with your search, we have narrowed down the choices to the top five and reviewed each one below.
1. Panasonic FV-0511VQC1 WhisperSense
We all know Panasonic, and the reason we do is because of the premium quality products that it offers. From home entertainment to kitchen appliances, you’ll find a long list of essentials in its line of products.
When it comes to bathroom ventilation, Panasonic is proud to present the WhisperSense Ventilation Fan. This unit adheres to venting codes and standards set by CALGreen, LEED, ASHRAE 62.2, Washington VIAQ, and California Title 24.
Here’s what you’d get from this bathroom fan:
- Motion and humidity sensors
- Flex-Z Fast bracket
- 6-year motor warranty
- 3-year parts warranty
- 110 CFM airflow capacity
- ECM-motored fans
- Automatic shut-off feature
- Pick-a-Flow speed selector
Let’s dig a little deeper to check out its top features!
Once you’ve installed the WhisperSense Panasonic humidity sensing fan onto your bathroom’s ceiling, there really isn’t anything else you’d need to worry about. Instead, you can rest assured that you’d get better air quality in your bathroom.
Worried about the noise? Well, you won’t have to be! As its name suggests, the Panasonic WhisperSense bathroom fan is whisper-quiet at just 0.3 sones. With this, you won’t have to deal with that annoying fan noise whenever it turns on.
It also boasts double the power of humidity and motion sensors. When these detect increased humidity in the air or movement in the bathroom, the ECM-motored fans will turn on and deliver the airflow capacity you set it to. What’s more, it will shut off automatically, too.
Installation won’t be a problem, as well. This fits both four- and six-inch ducts. As such, you’ll have plenty of options as to where to position it.
Pros:
- No hassle to install
- Energy-efficient design
- Complies with industry codes and standards
- Comes with warranties
- Produces no annoying noise
Cons:
- Nothing to speak of
2. Delta BreezSignature Humidity Sensor Bath Fan, VFB25AEH
If you’re very particular about the energy consumption of every single item in your home, you’d be impressed by what the Delta BreezSignature VFB25AEH 130 CFM Exhaust Fan with Humidity Sensor can do.
The brand is proud to say that the VFB25AEH, along with other Delta Breez products, not only meet but exceed Energy Star standards.
Here’s what this unit offers:
- Precision-engineered motor
- Humidity sensor with an on/off toggle switch
- Less than 0.3 sones noise level
- 130 CFM airflow capacity
- ASHRAE 62.2 compliant
- Energy-saving design
- LED indicator light
- 3-year warranty
What makes it an excellent choice?
In a nutshell, the best-selling points of this fan are its long life, impressively low power consumption, and virtually non-existent noise during operation. With that many value-for-money features, wouldn’t you want it in your bathroom?
If those remarkable highlights aren’t enough, you’d also be glad to know that the Delta BreezSignature Humidity sensor exhaust fan comes at an affordable price. So, you can have all those benefits without having to spend a fortune.
Perhaps our favorite feature, though, is the on/off toggle switch. This allows you to turn the humidity-sensing mechanism on or off, depending on your needs. As a result, you get to save even more on your electricity bill.
Pros:
- More energy-efficient than its counterparts
- Virtually no noise
- Does not eat up too much energy
- Effective humidity control
- Low-profile design
Cons:
- Only fits one duct size (four inches)
3. KAZE APPLIANCE SEP120H
Next on our list is a product of KAZE Appliance, a brand that specializes in bathroom ventilation. On their website, you will find a wide range of bathroom fans that would fit different needs and bathroom sizes.
For this list, we found the SEP120H, which features a humidity sensor
Here are other noteworthy features that make it stand out:
- 120 CFM airflow capacity
- 0.3 sones noise level
- Adjustable automatic shut-off feature
- Double hanger bars for mounting
- 3-year manufacturer warranty on parts
Let’s talk more about its wow features!
What’s surprising about this fan is its noise level, which is only at 0.3 sones—that, despite having a 120 CFM airflow capacity. Not many fans can deliver that much power while being barely audible.
When it comes to the humidity sensor, you get the option to adjust the set-point between 50% and 80%. Aside from that, you can also set how long the fan operates before shutting off, from five to 30 minutes.
Are you concerned about energy consumption? KAZE Appliance understands that, which is why the SEP120H is designed to be energy-efficient. In fact, it has been qualified by Energy Star as one.
Pros:
- Best choice for small bathrooms
- Extremely quiet operation
- Offers excellent value for money
- Easy to install
Cons:
- Fits one duct size only (six-inch)
4. Broan-Nutone QTXE110S Humidity Sensing Ventilation Fan
For the best solutions to indoor air quality problems, Broan-Nutone has got it covered and more. This brand is among the leading manufacturers of ventilation products for residential properties. Moreover, it also puts focus on providing excellent customer service.
From kitchen range hoods to attic ventilators and bathroom fans, you will find that Broan-Nuton has it all. Among its extensive list of top-rated products, we found the QTXE110S.
Here’s what you’d get from this unit:
- 110 CFM airflow capacity
- 0.7 sones sound level
- Humidity sensor with auto on/off switch
- Energy Star qualified
- UL-listed and HIV-certified
- Hanger bars for installation
What are its most impressive features?
For a bathroom that stays smelling clean and fresh, give the Broan-Nutone QTXE110S a try. This fan has a powerful enough motor that fits rooms up to 105 square feet. You can use it anywhere you want, too, and not just your bathroom.
Not a fan of noisy fans? What most people love about this is the fact that it has a near-silent operation despite providing an airflow capacity of 110 CFM.
The humidity sensor on this fan is quite impressive, too. Like the other units on this list, it also turns on and shuts off automatically. You can set the shut-off time anywhere from five to 60 minutes.
Pros:
- Installs quickly and easily
- Durable enough to survive a continuous operation
- Super quiet and efficient performance
- Low energy consumption
Cons:
- Only for six-inch ducts
5. Aero Pure ABF110DH Bathroom Ceiling Ventilation Fan
Looking for the best bathroom fan for humidity can be a tough task. Thankfully, we’re down to the last option that we found worthy enough to include on our list—the ABF110DH by Aero Pure.
Backed by more than a decade of experience in designing and manufacturing bathroom fans, you can trust that Aero Pure will deliver on its promise of better air quality.
To do that, here’s what you’d get from the ABF110DH:
- 110 CFM airflow capacity
- Energy Star certification
- Adjustable mounting brackets
- ASHRAE 62.2 compliant
- Integrated humidity sensor
- Built-in night light
Let’s take a close look at what these excellent features can do for you!
If you’re like most of us, then you also treat your bathroom as one of the few places where you can relax your mind and body. As such, it’s only natural that it, too, requires a little pampering.
Give your bathroom a quick upgrade by installing this ventilation fan. Unlike most others, which feature a grille, the ABF110DH sports a more modern and unique appearance. This makes it a great choice for contemporary homes.
Of course, it also doesn’t disappoint when it comes to performance. After all, what good is there in a stylish fan that doesn’t work, right?
With the ABF110DH, you would be able to enjoy 110 CFM of airflow capacity, thereby effectively getting rid of smoke, food, musty, and other odors that lower air quality.
Pros:
- Can fit four-, five-, and six-inch ducts
- Available in different finishes
- Comes with a six-year warranty
- A breeze to install
- Not only removes moisture but also stinky smells
Cons:
- No issues
How to Choose the Best Bathroom Fan for Humidity
Determined to buy a humidity-sensing bathroom exhaust fan? You should learn about which factors to consider so that you’d know which model to choose. For that, we’ve got your back.
Below are the considerations you have to keep in mind when choosing a bathroom fan for humidity:
- Bathroom Size
Of course, the first thing you should find out is the size of your bathroom. More often than not, the CFM or the airflow capacity of the fan must be strong enough to accommodate the entirety of your bathroom.
- Sensor Adjustments
Next, find out if the unit allows you to adjust the humidity sensor. Some will let you turn it on and off so that you can save on energy, especially when you’d be out of the house for days on end.
- Fan Speed and Strength
Aside from sensor adjustments, you might also want the convenience of having the option to adjust fan speed and strength. In this way, you can customize the settings to your specific needs and preferences for a more streamlined experience.
- Housing Size
While your bathroom ceiling might already come with a fan, the replacement you buy should be the same size so that you won’t have to make adjustments anymore. Check the product specifications of the unit to see if it would fit the holes in your ceiling.
- Noise Levels
With the advancement in the technologies we have today, we can now enjoy bathroom ventilation minus the noise. If this is a feature that’s important to you as it is to us, check the noise level of the unit you’re planning to buy. You might also want to read a few more reviews to make sure it’s as quiet as the brand claims it to be.
- Brand
Finally, and speaking of the brand, consider who designed and manufactured the unit. In this way, you will know if you can trust that the product will last for a long time. Also, in knowing the brand, you can check for warranties as well as the efficiency of their after-sales support.
When it comes to bathroom ventilation, the crowd-favorite is undoubtedly Panasonic, though there are also others that offer excellent options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I choose not to buy an exhaust fan?
If you check building codes in your area, you will find that an exhaust fan is a requirement, especially if your bathroom doesn’t have an operable window. If we’re being honest, we think that every bathroom should have a fan, regardless if it has a window or not.
This device controls the humidity level in the bathroom much better than a window can. Without it, you’re just attracting mold and mildew to grow in your bathroom.
Q. What does a high CFM mean?
CFM, or cubic feet per minute, is the measurement used to determine a fan’s ability to circulate air. To lower the level of humidity effectively, the fan’s CFM should be high enough to accommodate the size of the entire room.
For bathrooms, the fan should be strong enough to circulate and replace the air inside at around five to eight times in an hour.
Q. What is a good sone rating for a bathroom ventilation fan?
You might have noticed that we measure fan noise in “sones.” If you want bathroom venting that operates quietly, choose one that claims it works at a noise level of 1.0 sones or lower. In comparison, 1.0 sones is the same sound level as a refrigerator, while 4.0 sones is the sound level of a television.
Q. Where should it be placed?
In order to maximize the effectiveness of the unit, you should know where to place it best. In a powder room, mount it directly above the toilet. In a bathroom, choose a location that is as close to the tub or shower as possible.
Have a professional electrician install it for you to ensure that it’s properly mounted. He or she would also know the electrical requirements of the unit. If you can, show him or her the unit before placing your order.
Q. How long should I leave it on?
The Home Ventilation Institute (HVI) suggests leaving the fan on for roughly 20 minutes after showering. In this way, you can be sure that all moisture has been eliminated, which guarantees little to no mold or mildew growth.
Conclusion
In the end, choosing the best humidity sensing bathroom fan will all boil down to your specific needs and preferences. Lucky for you, the choices we presented above all come from trusted brands, so you can rest assured that your money is well spent.
Hopefully, the buyer’s guide, as well as the FAQ section, helps you in choosing the right exhaust fan for your bathroom.
If you ask us, we’d definitely go for the Panasonic FV-0511VQC1 WhisperSense. This unit is one of the top-rated ventilation fans in the current market, and Panasonic is also the leading brand in this industry.
