As a homeowner, you probably already know about the myriad benefits a bathroom exhaust fan provides! What you probably don’t know is that exhaust fans if used improperly can cause more harm that good to the space where they’re installed, starting with remembering it to turn it on when you hop in the shower.
You may also not remember to turn the exhaust fan off after a shower, which consequently could spike up your electricity bill, and in worse cases could prove to be a fire hazard resulting from overheating.
Bathroom fans with humidity sensors are designed to automatically keep your space ventilated by removing moisture, and are especially a great choice in homes with forgetful occupants.
Buying the best bathroom fan with humidity sensor however could be a bit overwhelming, given the array of options available. But we’ve done the homework, and narrowed down on 5 great options that will keep your space ventilated on autopilot.
1. Delta Electronics (Americas) Ltd. BreezSlim Bathroom Fan with Humidity Sensor
Founded in 1971, Delta Electronics (Americas) Ltd. has garnered a stellar reputation in producing some of the best solutions in its segment, and the BreezSlim is yet another hit addition to the company’s massive lineup of products.
For starters, the BreezSlim humidity sensing bathroom fan can be ordered in a choice of five variants ranging from 50 CFM to 100 CFM models, allowing you to get the right fit for your space.
The 70 CFM BreezSlim fan is Energy Star qualified, and is powered by an innovative brushless DC motor, making it highly energy efficient, and enhancing its service life. Adding to this, it is UL approved for both ceiling or wall mount installation, and boasts a compact footprint of 7.5 inches x 7.5 inches.
The BreezSlim bathroom fan with humidity sensor also features a compact housing for easy retrofit, and replacement of your old bathroom fans. Another noteworthy feature of the BreezSlim bathroom fan is its fairly quiet operation at just 2.0 sones, so you can relax in your bathroom without any annoying noise.
Further, it features an Energy Efficient rating of 5.8 CFM/watt, so it won’t increase your electricity bill, even if run for longer periods. It is embedded with a high quality humidity sensor, which when activated starts the fan when the humidity level reaches 60 percent, and stops the fan automatically when the humidity level drops below 60 percent.
Tipping the scales at just 5 lbs, the BreezSlim humidity bathroom fan is fitted with a blue and amber LED light, which indicates when the fan is turned on, and its speed modes. I tis equipped with a plastic backdraft door that is designed to shutoff the exhaust vent to prevent outdoor air from coming through the fan.
The grill of the BreezSlim bathroom fan with humidity sensor can be painted to suit your overall décor. It is backed by a three-year warranty against any manufacturer defects, so you can rest assured it will serve you well for several years to come.
Pros:
- Several variants available
- 2.0 sones quiet operation
- 8 CFM/watt efficiency
- Blue and amber LED light
- 3-year manufacturer warranty
Cons:
- Limited to 1 color option
2. Panasonic FV-0511VQCL1 WhisperSense Bathroom Fan with Humidity Sensor
Slotting in at the #2 position on this list of best bathroom fans with humidity sensor is a model from the Panasonic hangar — the WhisperSense bathroom fan. Panasonic ideally requires no introduction, but in brief is a world renowned company in the electronics segment.
The WhisperSense bathroom exhaust fan by Panasonic just as the name suggests operates quietly at just 0.3 sones, making it one of the quietest models in its segment. It offers top notch performance in improving indoor air quality, and eliminating humidity, mold, mildew, and any other pollutants form the space where installed.
With regards to energy efficiency, the Panasonic WhisperSense bathroom fan scores high with its ability to use less energy yet remove large volumes of air. Another benefit of using less air is less chances of overheating of the motor, and better longevity of the exhaust fan.
Adding to this, the WhisperSense fan is easy to install with both 4” and 6” ducts, which provides you with great flexibility in duct layout and design. The box of the Flex-Z Fast installation bracket, which makes it easier to position the fan just where you like it.
The WhisperSense fan is fitted with smart and adjustable motion and humidity sensors, which are configured to automatically shut off the fan for increased energy efficiency. The WhisperSense fan was awarded ENERGY STAR 2018 as being the most energy efficient fan in its segment.
It also is compliant with RAE 62.2, LEED, CALGreen, California Title 24, Washington VIAQ codes and standards. Apart from installing the WhisperSense in your bathroom, it also makes a great fit for laundry rooms, mud rooms, basements, and garages. It comes factory fitted with a Pick-A-Flow speed selector, which allows you to adjust the speed between 50 CFM, 80 CFM and 100 CFM.
This speed selector combined with SmartFlow technology make it easier to adjust the fan towards your needs, and optimal performance. It is powered by a class leading ECM motor, which combined with the SmartFlow technology results in great CFM output.
The WhisperSense fan showcases an elegant grille design, and is backed by a six-year warranty on the motor, and five-years on the LED against any manufacturer defects.
Pros:
- Adjustable speed selector
- Light functionality
- ENERGY STAR 2018 award
- Adjustable moisture and humidity sensors
- SmartFlow technology with ECM motor
- 6-year warranty on motor, and 5-year warranty on LED light
Cons:
- Package does not include lightbulb
3. KAZE APPLIANCE SEP120H Bathroom Exhaust Fan with Humidity Sensor
KAZE APPLIANCE produces a wide range of bathroom exhaust fans, each backed by high end technology, and innovative features. The SEP120H bathroom fan is an improved version, and offers a 110 CFM air flow power, making it an ideal choice for bathrooms measuring up to 120 square feet.
Even though it offers powerful ventilation, the SEP120H humidity sensing bathroom fans operates at just 0.3 sones, which is perhaps the quietest you can get in this segment. This ceiling mounted bathroom exhaust fan is Energy Star qualified, and is ETL-CETL,HVI certified, meaning it meets stringent quality and performance standards.
The SEP120H bathroom fan is fitted with a high quality humidity sensor, which turns the fan off and on automatically once the desired humidity level is reached. This humidity sensor is triggered in two instances — first when there is moderate to rapid increase in humidity, and second when the humidity level reaches the pre-configured level.
Apart from the humidity sensor, the SEP120H exhaust fan features a delay timer that can be adjusted between five and thirty minutes. This allows the fan to run for a certain period of time after the humidity sensor shuts off, so your space stays ventilated.
Adjusting both the humidity level and timer can be done by toggling the dedicated switches located inside the housing. On that note, the housing of the fan is made from 26 GA galvanized steel, and is topped with paint for a rust proof finish.
The SEP120H bathroom fan is built with high quality components to ensure long service life including permanently lubricated motors for trouble free, continuous operation. It comes with heavy duty adjustable mounting brackets, and is backed by a three-year manufacturer warranty.
Pros:
- 110 CFM air flow power
- For spaces measuring up to 110 square feet
- Humidity sensor and timer
- Housing made from 26 GA galvanized steel
- 3-year manufacturer warranty
Cons:
- Lacks light functionality
4. Broan-Nutone QTXE110S Humidity Sensing Ventilation Fan
Founded in 1932, and headquartered in Wisconsin, United States, Broan-Nutone is an esteemed American manufacturer of hoods, bath exhaust ventilation fans, central vacuum systems, doorbells and balanced ventilation/fresh air systems. The QTXE110S is one of the top selling models from the company, and offers 110 CFM ventilation power, making it a great fit for spaces that measure up to 105 square feet.
This highly versatile exhaust fan is Energy Star qualified, HIV certified and UL listed, and is engineered to eliminate tobacco smoke, cooking odors, and humidity form spaces where installed. In terms of noise, the QTXE110S bathroom fan doesn’t do much more than whisper at just 0.7 sones, making it a great choice for other spaces in your home too including laundry rooms.
It is easy to install, and comes with a 6” ducting, and hanger bars for quick installation in a 2” x 8” construction areas. The QTXE110S exhaust fan offers a handsfree approach to getting rid of humidity, made possible with Sensaire technology. It automatically gauges rapid increases in in steam and humidity, and then automatically turns the fan on at the right time.
The QTXE110S bathroom fan with humidity sensor also features auto shutoff, which shuts off the fan at a pre-configured time between five to 60 minutes. It is powered by a permanently lubricated motor designed for continuous operation, and features a dynamically balanced centrifugal blower wheel that provides efficient and quiet performance.
The Broan-Nutone QTXE110S humidity sensing bathroom fan features a rugged housing made from galvanized steel, and comes with a polymeric duct connector complete with a tapered sleeve, and no metallic clatter. It can be mounted sturdily with four-point mounting directly to joist, and comes with a patented spacer to mount to “I” joists.
Pros:
- 110 CFM for up to 105 square feet
- Energy Star qualified, HIV certified and UL listed
- 7 sones noise level
- Comes with a 6” ducting, and patented spacer to mount to “I” joists
Cons:
- Warranty information not available
5. Delta BreezSignature VFB25AEH Exhaust Fan with Humidity Sensor
Coming in at the #5 position on this list of best bathroom fans with humidity sensor is another model from Delta BreezSignature — the VFB25AEH exhaust fan. It is extremely lightweight at just over 9 lbs, but has a lot going for it under its hood starting with a powerful DC brushless motor, which provides top notch reliability, and longevity.
This Energy Star qualified bathroom fan with humidity sensor is virtually silent at just 2.0 sones, and is appointed with an LED indicator tucked away neatly within the grille that indicates smooth operation. It boasts 130 CFM air flow power, making it a good fit for small to medium size bathrooms and other spaces.
The VFB25AEH humidity sensing bathroom fan is fitted with a humidity sensor, which can be activated by simply toggling the wall switch. It is extremely energy efficient at 6.7 CFM/watt, and comes with a three-year warranty against any manufacturer defects.
Pros:
- DC brushless motor
- Energy Star qualified
- 130 CFM
- LED indicator
- Humidity sensor
- 3-year warranty
Cons:
- Does not come with timer
Final Thoughts:
Installing a bathroom fan with humidity sensor makes perfect sense, because you don’t have to worry about turning the fan off and on. Even though the models mentioned on this list of best bathroom fans with humidity sensor are energy efficient, they save you even more because they only run for a certain amount of time or until the humidity is eradicated. Some of them are even fitted with an additional timer, which works beyond the humidity sensor to ensure your bathroom is completely ventilated.
Bathroom Fan with Humidity Sensor Buying Guide
There are few factors to consider when buying a bathroom fan with humidity sensor, most importantly:
CFM – short for cubic feet per minute, this represents the air flow capacity of the respective exhaust fan, and helps you determine if its right for the size of your bathroom.
Humidity sensor – this range of bathroom exhaust fans are fitted with a humidity sensor that is designed to gauge the amount of humidity in the room, and then starts/stops the fan automatically. Most humidity sensors come factory configured with the temperatures to start or stop the fan, but there are a few models that feature a switch that you can use to pre-program your desired humidity settings.
Timer – this works apart from the humidity sensor, and lets the fan run for a bit longer after the humidity sensor shuts off. This ensures that your bathroom is fully ventilated to prevent mold and moisture buildup.
Noise level – an important aspect to consider when shopping for the best bathroom fan with humidity sensor, because the last thing you want is to listen to is the sound of an air conditioner while you’re taking a shower. Measured in sones, the lower the number, the less noise the bathroom fan with make, where 1 – 3 sone models operate quietly.
Warranty – a warranty against any manufacturer defects ensures that the bathroom fan will last you for years to come. If a warranty isn’t available, either buy from a reputed brand or read bathroom fan reviews to gauge the quality and performance of the model before making a purchase.
Bathroom Fans with Humidity Sensor FAQ’s
Q: How does a bathroom fan with humidity sensor save electricity?
Answer: The humidity sensor of the bathroom fan allows the fan to operate automatically, and ensures that the fan is not left on continuously or unnecessarily, reduces in less energy usage.
Q: Can humidity sensing bathroom fans get rid of moisture?
Answer: Fans with a humidity sensor are designed to work in conjunction with the integrated properly sized and rated ventilation fan to remove both moisture and humidity.
Q: Can humidity sensing bathroom fans be used in other areas of my home?
Answer: Yes, these fans are effective in other humid areas of your home as well such as basements and laundry rooms.
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