Replies

1. 
   DanH | Sep 20, 2008 08:11pm | #1

   In my experience, going from 50 cfm up to even a slightly larger 70-100 cfm will make a world of difference.

   Also, noise is in large part a function of the depth of the housing. The shallower the housing the noisier the unit.

   There is no absurdity that human beings will not resort to in order to defend another absurdity. -- Cicero
2. 
   Danno | Sep 20, 2008 08:53pm | #2

   Unless my math is in error, what you have now will change the air in your bath once every eight minutes--hardly seems adequate! I would go for something better than that, but I don't know what the standard or even code requirement is--maybe someone else can tell you.

3. 
   Gene_Davis | Sep 20, 2008 11:20pm | #3

   My vote goes for the Panasonic line.

    

   View Image

   "A stripe is just as real as a dadgummed flower."

   Gene Davis        1920-1985

4. 
   BigBill | Sep 21, 2008 01:27am | #4

   Broan makes one that looksa like a can light rated at 1.5 sones.  Quite quiet.

5. 
   NickNukeEm | Sep 21, 2008 03:17am | #5

   I just installed four of the 100 cfm Panasonic vent fans.  They're quieter than the std Broan fans, pull more air, and better built.  All that translates into higher cost, however.  I installed one in my own powder room, and will install the Whisper-Warm fan in my bathroom, eventually.

   http://www.energyfederation.org/consumer/default.php/cPath/30_85_1357

   "I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul."  Invictus, by Henley.

   
   

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   Edited 9/20/2008 8:17 pm ET by NickNukeEm

6. 
   rnsykes | Sep 21, 2008 03:19am | #6

   I'd go for an 80 CFM panasonic whisper green. at .3 sones it'll make the Broan sound like a helicopter.

7. 
   BUIC | Sep 21, 2008 03:41am | #7

     Just put this in our new bathroom. Couldn't be happier.

    Got it here for $115... buic

   http://www.iaqsource.com/product.php/panasonic/fv-11vql4/?product=111064

   Panasonic WhisperLite Bathroom Fan with Lights FV-11VQL4

   View Image click to zoom View Image

   Product Our#: 111064 Mfg: Panasonic Mfg#: FV-11VQL4 Availability In Stock Product Rating 4.4 stars  (9 Ratings) Write a Review Read 9 Reviews View Image View Image

   View Image Description   Reviews   Files   Specs   Related Links   Panasonic Bathroom Fan with Lights FV-11VQL4 110 CFM; 35.9 Watts + 36 Watts 3.1 CFM/Watts: 1.0 sones Duct Diameter (inches): 4" Mounting Opening (inches sq.): 10 1/4" Grille Size (inches sq.): 13" Lamp Watts: 2 x 18 with 4 watt night light Add Some Overhead Light to Your Room This unit not only ventilates the air in your room, but provides overhead lighting as well. Two 18-watt compact fluorescent lamps will provide plenty of overhead lighting while the convenient, 4-watt nightlight will help you find your way through the room in the dark. So Quiet You Might Not Know it's On Whisper-Lite™ fans feature a totally enclosed condenser motor and a large, double suction blower wheel to quietly move air. A small wheel turning very fast will create more noise than a large wheel turning more slowly for a given airflow. Our fan uses a wide blower wheel that moves a large amount of air at reduced RPMs. The blower wheel is also designed to draw air in from both sides, which helps keep the noise down, as there is more area for the air to enter the wheel. In fact, it is quiet enough that you might not even know it's on. Continuous, Trouble-free Operation for Many Years This fan is designed to give you continuous, trouble-free operation for many years thanks in part to its high-quality components and permanently lubricated motors which wear at a slower pace. Also, since heat is always detrimental to motor life (the cooler the environment, the longer the motor will last), we designed the electrical configuration of this model's condenser motor to allow it to operate at lower temperatures, increasing the life of the motor and bearings. And, the fan housing is made of heavy-gauge zinc galvanized steel and painted to protect it from rust.