Ceiling-mounted bathroom heaters combine warmth, ventilation, and lighting to improve comfort and air quality. The table below summarizes five top ceiling heater units selected for performance, mounting style, and features to help you compare options quickly.
| Product | Type | Key Capacity | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broan-NuTone BHFLED80 | Fan + Heater + LED Light | 80 CFM, Integrated Heater | Dimmable LED With CCT Color Control |
| Broan-NuTone 157 Low-Profile | Ceiling-Mounted Fan-Forced Heater | 1250W, 120VAC | Low-Profile Aluminum Grille |
| Panasonic WhisperWarm FV-0511VH1 | Vent Fan With PTC Heater | 50-80-110 CFM, 1600W Heater | Pick-A-Flow Multi-CFM Selection |
| Delta Breez Radiance | Fan + Light + Heater + Thermostat | 80 CFM, 1300W Heater | Brushless DC Motor, Low Power Draw |
| Broan-NuTone 164 Bulb Heater & Fan | Infrared Bulb Heater With Fan | 70 CFM, 2×250W Bulbs | Infrared Instant Heat Bulbs |
Broan-NuTone BHFLED80 Combo Fan Heater
The Broan-NuTone BHFLED80 is a combination exhaust fan, heater, and LED light designed for standard bathrooms. Its exhaust fan operates at 80 CFM with a reported 1.5 sones sound level, offering moisture control while adding warmth during use.
Lighting is an integrated, dimmable LED with CCT color control across 2700K, 3500K, and 5000K, useful for nightlight settings or matching existing bathroom lighting. The unit’s functions can run independently or simultaneously for flexible operation.
Design features include a white decorative grille intended to blend with most ceilings. This model is positioned as a multi-function replacement for typical ceiling fixtures where ventilation, heating, and light are needed together.
Broan-NuTone 157 Low-Profile Ceiling Heater
The Broan-NuTone 157 is a classic low-profile, ceiling-mounted fan-forced heater rated at 1250W, 120VAC. Its compact housing makes it suitable where headroom or attic access is limited.
Heat is provided via an enclosed metal sheath element, a durable design intended to resist damage and provide consistent operation. The aluminum grille with satin finish is designed to match a variety of decors and deliver rapid supplemental heat for short periods.
This unit is often chosen for straightforward ceiling replacements where a focused, fan-forced heating supplement is desired without integrated lighting or complex controls.
Panasonic WhisperWarm FV-0511VH1 Fan Heater
The Panasonic WhisperWarm FV-0511VH1 combines a powerful 1600W PTC heater with a DC/ECM motor exhaust fan and Pick-A-Flow switch to select 50, 80, or 110 CFM. This flexibility helps match airflow to room size and usage.
Panasonic markets this unit for quiet operation and energy efficiency. Installation is simplified by a Flex-Z bracket that reduces attic access needs, and the design supports either 4″ or 6″ ducting.
Because it uses a PTC heating element, the heater offers rapid warm-up while maintaining thermal protection. The multi-CFM selection and energy-focused motor make this unit adaptable across different bathroom sizes.
Delta Breez Radiance Heater Fan
The Delta Breez Radiance integrates an exhaust fan, LED light, and a 1300W heating element with a thermal cutoff fuse for safety. It runs at around 80 CFM and is specified at about 1.5 sones for quiet operation.
This model emphasizes energy-efficient brushless DC motor technology with long-rated life. The motor efficiency and thermal protection are intended to offer reliable daily use while keeping electrical draw comparatively low.
The Radiance includes a thermostat-style heating approach and is suitable for users wanting a balance of ventilation, instant warmth, and long motor life in a single ceiling fixture.
Broan-NuTone 164 Bulb Heater And Fan
The Broan-NuTone 164 is a two-bulb infrared-type ceiling heater paired with a ventilation fan. It uses two 250W R40 or BR40 bulbs (not included) for instant radiant heat and provides ventilation at 70 CFM.
Infrared bulbs deliver quick, direct warmth to occupants, which can be advantageous for short-duration heating like a quick post-shower warm-up. The fan assists moisture removal to reduce humidity and fogging.
This style requires bulb replacement over time and can be louder than some modern DC motor units, but it remains a common option where immediate radiant heat is preferred.
Buying Guide: How To Choose A Ceiling Bathroom Heater
Choosing a ceiling-mounted bathroom heater requires evaluating airflow, heating type, electrical requirements, sound level, installation complexity, and safety features. Below are practical factors to compare across units and scenarios.
Room Size And Required Airflow
CFM (Cubic Feet Per Minute) determines how fast a unit will move air and remove moisture. Small bathrooms can work with 50–80 CFM, while medium rooms often need 80–110 CFM. Larger bathrooms or tubs with high moisture may require higher CFM or multiple vents.
Heating Type: PTC, Fan-Forced Sheath, Or Infrared Bulbs
- PTC Heaters (Positive Temperature Coefficient) offer quick warm-up, self-regulating behavior, and integrated thermal protection. They are common in modern whisper-quiet units.
- Enclosed Sheath/Fan-Forced Elements provide reliable convective heat and durable elements. They heat air that the fan distributes through the room.
- Infrared Bulbs give instantaneous radiant warmth directed at people rather than heating the entire room. They are effective for short bursts but require bulb replacement.
Wattage And Electrical Considerations
Wattage affects heat output and circuit requirements. Common values range from 1250W to 1600W for ceiling heaters. Verify your home wiring, breaker capacity, and whether the unit needs a dedicated circuit to meet local code.
Controls, Lighting, And Nightlights
Some units combine heater, fan, and lighting into one assembly with separate switches or multi-function controls. Consider models with dimmable LEDs, color temperature options, or a built-in night light if you want integrated lighting.
Noise Level (Sones) And Motor Type
Sones indicate perceived loudness—lower values mean quieter operation. Brushless DC or ECM motors typically run quieter and more efficiently than older AC motors. If the bathroom is adjacent to bedrooms, lower sones are a priority.
Installation: Ducting, Attic Access, And Mounting
Check whether the unit supports 4″ or 6″ ducting, and whether a quick-mount bracket or Flex-Z system is included to simplify installation. Low-profile housings help when attic space is tight, but confirm clearances and joist placement before purchase.
Safety Features And Certifications
Look for thermal cutoff fuses, overheat protection, and UL/ETL listings for bathroom-rated fixtures. Models with automatic thermal protection or integrated circuit disconnects reduce fire risk if left running unintentionally.
Energy Efficiency And Operating Cost
Consider motor efficiency and heater wattage. Energy Star certification for fans can indicate lower energy consumption. Infrared bulb units can use more instantaneous power, while efficient motors reduce long-term electrical use.
Maintenance And Replacement Parts
Filter-free ceiling units still require occasional cleaning of grilles and fan housings. For bulb-based units, plan for periodic bulb replacements. Confirm availability of replacement grilles and bulbs for long-term support.
Design, Grille Size, And Aesthetics
Grille size and finish matter if the fixture will be visible. Low-profile aluminum grilles blend into ceilings; some models offer decorative grilles or integrated LED panels to match modern bathrooms.
Comparison Perspectives: What To Prioritize
- Fast Warm-Up: Choose infrared bulbs or high-wattage PTC for near-instant heat.
- Energy Savings: Favor efficient DC motors and controlled wattage heaters for lower running costs.
- Quieter Operation: Pick units rated at low sones with DC/ECM motors for noise-sensitive settings.
- Integrated Lighting: Select combos with dimmable LEDs and CCT control if you want consolidated fixtures.
- Easy Installation: Look for Flex-Z brackets or low-profile housings when attic access or joist layout is limited.
Installation And Compliance Tips
Verify local building codes and electrical requirements before installing a ceiling heater. Many units require a neutral and ground connection and may need a dedicated circuit. If unsure, hire a licensed electrician to ensure compliance and safe operation.
Final Selection Checklist
- Match CFM to bathroom size and moisture load.
- Confirm wiring and breaker compatibility for the heater’s wattage.
- Decide between PTC, fan-forced, or infrared heat based on warm-up needs.
- Consider noise level, lighting features, and ease of maintenance.
- Choose models with thermal protection and appropriate safety listings.