Air King DRLC701 Round Bath Fan with Light - Quiet Decorative Vent

In this review the Air King DRLC701 is judged as a practical choice for homeowners who want a decorative yet functional bathroom fan with integrated light. The unit pairs an oil-rubbed bronze grill and a ribbed frosted glass lens with a 70 CFM blower that runs at 4.0 sone, making it a good fit where both style and relatively quiet ventilation matter. The fan and light can be wired separately, which is the single biggest reason to consider this model if you need flexible control of lighting and exhaust in a small to medium bath.

Key Features

• Decorative finish: The oil-rubbed bronze grill and ribbed frosted glass lens provide a refined, coordinated look that elevates bathroom decor while diffusing light evenly.
• Quiet operation: A 70 CFM blower rated at 4.0 sone reduces noise compared with older, louder exhaust fans, making it suitable for bathrooms where sound matters.
• Separate wiring: The exhaust fan and light can be wired to operate independently, offering flexible control for ventilation and illumination needs.
• Simple installation: Included adjustable hanging brackets and housing mounting tabs make it straightforward to install in standard ceiling openings and secure to framing.
• Bulb compatibility: Accepts two 26-watt medium base fluorescent lamps or standard 60-watt A19 incandescent bulbs, so shoppers can choose between energy-efficient or familiar lighting.
• Backdraft protection: A 4 in round duct collar with damper helps prevent back drafts and supports quieter exhaust performance.

Who It's For

The DRLC701 is best for homeowners remodeling a small to medium bathroom (roughly up to 70 sq ft) who want a coordinated fixture that blends a decorative light and exhaust in one unit. It suits those who value separate light and fan control and who prefer a glass lens over plastic for durability and consistent light diffusion.

It is less appropriate for very large bathrooms that need higher CFM, for installations that require integrated LED lighting or for buyers who want lamps included; the unit requires separate bulbs. Contractors specifying high-capacity, ultra-quiet commercial-grade fans should look elsewhere.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Attractive oil-rubbed bronze grill and frosted ribbed glass lens that improves bathroom aesthetics.
• 70 CFM at 4.0 sone provides useful ventilation with relatively low noise.
• Fan and light can be wired separately for flexible operation and convenience.
• Includes adjustable hanging brackets for easier, faster installation.

Cons

• Requires purchase of bulbs separately; lamps are not included with the unit.
• 70 CFM is intended for rooms around 70 sq ft and may be insufficient for larger bathrooms.

Specifications

Brand	Air King
Model	DRLC701
Airflow	70 CFM
Noise level	4.0 sone
Duct collar	4 in round with damper
Light type	Two medium base lamps, 26 W fluorescent or 60 W A19 incandescent
Warranty	1-year limited

Our Verdict

The Air King DRLC701 is a smart, cost-effective choice for anyone who wants a decorative bathroom fan with integrated lighting and flexible wiring. It offers a good balance of quiet 70 CFM ventilation, attractive oil-rubbed bronze styling, and easy installation, making it good value for small to mid-size baths where aesthetics and separate fan/light control matter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the fan and light be operated separately?
Yes, the exhaust fan and light can be wired to function independently so each can be controlled on its own.

What bulbs does this unit use?
The fixture accepts two medium base lamps: two 26-watt fluorescent tubes or two 60-watt A19 incandescent bulbs, which are not included.

What size room is this fan suitable for?
With 70 CFM capacity the unit is intended for rooms of approximately 70 sq ft; larger rooms will need higher CFM.