Bathroom Exhaust Fan 60 CFM ENERGY STAR Quiet Retrofit - Easy Install

In this review of the Bathroom Exhaust Fan 60 CFM ENERGY STAR by Broan-NuTone, the bottom line is simple: this is a practical, energy-saving replacement fan for small bathrooms where quiet operation and fast retrofit are priorities. The reviewer found it best for rooms up to about 45 sq. ft., offering effective moisture and odor control while cutting energy use roughly in half compared with older standard fans. Installation is the standout benefit - the Roomside Series is designed to retrofit without attic access and avoids cutting drywall, which makes this a go-to choice for DIYers and contractors swapping older units.

Key Features

• ENERGY STAR certified: Delivers 60 CFM performance while reducing energy consumption about 50% compared with typical bath fans, helping lower operating cost.
• Ultra quiet operation: Runs at 0.9 sones so the fan is audible but unobtrusive, maintaining a peaceful bathroom environment while clearing moisture.
• No attic access installation: Roomside retrofit design lets you replace the fan without cutting drywall or entering the attic, saving time and hassle.
• SlideClip grille: Patent pending springless attachment makes the grille easy to remove for cleaning and quick to reinstall without tools.
• CleanCover design: Simple floating appearance blends into the ceiling for a modern, low-profile look that works in most bathrooms.

Who It's For

The fan is aimed at homeowners, builders, and contractors who need an efficient, quiet replacement for older bathroom fans or who are fitting ventilation into small bathrooms up to 45 sq. ft. It particularly suits DIYers who want a fast, roomside retrofit without attic access and an easy grille for cleaning.

Those who need very high airflow for large bathrooms, integrated lighting, or humidity-sensing controls should look elsewhere; this model focuses on straightforward ventilation, quiet running, and energy savings rather than multifunction features.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• ENERGY STAR efficiency reduces running cost while providing adequate 60 CFM ventilation.
• Very quiet at 0.9 sones, making it suitable for daily use without drawing attention.
• Fast retrofit installation without attic access and no roomside drywall cutting required.
• SlideClip grille simplifies cleaning and maintenance with a springless attachment.

Cons

• Fixed 60 CFM output is ideal for small bathrooms but may be insufficient for larger spaces or heavy steam conditions.
• No built-in light or advanced controls, so additional fixtures or switches may be needed for some installs.

Specifications

Brand	Broan-NuTone
Airflow	60 CFM
Noise level	0.9 sones
Energy	ENERGY STAR certified (about 50% less energy than standard fans)
Installation	Roomside retrofit without attic access, no drywall cutting
Grille	CleanCover with SlideClip springless attachment

Our Verdict

The Broan-NuTone 60 CFM ENERGY STAR bathroom exhaust fan is a sensible, cost-effective upgrade for small bathrooms where quiet performance and simple retrofit installation are priorities. It balances low energy use, unobtrusive noise, and quick roomside replacement, making it a smart value for homeowners, builders, and contractors who need reliable ventilation without extra bells and whistles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this fan be installed without attic access?
Yes. The Roomside Series is designed for retrofit installs without attic access and does not require cutting drywall.

How quiet is the fan during operation?
The fan runs at about 0.9 sones, which is noticeable but very quiet for a bathroom exhaust.

Is this suitable for larger bathrooms?
This model is rated for rooms up to about 45 sq. ft. Larger bathrooms will likely need higher CFM or additional ventilation.