Broan-NuTone Bathroom Exhaust Fan 110 CFM Quiet 1.0 Sones

In this review the Broan-NuTone Bathroom Exhaust Fan is examined for homeowners who want effective ventilation without a noisy motor. The bottom line: this ENERGY STAR certified fan delivers a powerful 110 CFM airflow while running at a quiet 1.0 sones, making it a solid choice for small to mid-size bathrooms up to about 105 sq. ft. It stands out for easy room-side retrofit installation and the TrueSeal damper that limits air leakage, so the fan improves humidity control and mirror fog clearance without compromising home energy performance.

Key Features

• 110 CFM airflow: Moves enough air to clear steam and prevent lingering humidity in bathrooms up to 105 sq. ft., helping control moisture and odors.
• Quiet 1.0 sones: Operates at a low sound level so it does the job without being distracting during showers or late-night use.
• ENERGY STAR certified: Uses less energy than standard models, contributing to lower run-time costs while still providing strong ventilation.
• TrueSeal damper technology: Reduces air leakage by up to 50% compared to competitive designs, minimizing drafts and improving overall home performance.
• Retrofit, room-side install: Designed to mount to inboard joists and can be installed without attic access, which simplifies replacement projects.
• UL listed for tub/shower use: Rated for installation over wet locations when wired to a GFCI circuit, allowing placement exactly where steam accumulates.

Who It's For

This fan is well suited for homeowners renovating small full bathrooms, renters with permission to replace fixtures, and anyone seeking an Energy Star ventilator that balances strong airflow with low noise. Installers and DIYers will appreciate the room-side retrofit design that avoids attic work and speeds up replacement jobs.

It is less appropriate for very large bathrooms or commercial applications that need higher than 110 CFM or multiple fan zones; those buyers should look for higher-capacity or multi-fan systems. Also, buyers expecting near-silent operation below 0.5 sones should consider ultra-quiet specialty models instead.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Strong 110 CFM performance that clears humidity and fogged mirrors quickly.
• Generally quiet operation at 1.0 sones, with many users calling it unobtrusive.
• Easy retrofit installation from the room-side, eliminating attic access for most replacements.
• TrueSeal damper reduces backdrafts and improves home energy performance.

Cons

• Noise reports are mixed; a few users find it slightly noisier than expected for 1.0 sones.
• Single-speed operation limits control compared with multi-speed models or fans with integrated timers.

Specifications

Brand	Broan-NuTone
Airflow	110 CFM
Noise Level	1.0 sones
Duct Diameter	4 in
Coverage	Up to 105 sq. ft.
Certification	ENERGY STAR
Location Rating	UL listed for use over tubs and showers with GFCI circuit

Our Verdict

The Broan-NuTone 110 CFM exhaust fan is a practical, energy-efficient choice for most small to mid-size bathrooms, offering strong airflow, reliable damper performance, and straightforward room-side installation. It represents good value for homeowners who prioritize effective humidity removal and reduced air leakage, though those wanting multi-speed control or the absolute quietest motors may prefer other models.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this fan be installed without attic access?
Yes. The unit is designed for room-side retrofit installation and can be mounted to inboard joists without entering the attic.

Is it safe to install over a tub or shower?
Yes. The fan is UL listed for use over tubs and showers when connected to a GFCI-protected circuit.

How much ducting is required?
It uses a standard 4 in duct diameter; plan duct runs to the exterior that match 4 in ducting to preserve rated airflow.