Panasonic WhisperLite Bathroom Fan FV-15VQL5 - The newest generation of fan from Panasonic.
Any manufacturer can achieve low sone levels at .1" w.g. - the amount of static pressure with 10 feet of duct and a wall cap. But today's houses have longer and more complicated duct runs. Since .1" w.g. is an unrealistic amount of static pressure when installed, ASHRAE, ENERGY STARŪ, LEED for Homes, and HVI have set the industry standard for performance measurement at .25" w.g.. Panasonic leads the way with incomparable sone levels at both .1" and .25" w.g.
Flush-Mount grille - WhisperLite models now feature a flush mount grille that incorporates a 32-Watt ENERGY STARŪ rated CFL light fixture and a 4-Watt night light.
Built-in damper to prevent backdraft
ASHRAE 62.2, LEED, and CA Title 24 compliant
UL listed for tub/shower enclosure when used with a GFCI branch circuit
Meets Washington State Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Code
Thermal fuse protection
So Quiet You Might Not Know it's On This WhisperCeilingT model features 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.
User-Friendly Installation Detachable adaptors, firmly secured duct ends, adjustable mounting brackets (up to 26"), fan/motor units that detach easily from the housing and uncomplicated wiring all lend themselves to user-friendly installation. This model also features a double-hanger bar system for ideal positioning.
Energy StarŪ Qualified for Energy Savings Energy Star qualified products feature super-quiet operation and high CFM-to-Watt efficiency. The Energy Star program was created to help consumers identify products that can save them money and protect the environment by saving energy. As an Energy Star partner, all our fans are Energy Star qualified and labeled accordingly.
Tired of Cold Air Coming Through Your Ventilation Fan? This Panasonic fan has a built-in damper to prevent backdraft, which helps to prevent outside air from coming through the fan. Also, thanks to our efficient, cool running motors and fluorescent bulbs, it does not create excessive heat-a common problem with recessed lighting fixtures and some competitors' fan/light combinations. Loose fill or batt insulation can be placed directly over the fan housing to prevent heat from escaping.
Comments about Panasonic WhisperLite Bathroom Fan FV-15VQL5:
Great bathroom exhaust
9/30/2012
5.0
Excellent product.
By Big Pete
from Hamden, CT
About Me Homeowner
Pros
Easy To Install
Powerful
Quiet
Sleek Design
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic WhisperLite Bathroom Fan FV-15VQL5:
I brought this product for my Main bathroom. The istallation was simple,the fan took all of the moisture out even when I took a very hot shower and it's very quiet compare to my old Neptune fan. I would recommend this product to anyone.
12/19/2011
(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)
4.0
So far so good
By Midwest DIY
from Central Illinois
About Me Homeowner
Pros
Easy To Install
Powerful
Quiet
Cons
None so far
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic WhisperLite Bathroom Fan FV-15VQL5:
I would rate my handyman skills at moderate to high. I installed this fan in an approximately 85 sq ft bathroom next to a tub with shower. There was no fan previously installed. Instructions were straight forward (read them 2-3x). Install time start to finish was 8 hours - in part due to some wiring challenges in my 45 year old ranch home. I straight-line vented the fan through the attic out to a back flow preventing soffit vent - available at most DIY stores.
Other than the tight attic space the install was simple for my first attempt. However, if you are doing a first-time fan install to an existing home, consider that you will need to run new wiring and switches to accomodate this 3-function fan. This can dramatically increase install time depending on access to wiring routes. I highly recommend using a 1-gang, 3-function switch. You can avoid expanding switch boxes on your wall and have easy access to all fan/light functions.
So far this fan has done a great job in the 3 weeks it has been in operation. It is quiet and you don't know it is on unless the house is quiet and you are standing in or just outside the bathroom. We tested it on day one with two consecutive showers and there wasn't a hint of steam at all. However, as the temperature dropped last week and one member of the family took a particularly long, hot shower we did have some mirror fogging. The outflow vent flaps appear to be operating correctly so I'm not sure what happened on that one day. We have not had another steaming or fogging issue since.
This fan moves a lot of air but is still pretty quiet. The fan is worth the price and easy to install if you are comfortable doing light install and wiring work and have easy access to ventilation & wiring routes for a new install.
11/29/2011
(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
5.0
Awesome Efficient
By Russ
from Southington, Ct
About Me Homeowner
Pros
Easy To Install
Powerful
Quiet
Sleek Design
Cons
Best Uses
Basements
Kitchens
Large Rooms
Smaller Rooms
Comments about Panasonic WhisperLite Bathroom Fan FV-15VQL5:
The 150 CFM is super efficient and very quiet. The light is ideal for my use over the tub and shower. Since installing there has been no condensation on the walls or mirror. Shipping was very fast.
11/14/2011
5.0
TWO WORDS BUY IT!!!!!!! THANK YOU
By TAZMAN
from IL
About Me Homeowner
Pros
Easy To Install
Powerful
Quiet
Sleek Design
Cons
Best Uses
Basements
Comments about Panasonic WhisperLite Bathroom Fan FV-15VQL5:
GREAT!
11/2/2011
5.0
Quality fan= Huge difference
By Buster
from Beverly Ma
About Me Homeowner
Pros
Easy To Install
Powerful
Quiet
Sleek Design
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic WhisperLite Bathroom Fan FV-15VQL5:
8 year old bath with NuTone fan. Steam filled bathroom showers=moldy ceiling. Installed unit and no trace of steam since. But I cant believe how quiet. When they say may forget it's on, it's true! Cant figure out how so quiet and so powerful, but it is. Easy install. Quality unit. Never write reviews, had to with this product. Blown away.
8/18/2011
5.0
Quiet bathroom exhaust
By Toni
from Long Island, New York
About Me Homeowner
Pros
Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
Smaller Rooms
Comments about Panasonic WhisperLite Bathroom Fan FV-15VQL5:
Installed yesterday, very quite.
7/20/2011
5.0
Great Fan
By Guy in MI
from Mount Pleasant, MI
About Me Homeowner
Pros
Easy To Install
Powerful
Quiet
Sleek Design
Cons
Best Uses
Big Bathroom
Comments about Panasonic WhisperLite Bathroom Fan FV-15VQL5:
Great Fan. I highly recommend and I don't say that lightly. Easy to install. Very quiet.
6/2/2011
4.0
Nice and quiet, yet powerful
By Kemosabe
from Atlanta, GA
About Me Homeowner
Pros
Powerful
Quiet
Sleek Design
Cons
Size can be troublesome
Best Uses
Smaller Rooms
Comments about Panasonic WhisperLite Bathroom Fan FV-15VQL5:
The first handyman could not install it. The second guy found the way to do it. It was not cheap, but well worth it. Great bath fan.
1/25/2011
5.0
Very quiet, excellent venting fan
By LB
from New Zion, SC
About Me Homeowner
Pros
Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
Bathroom
Comments about Panasonic WhisperLite Bathroom Fan FV-15VQL5:
Replaced a 10 year old Broan exhaust fan. Like night and day. MUCH quieter and keeps the bathroom steam free. The light takes a little getting used to but does fine.
