Panasonic WhisperLite Bathroom Fan FV-11VQL5 - 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-11VQL5:
Purchased this fan based on other reviews of this product and other brands.Fans are installed in bathrooms of about 75 sq. ft. with nine foot ceilings. Motor noise is low,I think most of the noise comes from air movement- these actually pull air out of the room! purchased the fan timer/switch with one fan. Works well,nice clean look. Good value,happy with purchase,would buy again. CONS- fan is best suited for new construction. Installing in existing opening may require some wizardry to get it above ceiling and solidly mounted. Fan switch fills up the electrical box quickly. If you can install a deep or oversized box it would help.
12/8/2011
(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
5.0
Great fan, easy installation
By sonicred7
from China, MI
About Me Handyman, Homeowner
Pros
Easy To Install
Powerful
Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
Large Rooms
Smaller Rooms
Comments about Panasonic WhisperLite Bathroom Fan FV-11VQL5:
This is the quietest fan I have ever purchaced. Istallation was easy and fast. I have three of these fans in my house and when they wear out I will buy three more. For the best efficency use ridgid ducts, not the cheap flexible duct.
12/2/2011
5.0
Very pleased with this fan!
By Jeanne
from Lincoln Park, NJ
About Me Homeowner
Pros
Easy To Install
Cons
Energy Inefficient
Very quiet when on
Best Uses
Small bathroom
Smaller Rooms
Comments about Panasonic WhisperLite Bathroom Fan FV-11VQL5:
We had a mildew problem so upgraded our bathroom fan. The mirror still fogs but very little and clears right away.
12/2/2011
4.0
Overall, a nice, quiet fan
By Tom Terrific
from Minnesota
About Me Homeowner
Pros
Quiet
Cons
Installation was tricky
Best Uses
Bathroom
Comments about Panasonic WhisperLite Bathroom Fan FV-11VQL5:
We really like the quiet fan and bright overhead light. Installation to replace an existing fan was a little tricky and required a couple calls to the service center, but they were available on the weekend, so it worked out.
10/13/2011
(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)
5.0
Good retrofit, Quiet performance
By HomeImprover
from Midland, MI
About Me Handyman, Homeowner
Pros
Easy To Install
Powerful
Quiet
Sleek Design
Cons
Best Uses
Bathroom
Comments about Panasonic WhisperLite Bathroom Fan FV-11VQL5:
Replaced an older, noisy, poorly ducted Broan. Reviewed the instructions thoroughly (and some postings) and planned the job thru the attic space. Enlarged the ceiling opening and mounted the new Panasonic. Easy electrical hookups. Ducting was shortened (25 ft down to 4 ft), with easy hookups to the Panasonic. 2 hrs on the fan/2 hrs for a new roof vent/ducting. Very, very quiet performance (mechanical wall timer is louder than the fan). Highly recommend the fan.
10/8/2011
(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
5.0
Great Fans and Lights
By Greg
from Palatine, IL
About Me Homeowner
Pros
Powerful
Quiet
Sleek Design
Cons
None
Best Uses
Bathroom
Comments about Panasonic WhisperLite Bathroom Fan FV-11VQL5:
Great product, had 4 units installed in my upstairs bathrooms ... Took longer than expected for the installation due to the original builder not doing a quality job with the ventilation, so it all had to be redone ....
A must have is the 10/20/30/60 switch to go with this fan .... Great if you have kids that don't turn the fan off or you just want a little extra fan time and it will turn itself off after the cycle selected ....
10/8/2011
5.0
Great Fans and Lights
By Greg
from Palatine, IL
About Me Homeowner
Pros
Powerful
Quiet
Sleek Design
Cons
Best Uses
Bathroom
Comments about Panasonic WhisperLite Bathroom Fan FV-11VQL5:
Very quite and powerful .... I had 2 electricians put 4 units in my upstairs bathrooms .... Installation took longer then anticipated because the original builder did a poor job with the ventilation so all of it had to be redone ...
I would recommend also getting the timer based switch {10/20/30/60} as it turns itself off ... Great for the kids that forget to turn the fan off or if you want to run it after a shower ...
9/11/2011
5.0
It is very quiet
By CurtG
from Eau Claire, WI
About Me Handyman, Homeowner
Pros
Powerful
Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
Bathroom
Comments about Panasonic WhisperLite Bathroom Fan FV-11VQL5:
I wanted quiet power and got both
9/5/2011
5.0
WOW this is unbelievably quiet
By SmilinCyn
from Vancouver, WA, USA
About Me Homeowner
Pros
Powerful
Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
Bathroom
Comments about Panasonic WhisperLite Bathroom Fan FV-11VQL5:
We added this fan in a master bedroom suite bathroom that we had an existing light/fan in the vanity portion. After tearing out a wall and replacing normal tub with jetted very large tub. The difference between this fan and the one half its cost is ridiculous! The new one is so quiet that when you use it without the light I have to check the light switch to see if it's on! The old one it was hard to talk to someone near it!
7/5/2011
(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)
5.0
I would buy this product again.
By Bren
from Bloomington, Illinois
About Me Homeowner
Pros
Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic WhisperLite Bathroom Fan FV-11VQL5:
Replaced a noisy and inefficient fan. We are pleased with this fan, so quiet I didn't think it was running when first tested. Unable to wire the night light as the electrician said it would be necessary to run another wire and this was too much trouble; we wired the night light along with the regular light. Very pleased.
