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 STARŽ, 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 STARŽ 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 StarŽ 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:
This is an unbelievably quiet and powerful fan. It would be perfect if the lighting was easier to change and replacement bulbs were more readily available. The included light bulb is a 32w CFL equal to about a 120w - 150w bright white standard bulb. I can't find a replacement bulb (so far)- even on-line, that is less bright. If I do, the fan will be perfect.
6/29/2011
(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)
5.0
Great fan!
By berkeleybabe
from Berkeley, CA
About Me Homeowner
Pros
Easy To Install
Good lighting and night
Powerful
Quiet
Sleek Design
SO QUIET
Cons
Best Uses
Perfect for largebathroom
Comments about Panasonic WhisperLite Bathroom Fan FV-11VQL5:
This looks good and is so quiet. The 2 light settings (regular and nightlite) are great. A great bargain and a great product!
4/19/2011
5.0
Great bathroom fan
By Jon
from Seattle, WA
About Me Homeowner
Pros
Easy To Install
Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic WhisperLite Bathroom Fan FV-11VQL5:
The light on this is nice and bright. I have no use for the night light, so I have the regular light and night light hooked up to the same switch. The fan has been great so far -- leaves no steam on the bathroom windows when taking a shower.
4/18/2011
5.0
Excellent product
By Handy Guy
from Connecticut
About Me Experienced DIYer, Homeowner
Pros
Easy To Install
Powerful
Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic WhisperLite Bathroom Fan FV-11VQL5:
Very easy to install if you have access to the attic. I replaced existing contractor-grade fan in 2 to 3 hours. Fan is super quiet and does a great job.
4/15/2011
5.0
Good, Quiet Bathroom Fan
By Gary
from Cedar Falls, Iowa
About Me Homeowner
Pros
Easy To Install
Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic WhisperLite Bathroom Fan FV-11VQL5:
I like just about everything about the fan. It even includes a template to cut the hole the right size.
The one thing I'm not sure about is the somewhat proprietary Panasonic CFL. It was included so I guess we'll see how long it lasts. I would have preferred a bulb you can buy at the hardware store, common to other applications.
Otherwise, it seems to be great!
4/7/2011
4.0
"Time to order a 2nd fan"
By Outbackred
from Tigard, or.
About Me Beginner remodeler, Homeowner
Pros
Easy To Install
Quiet
Cons
Fluorescent light color
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic WhisperLite Bathroom Fan FV-11VQL5:
Installed the new fan with a bathroom remodel so it was a fairly easy install.a Had to have electrician in anyway, so it was also easy to add wire for nightlight. This fan runs very quiet. The only drawback for me is the fluorescent bulb for a light. The color is not the best in a new bathroom for me. Maybe someday led lights instead of fluorescents.
3/17/2011
5.0
Great bathroom fan/light!
By Susan and Chris
from Lake Forest Park, WA
About Me Homeowner - DIY
Pros
Easy To Install
Looks and works great
Powerful
Quiet
Sleek Design
Cons
None
Best Uses
Excellent for bathroom
Comments about Panasonic WhisperLite Bathroom Fan FV-11VQL5:
We have a relatively small bathroom which we have recently remodeled. Our plumber told us Panasonic makes the best bathroom fans. We went for one that makes a slight noise because people using the bathroom often want a little white noise. This fan is quiet, but not silent. Just perfect. It has a great profile which complements our new tile work. In contrast to other comments we read on this site, we found it was easy to install.
2/22/2011
5.0
Best on the market in this price range
By bard
from new england
About Me Professional
Pros
Powerful
Quiet
Sleek Design
Cons
Mounting instructions
Best Uses
Bathroom
Comments about Panasonic WhisperLite Bathroom Fan FV-11VQL5:
[...] Mounting instructions in terms of joist hanger installation leave some to be desired for do it yourself-ers. Hint: one full hanger bar that extends joist to joist, one short partial bar that slides in under damper housing and mounts on one joist for a total of three attachment points. Other than that, highly recommended unit that I have installed many of
2/8/2011
4.0
Great Price. Easy to install.
By Chris
from Fishers, IN
About Me Homeowner
Pros
Easy To Install
Powerful
Sleek Design
Cons
Best Uses
Large Rooms
Smaller Rooms
Comments about Panasonic WhisperLite Bathroom Fan FV-11VQL5:
Wish it was a little quieter. East to install. Great price. Would buy again. Only have had it installed for a week now. But very happy overall.
12/22/2010
(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
4.0
REVIEW of Panasonic WhisperLite 110CFM
By JP
from Newton , MA
About Me Homeowner
Pros
Easy To Install
Quiet
Sleek Design
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic WhisperLite Bathroom Fan FV-11VQL5:
The new design is more contemporary and much more appealing. Has a light, nite light and fan. All work well. Design is flat light and attractive.Access is not great once installed. One Needs to pull down and unplug from the electrical the entire fixture to gain access to enclosed light bulb and or clean, this is NOT an easy task. This part of the design could be much improved. Excellent pricing on this site [...] The whole experience was great.
