The Panasonic is just so quiet! We heard about it here and got two for the bathrooms we are renovating. We have the Broan Nutone in the bath we did a few years ago. The Broan - which was the quietest in the store - is loud and annoying, so we never leave it on any more than the bare minumum time, and I constantly have to badger the boys to use it. The Panasonics are so quiet that when DH and I are in the bathroom, I've said to him more than once "Shh... I here water running somewhere in the house..." because that's what the fan sounds like. Just a very quiet distant whish.

My vote? Get a separate light fixture you love and a fan that won't annoy you. A fan you won't use is worthless.

I read on another post that the light on the Panasonic is flourescent and was disappointing to the user who purchased it. I happen to know that the light on the Nutone is incandescent, but only a 60 watt is recommended. If you use a 100 watt, in the Nutone, it will eventually discolor and disfigure the plastic diffuser shield. So perhaps you should decide what level of light you need for that area.

I suggest trying to find a retailer who carries the Panasonic so that you can see how efficient or inadequate to your needs the light is. Good luck.

we have a Nutone, the fan is somewhat noisey, the bulb is flourescent and is annoying, takes a bit to warm up

We have a fantech fan/light combo and it is small and as unobtrusive as a can light fixture with a fan trim around a light bulb. We actually do have a compact fluorescent bulb in it which gives great light but you can also choose a dimmable halogen if that's what you'd prefer. It's also quiet because the fan unit is mounted away from your bathroom in the attic and you use an insulated duct to connect it. It's not inexpensive but I'm glad we used these.

Here is a link that might be useful: fantech fan

Everyone on this forum seems to like the panasonic fans for their low noise. We are getting Nutone fans of some sort installed in all three bathrooms of our new house. How difficult would it be to replace them with panasonics after we move in? The builder has already installed the fans and the venting is through the roof (at least for the two baths on the second floor).

Thanks.

Why does everyone want a quiet fan?

I don't want an unpleasant noise, but I sure don't want to hear anything that's going on in the bathroom.

Because the intent is to use them for ventilation. Newer homes are built tighter and need more mechanical ventilation, but who really wants to listen to a noisy fan running?

It sounds like the fan you're looking for would best be described as a modesty fan. A noise maker. Don't worry, they still make those.