Karena, Panasonic mades a boatload of different models of fans. Why would this decision be easier than anything else in remodeling? ;) Here's a link to Panasonic's web site showing the different models. There are ones with and without heater, with and without night lights, with and without motion sensors, and with different power fans for different sizes rooms. You want to get the proper power fan -- measured in CFM, or cubic feet per minute of air they move -- for your bathroom. An 80 CFM unit is for a small bathroom up to about 80 square feet; a 110 CFM unit is slightly more powerful for a slightly larger room (or one with a ceiling higher than 8'). For a larger bathroom (over 120 square feet), you'll probably want a larger model. Here's a link to a room size-to-CFM calculator. Depending which fan you select you may need two up to four switches. A basic fan and light requires two, although they could be combined. A heater is a separate switch, as is a nightlight. (You can buy switches which combine two switches in the space of one normal switch, so you only need a single or double-gang box on your wall, instead of a triple or quad.) In terms of a timer for the fan, several companies make them. I've purchased ones from Lutron, which allow you to set the fan shut off after as little as 5 or as much as 60 minutes. That's the Lutron model MA-T51. Below is the Lutron model MA-L3T251, which combines a timer on the bottom with a dimmer on top, in the space of a single switch. That's what I've used in both bathrooms to control the fan and the fan light; I'm not sure if that dimmer will work with the Panasonic if you choose a model which has a compact fluorescent light in it. I was planning to get one of the Panasonic units because I read they were very quiet, but I didn't like the non-dimmable fluorescent light or the size of the unit in the ceiling. Others here suggested Fantech, which uses a much smaller, flat grill in the ceiling and puts the fan in the attic. That's what we went with, and I'm happy with it. I know, I know... you're thinking this is just one more thing which seemed simple until you looked into it! ;) -- Eric

I have 2 Panasonic fans. The secret to any fan noise is proper duct work. This means as long a run as possible directly off the fan without changing direction or reducing size. Avoiding 90 degree bends - multiple 45's are better. Avoid flexible duct work like the plague. It's horrible stuff. Not only will it collect dust and moisture, the turbulence of the air caused by all those ridges contributes a lot to the noise level. Both my fans are exhausted to the outside with rigid duct work properly installed, taped (not duct tape - silver foil tape) and of course screwed together. They're very very quiet. Any fan is going to be much quieter with no ductwork attached, which is how they're demonstrated in big box stores which also are massive, tons of ambient noise etc. all making the fans seem quieter. Also don't oversize the fan for the cubic feet of the room. Very important, as is ensuring there is enough supply coming in under the closed door etc. to feed the fan. As much air as it pushes out of the room has to be replaced with new air coming in under that small crack under the door. If it's not getting enough replacement air, it will be noisier.

I have one. It's not installed yet. It IS big :o I was going to send mine back and get a smaller cfm since I don't have a shower but this is the only exhaust/heater they make so I'm keeping it. As for the heat/fan situation, I've wondered the same thing. The discussion here is that you don't use both at the same time. Monica

I have installed Panasonic fans in both of my bathrooms. They are both smaller than yours and I calcuated I needed fans which could support 150 CFM of air flow. The FV-11VHL2 is rated for 110 CFM. In my opinion it is too small for a 14 x 12 bathroom. Unfortunately this is the largest in the Whisper Warm line. You would have to drop the warm feature if you go to a bigger fan. Do a search on line for the Panasonic fan size calculator. Some sites are easier to follow than others. You could put a second fan in the toilet area, but then you would have to turn on both fans to remove the moisture after a bath or shower. The fan size is not critical. Having good air flow will help reduce moisture and mold problems.