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Panasonic vs NuTone heat/fan/light

16 years ago

This gets harder every day.

I've read the posts for Whisper Warm versus Nutone. Went to a dealer that carries both. This dealer has been around for years and I usually trust the judgments of the sales folks (for whatever that's worth).

Anyway, the specs on the WhisperWarm FV-11VHL1 give noise as 1.0 sones for 110 CFM with a 4" duct,and 1400 watts heat. The specs on the NuTone QTXN110HL give noise as 0.9 sones for 110 CFM with a 6" duct,and 1500 watts heat. The cost difference is about $40 more for the Panasonic.

Dealer mentioned that the NuTone has a grille where the heat comes out. That is, there is no plastic covering over the heater. The result,from his observation of the Panasonic, which has a covering over the heater exhaust,is the Panasonic heat vents turn brown (burning?).

So, given this information, which would you get and why?

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Comments (6)

monicakm_gw
16 years ago
I have the Panasonic (because of the recommendations here) but, if all I had was the information you got from your dealer, I would have gone with the NuTone. Seems like a no-brainer. Sure hope mine doesn't turn brown :(
Monica
canishel
Original Author
16 years ago
monicakm,
"Seems like a no-brainer."

I agree, but am I missing something in the decision? I'm considering the Panasonic based on the recommendations here.

Thanks to all suggestions/opinions.
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jakkom
16 years ago
We have been using our Panasonic since 2003 (the master bath is the coldest room in our house). No signs yet of any plastic turning brown.

The Panasonics replaced Nutone junk that had gotten progressively louder and louder over the years. To the point where if the fan was turned on in the master bath you could hear it on another floor!

The Panasonics have so far remained at the same quiet level as when they were installed. The WhisperWarm, BTW, is a very heavy unit - anyone installing it needs an extra helping hand starting out.
homepro01
16 years ago
I have had a Whisperwarm in two bathrooms for about 3years now. They have not turned brown and I use them all the time. I think you dealer may be misinformed about the fans. I was actually in a local showroom that has a Nutone on the floor but you can special order panasonic from them. The sales manager mentioned that they are changing out the Nutones in their bathrooms after about 2years because they sound like jet engines. One bathroom was going to get a panasonic and another was going to get the fantech.

Good luck!
monicakm_gw
16 years ago
See? That's what's so great about the Internet. You've got a world (literally) of people with real user experience....not what a salesperson reads from a pamphlet or quotes from the sales rep.
Monica
canishel
Original Author
16 years ago
Thank you all for your comments. I think I'll stick with the Panasonic.

BTW, I'm getting your follow-ups by email, but they're not showing up when I go to this website. Is this "just something" that happens with Gardenweb?

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