Mary, take a look at FanTech (fantech.net). Several people on this forum recommended them for making a good product when I was searching last month. I've purchased mine, but it won't be installed until next week. I had always heard good comments about the Panasonic fans because they were so quiet, but like you, we found the bulky, bulging fixture rather unpleasing. With Fantech, the fan itself gets installed separately in the attic, so only a very basic vent grill (with or without lights) gets installed flush with the ceiling. I think this is much less obtrusive than the Panasonic units. Although I would have been happy to get a unit with energy-saving compact fluorescent lights in it, I found the Panasonic seemed extremely bright for a small bathroom. I ordered the Fantech with a dimmable Halogen light, so I can greet the morning with a little less light if I choose! -- Eric Here is a link that might be useful: Fantech bathroom fans

I have a fantech IN the shower with halogen bulb and a second one over the jetted tub (both run on the same motor in the attic). It is so quiet you would never even know it is on and there is never one speck of steam or fogging in my bathroom. It's on a timer, so I let it run for a while. It is so wonderfully powerful - probably the best thing I did in my bath remodel. this is the model I have - it's available with just one unit, too: PB270H-2 Premium Bath Fan Dual Grilles with Dimmable Halogen Lights 270 CFM fan, two Ceiling Grilles with Lights, two grille housings with dampers, two 50-watt Halogen bulbs and Y-adapter (4x4x6). Uses 4â³ and 6â³ duct. UL Listed for wet locations. Here is a link that might be useful: Fantech single grill This post was edited by olychick on Thu, Nov 29, 12 at 4:08

Have the cans in DH's office 4 with a center decorative ceiling mount fixture. Great lighting for his work space. Also have cans down one hall going from my office to DH's office. Hall and office lights are on dimmers and really work well. No swiss cheese effect at all. I would much rather have the cans in my office, as with only one large window that gets little direct sunlight, my office seems too dark despite task lighting over my desk area, two floor lamps as well as 2 other lamps. The lack of light drives me crazy at times, like on a cloudy/rainy day. We did have 2 of the older style recessed lights in our LR and 2 in DR space. I've often wondered what the man who built our home was thinking when he installed the recessed fixtures in a LR and DR space? Just plain ugly with no real efficiency bonus to offset the terrible appearance.

Yes! A bath fan thread. Most important is the ductwork. Insist on well-sealed, rigid metal pipe but a short flex takeoff from the fan can be good practice too. In cold climates, pitch the pipe to the exterior and use R3 to R8 insulation to prevent condensation drip. Use cape or butterfly dampers just inside the exterior wall for better blower door results. Consider 6" pipe for difficult runs and better performance or a jumper duct that passively supplies make-up air from a neighboring room. I just did a jumper duct in my personal bath reno with the supply grill right behind the toilet. It performs really well for that and my tiny bath with notoriously long hot showers. Panasonic whisper fans are among the most recommended and I think it's worth going out of your way for the best models. Integrated LED and 3-speed adjustment are particularly nice features. Broan has been stepping up better offerings too. Be sure the fan is well sealed to the ceiling opening. This important detail is commonly missed as it falls through the trade cracks. Timer delay wall controls seem best suited to effective bath ventilation.