Broan-NuTone - Complete Ventilation Guide
Need ventilation products? Home Essentials Direct stocks the complete Broan-NuTone line of bathroom exhaust fans, range hoods, and whole-house ventilation systems. This guide helps you understand CFM ratings, sone levels, and choose the right ventilation for your home.
About Broan-NuTone
Broan-NuTone has been America-s ventilation leader since 1932. Headquartered in Hartford, Wisconsin, they manufacture over 25 million ventilation products annually. The 2019 merger combined two iconic American brands - Broan (founded 1932) and NuTone (founded 1936).
Broan-NuTone By the Numbers
- Founded: 1932 (Broan), 1936 (NuTone)
- Annual Production: 25+ million units
- Market Position: #1 in North America residential ventilation
- Headquarters: Hartford, Wisconsin
- Manufacturing: Multiple U.S. facilities
Bathroom Exhaust Fans
Proper bathroom ventilation prevents mold, removes odors, and protects your home from moisture damage. See our complete Bathroom Fan Buying Guide for detailed selection help.
Broan Bathroom Fan Series
| Series | CFM Range | Sone Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flex Series | 50-110 CFM | 0.5-1.5 | Budget-friendly, DIY install |
| Roomside Series | 80-110 CFM | 0.3-1.0 | Easy ceiling install |
| InVent Series | 50-110 CFM | 0.3-1.0 | TrueSeal damper, efficient |
| Ultra Pro Series | 110-400 CFM | 0.3-1.5 | High-performance, large spaces |
Fan Feature Options
- Fan Only: Basic ventilation, most affordable
- Fan + Light: Combines ventilation with LED lighting
- Fan + Heater: Adds warmth on cold mornings
- Fan + Humidity Sensor: Auto-activates when moisture detected
- Fan + Motion Sensor: Turns on when someone enters
- Fan + Bluetooth Speaker: Built-in audio
Range Hoods
Kitchen ventilation removes smoke, grease, and cooking odors while keeping your home fresh. Broan offers hoods for every kitchen style and cooking intensity.
Range Hood Types
| Type | CFM Range | Installation | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under-Cabinet | 100-400 CFM | Below cabinet | Most kitchens, easy install |
| Wall-Mount Chimney | 300-900 CFM | Wall, no cabinet above | Statement piece, serious cooking |
| Island | 400-1200 CFM | Ceiling, over island | Open floor plans |
| Insert/Liner | 300-1200 CFM | Custom hood enclosure | Custom kitchen designs |
| Downdraft | 300-600 CFM | Behind/beside cooktop | Islands without overhead venting |
Calculating Range Hood CFM
General rule: 100 CFM per linear foot of cooktop width. A 30-inch range needs minimum 250-300 CFM. For gas ranges, calculate 1 CFM per 100 BTU of burner output.
CFM Calculator - Bathroom Fans
CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) measures airflow. Here-s how to calculate what you need:
Method 1: By Square Footage
| Bathroom Size | Minimum CFM | Recommended CFM |
|---|---|---|
| Under 50 sq ft | 50 CFM | 70-80 CFM |
| 50-100 sq ft | 1 CFM per sq ft | 1.5 CFM per sq ft |
| Over 100 sq ft | 1 CFM per sq ft | Add 50 CFM per toilet/shower |
Method 2: By Fixtures
For large bathrooms, add up fixture requirements:
- Toilet: 50 CFM
- Shower: 50 CFM
- Bathtub: 50 CFM
- Jetted Tub: 100 CFM
Example: Master bath with separate toilet, shower, and jetted tub = 50 + 50 + 100 = 200 CFM minimum
Sone Guide - Understanding Fan Noise
Sones measure perceived loudness. Lower = quieter:
| Sone Rating | Sound Comparison | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| 0.3 sones | Rustling leaves | Ultra-quiet, barely audible |
| 0.5-1.0 sones | Quiet refrigerator | Excellent for master baths |
| 1.0-2.0 sones | Normal conversation | Good for guest baths |
| 2.0-3.0 sones | Office background | Budget-friendly option |
| 3.0-4.0 sones | TV at normal volume | Noticeable, utility areas |
Our recommendation: 1.0 sone or less for bedrooms and master baths. 2.0 sones or less for guest bathrooms.
Broan-NuTone FAQ
How do I know what CFM I need?
Calculate 1 CFM per square foot of bathroom space. A 10x8 (80 sq ft) bathroom needs at least 80 CFM. For large bathrooms, add 50 CFM for each toilet, shower, and bathtub. See our complete CFM guide.
What is a good sone rating?
1.0 sone or lower is considered quiet. 0.3-0.5 sones is ultra-quiet - you-ll barely notice it-s running. Budget fans typically run 2.0-4.0 sones. We recommend 1.0 sones or less for living spaces.
Do bathroom fans need to vent outside?
Yes! Always vent bathroom exhaust fans to the outdoors through roof or wall vents. NEVER vent into the attic - this causes moisture damage, mold, and potential structural problems.
How long is Broan warranty?
Most Broan residential products carry a 3-year limited warranty. ENERGY STAR certified models may have extended warranties. Commercial products vary. Register at broan-nutone.com for warranty service.
Can I replace my fan with a larger CFM model?
Usually yes, if your ductwork supports it. Match the duct size (typically 4" or 6" diameter). Longer duct runs may require higher CFM to compensate for airflow loss.
Related Resources
- Bathroom Fan Buying Guide - CFM calculator, sone ratings
- Glossary: CFM Explained
- Glossary: Sone Ratings
- TOTO Brand Guide - Toilets and bathroom fixtures
- FAQ - Shipping, Returns, Payments
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