Humidity sensing bath fans that include lights are perfect if you need automatic fan control and extra lighting.
These multi-function bathroom fans can save space so homeowners don't need to install a separate light fixture. The humidity sensor can help prevent moisture damage or mold growth especially for household members who always forget to turn it on when taking a shower.
The humidity sensors can be adjustable (depending on the model) or it may have a fixed humidity level where it kicks on. Many of these bath fans also include motion sensors to turn on the light (or the fan itself).
Check out our comparison table below of the best bathroom exhaust fans with humidity sensors and lights or keep reading for the full review of each one. Let's get started!
| Image | Product | |||
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Best Overall  | Best Overall | Panasonic WhisperSense
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| View on Amazon |
Best Included Wall Switch  | Best Included Wall Switch | Homewerks 7146-80-MS
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| View on Amazon |
Best Bright LED  | Best Bright LED | Hauslane BF-200HM
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| View on Amazon |
Best Overall
Our hands-down best pick for bath fans with humidity sensors and lights goes to the WhisperSense by Panasonic.
- Humidity Sensor: Adjustable 30% to 80%
- Light: 10-Watt LED
- CFM: 50/80/110
- Dimensions: 16.49"D x 14.01"W x 11.65"H
- Duct Size: 4" or 6"
The WhisperSense includes a humidity sensor that will automatically turn the fan on or off based on the moisture in the air. It is easily adjustable between 30% relative humidity and up to 80% so you can dial in exactly how you want it to perform!
This premium Panasonic exhaust fan also has a bright 10-watt LED light so you can replace or complement any bathroom light fixture.
And the WhisperSense includes a motion sensor which can complement the humidity sensor for automatic control. The motion sensor will turn the bathroom fan on if someone just walks into the bathroom. Homeowners can use the motion and humidity sensor together, or they can just use one of them.
Another cool feature of this exhaust fan is that there is a little switch on the housing so you can choose between 50, 80, or 110-cfm fan speed. Homeowners don't have to feel stuck with a specific fan speed and can change it at will.
The motor is a high quality ECM variable speed motor which will actually speed up or slow down in order to reach the desired CFM. This means that if your ducting isn't perfect (maybe has a few bends), the WhisperSense will automatically speed up in order to get the proper fan speed.
The ECM motor is also what makes the WhisperSense Energy Star Certified since it is so efficient.
Pick #2: Homewerks 7146-80-MS
Best Included Wall Switch
Our top pick for the best humidity sensing bath fan and light that includes a wall switch goes to the Homewerks 7146-80-MS.
- Humidity Sensor: Turns on at 60% humidity (fixed)
- Light: 15-watt dimmable LED light and night light
- CFM: 80
- Dimensions: 10.2"D x 10.2"W x 7"H
- Duct Size: 4-inch
This Homewerks bath fan includes a humidity sensor that will automatically turn on when the relative humidity reaches 60% or higher. It will then automatically turn off when it drops below 60%.
The Homewerks exhaust fan includes a bright 15-watt dimmable LED light that includes a motion sensor to turn on and off the light. There is even a night light included which can automatically switch from the main light (and back to the night light).
It is rated at 80-cfm fan speed so it is perfect for small to medium sized bathrooms up to around 80 square feet. The sound level of this fan is moderate and it's rated at 1.5-sone which is a little louder than some of our other exhaust fans.
Pick #3: Hauslane BF-200HM
Best Bright LED
Our top pick for the brightest LED lighted bathroom fan that senses humidity goes to the Hauslane BF-200HM.
It is a quality bathroom fan made by world renowned Hauslane which is mostly known for the manufacturer of award winning range hoods.
- Humidity Sensor: Included but not adjustable
- Light: 6-watt LED light
- CFM: 120
- Dimensions: 10" x 10" x 8"
- Duct Size: 4-inch
This bathroom fan comes with a humidity sensor and motion sensor for unparalleled control of your bathroom fan and light.
The humidity sensor will automatically kick on the exhaust fan while the motion sensor will turn on the light. The control options are great for households that forget to turn on the bath fan or need extra help to turn on the light in the middle of the night.
The LED light like is rated at 5000K which gives it a nice bluish white light that is very bright so homeowners could use it as a primary light if they wish.
The BF-200HM is rated at 120-cfm fan speed so it is perfect for bathrooms up to around 120 square feet in size. Hauslane also makes this bathroom fan easy to install from below without attic access with their included hanger brackets.
Our Overall Top Rated Pick
Our overall top pick goes to the Panasonic WhisperSense because it comes with an adjustable humidity sensor from 30% to 80% relative humidity.
It also comes with a bright 10-watt LED light to illuminate the bathroom. Homeowners can pick between 50, 80, or 110-cfm fan speeds by flipping a switch on the housing.
The variable speed motor will slow up or speed down for efficiency and it is even Energy Star certified. If you want a bathroom fan with just a humidity sensor (no light) then we recommend this WhisperSense model. Or if you want a bath fan with just a light, we recommend the Panasonic WhisperFit.
Factors To Consider
When picking a bath fan with humidity sensor and light, there are few things to consider before buying one.
CFM
The CFM (cubic feet per minute) is a measurement of airflow strength for bathroom fans. It is important for homeowners to pick the right sized exhaust fan for the bathroom.
The most basic way to pick a CFM is for it to match the square footage of the bathroom. If the bathroom is 100 square feet in size (floor), then you need a bath fan rated at least 100-CFM.
Additional Wiring
Homeowners should keep in mind that a new wall switch and additional wiring may be needed to operate the bath fan.
Especially if you want to use the bath fan separately from the light or humidity sensor, a new wall switch will be needed.
Some bathroom fans homeowners will be able to control the humidity sensing separately with an independent switch and with others you won't.
Dimensions
It's always a good idea to look at your existing bathroom fan and ceiling joists before you buy a new fan.
If the new bath fan is too tall such as a 9-inch depth but the ceiling joist is a 2x8 — then it simply won't fit unless there is an attic above.
Likewise, if the bath fan is bigger than the existing drywall cutout, homeowners will need to use a drywall saw to enlarge the hole when installing it.
Wall Switches With Humidity Sensors
Homeowners should also consider buying a wall switch with a humidity sensor rather than buying a new bath fan.
If you only want a new bathroom fan in order to get the humidity sensing feature, a new wall switch can easily do the job without the expense.
Leviton wall switch with humidity sensor
These wall switches have built-in humidity sensors that can turn it on or off based on the relative humidity and can even come with countdown timers as well.
Final Thoughts
Humidity sensing bathroom fans that include lights can be a great addition to any bathroom.
Here are a few of the main points of this buyer's guide:
- Our overall top pick goes to the WhisperSense because it has an adjustable moisture sensor and a bright LED light.
- It is essential to pick the correct CFM for your bathroom size which is usually around the same as the square footage (80-cfm for an 80-sf bathroom).
- The bath fan may require additional wiring and a secondary wall switch.
- If you just want the humidity sensing feature, a wall switch with built-in humidity sensor may do the trick
I hope you enjoyed this guide from TimberSill. Below are a few of our other guides you may find valuable and some external website references.
Additional Related Guides
- Best Bathroom Fans With Humidity Sensors (No Light)
- The Best Overall Bath Fans (All Types & Categories)
- The Best Panasonic Bathroom Exhaust Fans With Humidity Sensors
- How To Install Bath Fan And Light On Separate Switches
- Wiring A Bath Fan And Light On SAME SWITCH