Replaced all 3 bathroom fans in our Scarborough home last fall. Was shocked at the difference a proper fan makes. Sharing specs and costs.
The Problem With Our Old Fans
All three bathrooms had the same original 1987 fans: 50 CFM, loud enough to mask conversation, and wired to the light switch. Our master ensuite (large, 120+ sq ft) had visible mold on the ceiling every spring no matter how much we cleaned it.
What We Replaced With
Main bath (65 sq ft): Panasonic FV-0811VF1 WhisperFit EZ, 80 CFM, humidity sensing, 0.3 sone. $98 at the supply house.
Powder room (25 sq ft): Panasonic FV-05-11VKS2 WhisperValue, 50 CFM, 0.3 sone. $54.
Master ensuite (130 sq ft): Panasonic FV-15VQ5 WhisperCeiling DC, 150 CFM, humidity + motion sensing, 0.3 sone. $185.
Installation
Our existing electrician quoted $180/fan for same-location swaps (existing duct path, no rewiring). Total electrical: $540.
Total project: ($98 + $54 + $185) + $540 = $877.
Results
The humidity sensing is genuinely transformative. The master ensuite fan activates when we start the shower, runs during, and keeps running after we leave until humidity returns to baseline. First winter with no ceiling mold.
Key Spec to Know
Sone rating is the loudness measure. Standard builder fans are 3-5 sone (clearly audible through a wall). Panasonic WhisperSense series runs at 0.3-0.8 sone - you can barely tell it’s on. This is the single most important spec difference.
Do not wait for the ceiling to mold. The fan upgrade is one of the best-value improvements you can make in an Ontario home.