A Great Upgrade for Noisy, Old, Ineffective Bathroom Fans

M. · 5 January 2017

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } I needed to upgrade my bathroom ventilation system, and as I started researching what fan to use I started leaning towards higher CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) units. I also wanted to modify my original intake/fan/heat lamp housing so I didn't need to do any drywall work and could keep the heat lamps. The Fantech FR 140 fits my purposes perfectly. Here's what I did:1. I pulled the tiny squirrel cage fan with burnt out bearings from the original housing that was installed in the house back in the 70's. It was loud and didn't seem to move any air which prompted this project.2. I pulled the housing out of the attic and closed off the original 3" output port with a generous amount of duct tape.3. Using an angle grinder with a cutoff wheel i created a rectangular opening in the housing to accept a rectangular retrofit adapter to attach to a rectangular to 6" round duct adapter4. I reinstalled the housing and duct taped on the adapters5. The fan was installed hanging from a ceiling rafter using the supplied bracket and a few zip ties to support the other end (I've got it hanging horizontally and the bracket doesn't seem super supportive in that axis)6. I connected the wires from the original fan to the new Fantech with standard 120v rated flat in home wire so it would work on the original switch and not interfere with the heat lamp functioning and the instruction were pretty clear how to connect the wire to the fan itself7. I installed 6" plastic insulated ducting from the housing through a 90 degree adapter to the fan, and from the fan to my outlet with duct tapeResults:Ahhhh, this worked so great it's amazing. It seems a little weird to get excited about a bathroom fan upgrade, but it's such an improvement over the original I have no shame.- It's so quiet; not only is the fan super quiet on its own, but since it's actually 4-5 feet from the vent in the bathroom it's even quieter. All you really hear is the woosh of 214 CFM of air- It really pulls air and the 214 CFM has really cut down on moisture build up leading to mold or mildew in my bathroom that otherwise doesn't see much airflowI really hope this fan works well for some time, and if it ever craps out I'll be sure to update this review with how long it lasted and if I'm still happy with it's performance. I hope it will last a decade or more, but it seems like companies don't really build things to last that long nowadays.

good quality fan

S.S. · 25 July 2023

Excellent quality older model fan. Perfect ot replace a 24 year old one.

This is a Fantech FR-150. The name was confusing ...

C.H. · 10 December 2017

This is a Fantech FR-150. The name was confusing to me, but it looked the same so I bought it. It is labeled and all the documentation is by Fantech. I am not sure why Bolo calls it Amtrol.

Quiet, works great.

A.C. · 6 December 2018

Easy to hook up. Expected it to have more shipping protection.

Quality product.

A.C. · 31 January 2020

Me: commercial remodel contractor, 10 yrs as a plumber.Use: booster fan on a 6" heat run to 2nd floor.Pros: easy install, quality, the unit itself is very quietCons: none on the unit itself. install recommends flex duct on each side to reduce noise. I was concerned with the reduced air flow caused by flex with my application. When installed without the flex it does create reverb noise throughout the distribution system, doubling the sound of the furnace/vent operation sound. Again, not a knock on this unit, more of an fyi for your planned install.Lightweight yet quality parts made for easy install. The brand was recommended to me by my HVAC contractor as his go to the past 4-5 yrs for inline bath and hood vents. Eliminates the noise of traditional bath fans while providing better venting.I live in an older home built in 1925 with only one heat run from basement to 2nd floor so I used this as a booster. The only accessible spot to install is close to the furnace. It made for quick easy install and I wired the fan directly to the furnace control board so it turns on and off with the furnace fan. My furnace happened to have an open accessory port available, check your furnace manual or HVAC person for advice on yours.