The look of this is a simple, sleek curve. I wish the white plastic cover somehow did not LOOK like plastic. But at least it's a textured plastic. A frosted glass light cover instead of the translucent light cover would really help out the look of this--the supplied light cover give the biggest impression of "cheap plastic".
I bought the first one from a dealer in California, and the second one off eBay--each were around $215 (which includes shipping).
This sucker is heavy, much more than a typical fan/light/vent. It has separate fans for the heater and vent, which is part of the reason for this. The vent fan is much bigger than most fans.
Before installing, I suggest you remove the light from the main unit first, not so much to cut down on the weight you have to lift but to make it easier to get a grip on this thing. I built a frame box (of 2"x4"'s pieces) around mine rather than relying on the included spanners. I removed all the spanner attachments and could then insert it into a 16-3/8 x 11-1/8 hole in the drywall (I had to get up in the attic to build the frame box and attach the venting).
The most annoying thing to me about this unit is the ridiculously tight space they give for all the electrical connections. The area is a triangular slot which is a tight fit to insert my open hand. Plan on doing the connections below that enclosure and then stuffing them up into the enclosure (this is tedious and you may find yourself swearing about it). You have separate connections for the heater, vent, light, and night light (4 wire nuts), plus neutral and ground wires, all of which are to be stuffed up in that enclosure. This is really the worse thing about this fan--I'd been happier if they had supplied a separate electrical box for which I had the choice to attach to the top or the end of the main unit (I'd be willing to run the leads through one of two knockouts to make this work).
Something you definitely do NOT want to try is to use cable clamps that are held in place by a nut; to use these you have to stick your hand up in darned triangular enclosure and thread the nuts. I managed to do this on the first unit, but didn't even attempt it on the 2nd unit. Instead, Home Depot sells cable clamps that you can insert from outside the box that snap into place with two clicks. $.78 for two, BIG time saver (and less swearing)!
It would be nice if the nightlight could be controlled with an external switch (your only choice now) -ORif it could be controlled by a photosensor to turn itself on when it's dark. This might save you a switch, but you'd still have to run a line for the nightlight in either case.
The included bulbs are fluorescent and are a "bright white", not a soft white. This coloring will stand out if you're used to "soft white" lighting in your home. You can buy replacement bulbs of different colors of white, though (and it's nice that the bulbs are included).
I installed these by myself, but an attentive helper would be a big plus in holding the box while you screw it into place
In summary, I'd buy a 3rd one if I were in the market.
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I purchased a Panasonic FV-11VH1 heater fan for my new home construction. Outwardly, the unit appeared well made, and the unit operated flawlessly (and very quietly I must add) for about 5 months. As a sidenote, I also purchased four other Panasonic bathroom ventilating fans, and all appear high quality and all are very quiet.Unfortunately, after only 5 months of VERY light use, the FV-11VH1 unit heater failed. Upon removal and close scrutiny, I discovered the electrical wire lead that connects 120V service to the heating element had literally deteriorated, and subsequently fell off. When I state deteriorated, I mean to the point of virtual dust. Accordingly, the heater element did not work simply due to lack of incoming electric service. I then tested (using ohm meter) the heating element itself to discover it was still operable, and subsequently tested it under 120V power to verify it did work...which it did. I then scrutinized the heater's electrical connection prongs, and discovered the special heatproof insulation surrounding the failed prong/connector had, like the wire lead, deteriorated.
As the unit was only five months old, and still under three year warranty, I got on line to contact Panasonic for service instructions. Despite being very savvy on line, I could not find any contact information for Panasonic Service Centers. I called all three Panasonic Consumer phone numbers, and all three numbers enabled me to speak to an automated voice giving Panasonic Service Center contact information. I called six Panasonic Service Centers (in three states) to find out they do not service the Heater / Fan units, and they did not what Panasonic Center did. Each Service Center rep was helpful, but stated they did not have product specific Service Center information. I inquired with each Service Center rep as to "how could I contact a human being at Panasonic to ask of service"...in each case, and without hesitation, the reps stated there is no way a human contact can be made via Panasonic Consumer Services. No matter how long I remain on the phone with the Panasonic automated voice system, there is NEVER an option to "press 0" or similar to actually speak with a representative.
I have emailed Panasonic four times now, each time utilizing their Customer Service contact format. I have received automated responses from Panasonic, all identical, and all stating to contact my installer. My installer is an electrician, has been involved in this fiasco, and marvels that we cannot get part number specific information...much less, actual warranty service. He will never recommend another Panasonic heater fan again...
I am technically able to repair my unit, but would like to order the correct parts via Panasonic. Unfortunately, there are NO SCHEMATICS WHATSOEVER available to me, as a consumer. Accordingly, I can find parts and part numbers for my unit, but cannot unconditionally identify that I am purchasing the correct part. I do know this...the replacement heating element for this unit is $12 less that my original purchase price. Add in shipping cost, and my total cost (I've given up on warranty service) is greater than the cost of a new unit.
I have been a Panasonic fan since about 1975, and have always had good luck with the entire range of Panasonic products. This particular scenario has changed my opinion 180 degrees, as I will never purchase another Panasonic product again, and am pleased to be able to announce to others my tale in an era where customer service is paramount.
Update 12/9/2011: Matt, Thank you for providing relevant Panasonic contact information. Panasonic finally did come through!
Upon FINALLY finding someone within Panasonic Corp. that clearly understood the defect outlined in my original review, an entire new unit was sent. I did find it extremely physically and economically inefficient that Panasonic sent an entire new unit, despite only two heating element wires being defective on the original. The whole replacement affair was a bit bizarre...the replacement unit I received, while appearing "new"...did not come in a designated Panasonic box, and was very obviously packed in a generic box using whatever packing material the Panasonic employee who packed it could get his/her hands on. Very unprofessional. Conversely, I now have "replacement" parts for virtually every part...but hope that I do not need them.
I installed the new heating element, have used the heater unit for many hours, and have checked the heater element wiring for degradation...of which I have found none. All in all, despite my abysmal initial experience, this heater/fan unit is operating quietly and efficiently. The heater unit will heat our large bathroom with 10' ceiling, and the ventilation unit is very efficient at removing moist air. My faith in Panasonic has been severely shaken, but at least I'm recovering and would consider other Panasonic products.
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I have purchased and installed three identical Panasonic FV-11VHL2 bathroom fan-light-heat units in two years. All three have had service trouble and parts are not available. The Panasonic web site is not helpful and if you call Panasonic service centers, they will not be able to fix it or even know what it is. One service center said, "We'll take a look if you send it to us." Ha, that's part of the problem. These units are built in and don't come out unless you feel like knocking out all the plaster.Unit one worked for 8 months and then the blower came loose of the fan motor. Unit two night light socket broke for no good reason. I fixed that myself by throwing away the Panasonic bulb socket and putting in a new candle opera receptacle. It was a lot of unnecessary work that would have been quick and easy if Panasonic had any parts available.
Unit three main lights don't work because the electronic ballast has gone bad. Once again, there is no room to work. If you unscrew the light fixture from the main unit, there is only 3 inches of slack in the wire which is not enough.
Soooo, the first unit I replaced with an equivalent Nutone. The second is still working. I haven't yet found an electronic ballast that fits in the small space so the jury is still out on that one.
Overall, when they work, they're great. When they quit, you fix it yourself. There are no parts available so unless you're creative and handy at fabrication, the entire fan unit will have to be replaced which means breaking out plaster, replastering, and repainting. That's a lot of money if you're not handy.
Honest reviews on Panasonic FV-11VHL2 WhisperWarm 110 CFM Ceiling Mounted
This thing is awesome. Heater is very powerful. Only need to run it for a minute on cold days to warm up the bathroom (11 X 7 or so). Fan is powerful and quiet. Passed the paper, fumes, and stink tests. Light and night light work fine. Night light is great for mood lighting!I gutted a bathroom and installed it. I could see it being much more difficult (perhaps impossible) if you are installing this as a replacement. If you are, make sure you have space in your attic for the fan and space to work. You will be up there a while. Also check the width between joists, be sure that it will fit.
Install was a bit difficult but nothing that serious. Put in a dedicated 20 amp breaker in the panel for this. I think the unit is 1500 watts so my town's code required a separate dedicated 20 amp circut. Ran a 12 gauge wire from there to the unit. Then 4 wires out to the switches (the space to insert the four wires was tight but still workable) Be sure to use 20 amp switches. Brackets worked great. Unit is 13 1/2" and fits in standard ceilings perfectly. Run the heater with a window open for a while once you install it to burn off any oils and afterward use the fan to suck out the fumes.
Expensive, think I paid $290 including shipping, but it does everything I wanted very well. Watch for deals, I've seen it for less, but I needed to order right away. Regardless, well worth the price and the time installing it.
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Based on the reviews here we purchased two of these, one for each bathroom. We looked at Lowes and Home Depot and most of their products received very mixed reviews. These Panasonic fans were not available locally so we had to purchase through Amazon. They arrived ahead of schedule and well packed. The instructions were adequate. I did do some math and discovered that 1400 watts for the heater consumes 12 amps. Since our bathrooms shared a 20 amp circuit, I had to create a separate circuit. I also had to add another wire from the fan to the switch because of the night light. I was able to get both fans installed this past weekend and I have no regrets. They are quiet. The added night light is really nice. The heater works perfectly. The vent is plenty strong enough. The vent fan starts slow and then ramps up speed.The main light has two fluorescent bulbs equivalent to a 100 Watt incandescent light bulb.(One year later) Both fans are still functioning like brand new. We absolutely love them!
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