Buy Broan 678 Ventilation Fan and Light Combination, 50 CFM

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List Price: $79.32
Sale Price: $31.59
Today's Bonus: 60% Off

First, I bought this from a local big box store but it's the same brand and model number. I'm leaving review to help prospective buyers in their decision making.

This model require access to the attic in order to be able to install it properly. It's definitely not doable from the bottom side of the ceiling alone. This is the kind that the housing requires direct screwing onto the ceiling joist. Other models have separate brackets from the housing. This model however doesn't have that separate bracket/mount that makes installation from the bottom possible.

Installation was a breeze. It was my first time installing an exhaust fan but I did my homework though before I went for it. It took me, a handy amateur, 2 & 1/2 hours to complete the installation. That includes opening the box, reading the installation guide, googling clarifications, getting in and out of the attic, planning placement of the hole, sawing the holes, wiring, screwing the housing, connecting ducts, then from the bottom, installing the covers. I had help though as eyes from the bottom while doing my sawing and also occasional handing me forgotten tools while in the attic. I used only basic amateur tools in the entire process.

After initial assembly it had some rattle/vibration noise. Like what others have mentioned here, this model makes some annoying noises. The pieces/parts are partly loose after assembly. These loose joints rattle like tin can when not addressed. I was able to eliminate 95% of the rattling by adding/placing dots of rubber material here and there. I used white caulking as my rubber material and placed about 6 dots of it here & there.

After loose joints were tightened, it became a true 2.5 sones exhaust. Not the quietest neither the loudest. For the price, it's the best you can buy.

Recommendation:

NOT RECOMMENDED for people not willing to troubleshoot after installation.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for people willing to troubleshoot the rattling after installation.

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In my case this was basically a straight swap of one unit for it's newer twin. The instructions were perfect and the hardware and brackets were correct.

The fan has been up and running for almost two months now and is quiet and efficient.

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You have to insert some plastic buffers in between the light cover the plastic air intake to stop the vibrating sound. But it is easy to install and looks good.

Honest reviews on Broan 678 Ventilation Fan and Light Combination, 50 CFM

Good fan for the price. The manufacturer made changes in it, you can no longer replace the motor or any of the insides as you could to previous models made by this company. It works nice, just a bit more noise than I'd like.

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I'm converting a closet into a bath as an addition to a 1½ bathroom. I shopped around for an exhaust fan and was skeptical about buying the Broan 678 Ventilation Fan and Light Combination, 50 CFM and 2.5-Sones due to the many comments here about rattling-vibration noise. But because of the low price I decided to give it a try. I received and after some minor adjustments, got it installed and it works beautifully. I also added a 4.5 watts LED light, which makes it appear more expensive. It's also quieter than the one installed by the 1½ bathroom, so I'm purchasing another one.

Here are some suggestions:

Rattling noise is created when components vibrate against each other. An easy fix (it worked in my case) is to get a tube of caulk (I used clear instead of white) and caulk every area where there's a joint, even at the outlet where the duct with the flapper mounts to the fan. Just take your time and make sure to get every single joint.

When mounting fan to a joist, use screws instead of nails. Nails can begin to back off due to fan's vibration. Also, place some type of insulation between the joist and the mounting plate of the fan to dampen vibration. I used a piece of ¼" thick rubber.

After the fan is mounted, use a can of foam insulation and spray the foam around where the fan casing meets the ceiling. As the foam expands and hardens, it will provide additional support to the fan, making it more stable. As an added bonus, you may also prevent your AC from escaping around the fan.

When installing the light housing, make sure the nut that support the housing is tight. Don't use just the nut to get the light housing tight against the fan housing, instead push the housing with one hand while tightening the nut. By pushing with your hands, you'll feel whether or not the housing is well seated.

Finally, tie the electrical wires or tape them together and to the fan housing. Wires, it left loose will vibrate and may create noise.

A vibration noise like a loose wire may not be enough to be bothersome, but add the many places an exhaust fan can vibrate and it can drive anyone nuts. However, with some preventing measurements, this fan will sound and look good without breaking your wallet (or purse for that matter).

Note: I could give it a four start due those loose joints issues, but with such a low price and the easy fix to those issues, these exhaust fan is a great product.