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We used this light/exhaust fan to replace a recessed light above our shower. Home builder didn't install an exhaust fan in the bathroom because it wasn't required by code. This product the perfect solution for removing the steam from our shower. I installed it myself after removing the old recessed light. I had to cut the existing hole in the ceiling drywall @ 1/2" wider to fit the light in the same location but the trim baffle covered this up so no drywall repair was necessary. The only reason I had to do this is that the exhaust duct can't be mounted directly against the joist since you need room to clamp the exhaust hose onto the fan. (Design-wise, placing the fan and exhaust duct at the end of the unit seems to be the most efficient use of space.) The unit is quiet and removes the steam from our shower so we no longer have damp walls after using the shower. I highly recommend this product! Also got a good deal at Amazon (@ $15-20 less than Lowes or Home Depot.)
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This product greatly improved the bathroom feel after you get out of the shower. It feels drier and there's less steam on the mirror.I removed the existing recessed light and replaced it with the Broan. It fit in perfectly in the existing hole and the ability to mark and install the nails before you slide the extendable arms on them was a huge plus since I was close to the edge of the attic making it almost impossible to install if I had to place the unit in position first. I hooked up the vent pipe and existing electricity line (switch will run fan and light together) and it worked great without any breaker tripping.
I had to pay extra for other accessories to make it work and have it up to code. It adds $75 to the cost, but I got a great price for the Broan in Amazon and the total was $155. Here's what you need to add:
GFCI breaker for the breaker box. It eliminated the need to cut holes and install the GFCI switch in the bathroom.
PAR30L Halogen light (75W).
Insulated exhaust tube.
Tee to install tube to existing exhaust tube (I didn't have the ability to install a new exit hole in the side of the house which is better to do, and cheaper).
Of course you need your usual tools like a hammer, cutter, nails, duct tape, pliers.
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I have installed 6 of these light/fans in my new home. They are generally high quality but quite noisy. 1.5 sones was the quietest rating available of any ceiling-mounted fan at the time of purchase. The only component of these fan/lights that is not of the highest quality is the reflector which is made of plastic. The use of compact fluorescent lamps will minimize potential heat damage/discoloration to the reflector.If you want a quiet fan and cannot access your attic, this fan is recommended. However, if you want quiet and your attic is accessible, I recommend spending the additional time/money installing an inline (remote/attic mounted) ventilation fan such as Panasonic FV-10NLF1 WhisperLine In-Line Ventilation Fan for Single or Multiple Inlets to minimize the noise. (Note that this small inline fan exhausts twice as much air as the Broan 744.) A 5-10-15-30 minute timer (such as Woods 59007 Decora Style 30-15-10-5 Minute Preset Wall Switch Timer, White, 30-Minute) to control either fan is a luxury you can't afford to be without...
Honest reviews on Broan 744 70 CFM Recessed 75 Watt Bulb Fan/Light
I read a lot of reviews about this Broan 744. I'm going to base my review on the questions I had and knowledge I gained from installing this exact product.I purchased one of these from Amazon and also had a brick and mortar store price match amazon since at the last minute I decided to install 2 fans. I mention this, because Amazon has the best price as of me writing this review for this product.
My house was build in 1985, and I was installing 2 fans on the upper floor bathrooms. I installed them by utilizing the attic crawl space to accomplish this. I only mention this, because somewhere along the line I read a review somewhere that made it seem like this unit could be installed from inside the bathroom. Maybe it can, but you will have to do some extensive drywall repair if you do so. So my review is based solely on my experience with my exact install.
Other than the fan it self, you will need a 4 inch ducting tube to route the air to a roof air vent in your attic. I also purchased a role of foil tape, as duct tape will get dry and brittle in time. The foil tape is used to attach the 4" ducting tube to the 4" outlet on the Broan 744. I also purchased 14 / 3 wire to power my Broan 744 from an existing Fan Light in my bathroom. And a GFCI breaker for my power box in my garage.
Since the Broan 744 was an additional fan/light for my bathroom, I got my power source from a fan/light that is already in my bathroom that is positioned over the toilet. I installed my Broan 744 over my tub. I purchased electrical wire that is 14/3 wire. Meaning, 3 wires and 1 ground. For my application, I am essentially running my fan in series which means I'm using my new wire and tapping into the exact same wires in the fan that is already installed into my bathroom and then leading that wire over to my new Broan 744. I have 1 light switch in my bathroom that controls the light and one switch that controls the fan. Wiring it like this allows for both fans and lights to work in the exact same way. Fan switch turns on both fans, light switch turns on both lights.
For me the wiring went like this.
Existing wiring in house / Wires coming out of Broan 744
Copper Ground to Green screw mounted in case ( you can't miss it )
Red to Red (this is for the light)
White to White ( this is the neutral)
Black to Blue ( this is for the fan)
I measured and located where I wanted to install my Broan 744. I put a little mark on the ceiling and then used a wire coat hanger to push it straight through the ceiling so I could find it in the attic. I have spray in insulation, so it's a bit of a chore to clear it all out to prepare your working are. I located my coat hangers and determined that I could use the space provided as I didn't have any issues with studs in the ceiling.
You will need to cut a 6 1/2 inch hole for your Broan 744. I am taking all the guess work out of it for you, if you cut a good 6 1/2 inch hole you will be happy with your install. There is a brown piece of cardboard that is in the box that is designed for new construction purposes as it blocks the hole so that nothing gets in the fan/light if the spray texture or paint. That templet is 6 1/2 inches around I traced that onto a new piece of cardboard and cut that out and then used my 6 1/2 inch templet I created to trace circles on the ceiling to signify where I needed to cut. I used a plain old drywall saw that I bought at brick and mortar store for $6. And it worked perfectly. I was able to saw a perfect circle following the lines I drew on the ceiling. So have confidence that a plain old drywall saw will work perfectly fine.
Some reviewers complain about a noisy or rattling fan. The instructions state to crimp the slide channels once it's installed. I'm gonna teach you a trick. put the support arms into the slide channels before you crawl into your attic. Use a big screwdriver to crimp the channels down on the support arms. It will make it tough to slide the support arms out in order to position it, but it's not impossible to move them and you'll eliminate any possible rattling noise that the support arms could possibly make. I had a roof about 2 feet over my head where I was installing, so crimping the slide channels while laying in insulation and not trying to fall through the ceiling was going to be a major chore. I highly recommend crimping it before you take it up to the attic.
The instructions call for a 1/8" gap between the Broan 744 and the drywall. I accomplished this by taking a paint mixing stick and cutting it into 4 pieces. I positioned the Broan 744 over the 6 1/2 inch hole and and then gently lifted each corner and slid the paint stick under it. It is now 1/8 inch above the drywall ceiling. I then extended the support arms out until they touched the ceiling studs and used drywall screws to hold the support arms to the studs. once it was supported, I slid the paint sticks out and wallah, it was hovering 1/8 inch above the drywall ceiling. This keeps the fan motor from vibrating on the ceiling.
I purchased PAR30 bulbs and discovered I really need PAR30L bulbs (for wet climates). A short or medium neck bulb will work, but I recommend a "long neck" PAR30L bulb, it works better and in my opinion, allows more air to be sucked out. I mention this, because I believe the "long neck" bulb allows the fan to work at peak performance and it's not really covered anywhere that I read.
To install over a tub, the easiest fix to make it "legal" and completely safe is to install a new breaker in your power box. You need a GFCI breaker. Every power box is a little different so I won't go into details very much. But if you pop out your breaker and take it to a place that sells breakers and show them what you have and tell them you need the GFCI version, they should be able to help you out.
I have a couple pictures I'll add to the pictures with some notes if it helps anyone.
It's really not all that tough to do, it does take time but the reward is great once you have completed this project. Also, don't forget to turn off your power when doing any wiring. My review isn't meant as the "how to install" it just covers some tips and answers the questions I had prior to installing this in my own house.
I rated this product 4 stars and not 5 stars simply because the instructions could be a little more detailed. The product itself is a 5 star product based on what you're buying 1.5 sones, 70 cfm. Obviously there are better fan/lights out there, but not at this price. The product does work great and it really lights up the shower. Thanks to the light, I can definitely see that I need to eat a little healthier and probably do a sit up or 500.
Good luck.
Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Broan 744 70 CFM Recessed 75 Watt Bulb Fan/Light
I found these on the web and then found them at a big-box store. The design is a great way to add an exhaust fan without taking up so much ceiling real estate, plus add in recessed lighting.
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