Frequently Asked questions

A sone is a measure of audible sound. The lower the sone, the more comfortable (or quieter) the listening environment. In a typical installation, a Panasonic ventilation fan operates at less than 0.3 sones. To put that in perspective, the average refrigerator runs at 1 sone. Sone readings help us easily compare sound levels of different products or situations. Panasonic ventilation products are generally the quietest in their CFM category.

Air movement, and therefore an exhaust fan’s ability to move air, is measure in cubic feet per minute, or CFM. When selecting the appropriate fan for your bathroom, a fan’s CFM rating is generally effective for the same square footage of the space. For example, a bathroom that is 50 square feet would require a fan rated at a minimum of 50 CFM. The larger the room, the higher the venting power as rated in CFMs.

A ventilation fan uses energy to move air through ducts. Static pressure measures the resistance against that airflow as the fan pushes air through the duct. Static pressure is measured in inches of water column or water gauge (w.g.) to show such resistance is equal to a column of water gauge. Long or complicated (ie. multiple turns) duct runs feature higher static pressure and require more CFM power to exhaust air outside. 

If a static pressure is expressed as 0.1" w.g. or 0.25" w.g., this measurement shows that the resistance is equal to a column of water one-tenth or one-quarter of an inch tall. Listing ratings at 0.1 w.g. means there is little pressure or distance a fan must ‘push against’ to exhaust air. Static pressure usually exceeds 0.25” w.g. on typical residential installations.  

Panasonic’s highest performing fans are tested for performance at 0.375” to 0.50” w.g. For more information on static pressure, visit the Home Ventilation Institute website at www.hvi.org. 

Panasonic fans’ tip speed, blower wheel, exhaust outlet and motor all combine to form a uniquely quiet yet powerful design. Tip speed: Panasonic fans use a wide blower wheel that moves a large amount of air at reduced RPMs. The larger wheel and lower RPMs mean less tip speed and noise.  

A double suction blower wheel draws in air from both sides so there is more area for air to enter the wheel, which reduces noise and increases venting efficiency. The wide exhaust outlet on the discharge side means less turbulent airflow as it enters the duct, and less noise. Quiet motor: Panasonic fans feature AC and DC four-pole condenser motors which rotate smoothly and evenly, reducing noise and increasing efficiency. 

Panasonic fans are among the lowest in the industry when comparing input wattage use. This low wattage draw, or energy consumption, is accomplished with a unique motor design, selective application, and a wide blower wheel (much of the same reasons for their quiet operation as listed above). Because we build our own components, Panasonic can greatly optimize efficiency by matching the exact motor characteristics with desired fan performance. 

The most energy-consuming Panasonic exhaust fan cost less than $30 annually to run, or about 8 cents per day. The least energy-consuming Panasonic fan costs about $11 annually to operate, or about 3 cents per day. The return on investment in home health and occupant health is immeasurable compared to the variety of health issues caused by poor indoor air quality. 

Panasonic fans are renowned for their long-lasting operating life. Meticulously manufactured in our wholly-owned ISO 9001 production facility, our fans are designed to provide continuous operation for a minimum of 30,000 hours, and a typical life of 100,000 hours. That’s about 11.5 years without ever shutting it off. In reality, they will probably last longer.  

Yes. Loose fill or batt insulation can be placed directly over the fan housing in your attic. The efficient, cool running motors, LED, and fluorescent bulbs in Panasonic fans do not create enough ambient heat to prevent using insulation. 

Yes, provided a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protects it. Keep in mind that any ventilation device located in a damp environment may have a reduced life due to high humidity and the increased potential for corrosion. Fans used in high-humidity areas should be operated for longer periods of time, to ensure the removal of moisture and to reduce the potential for condensation in the fan body or ducting.