Best bathroom fan switch

Best Bathroom Fan Switches

If you’ve just bought yourself a brand new bathroom exhaust fan, maybe you’re also looking to purchase a wall switch for it. 

While it’s always possible to get a regular toggle switch, it should be pointed out that modern fans often come with extra features, such as bathroom exhaust fans with LED lights or humidity sensors. And for these, you’re going to need more than just a standard toggle switch. 

In this article, I’ll talk about:

  • The features of the market’s best bathroom fan switches; 
  • Humidity sensor switches; 
  • Countdown sensor switches; 

…and more. Keep reading! 

Contents

Overview of the Best-Rated Bathroom Fan Switches

Winner
ModelTopgreener Dual-TechLeviton DecoraEnerlites CountdownGE Push-ButtonAirCycler SmartExhaust
Image[amazon fields="B06XPTH4YX" value="thumb" image_size="small" image_alt="" image_align="center"][amazon fields="B00H3QQD64" value="thumb" image_size="small" image_alt="" image_align="center"][amazon fields="B00IB0ZJXE" value="thumb" image_size="small" image_alt=""][amazon fields="B007BJULYS" value="thumb" image_size="small" image_alt=""][amazon fields="B01NBLE8Q2" value="thumb" image_size="small" image_alt=""]
Current rating3 amp4 amp15 amp6 ampN/A
Dimensions5” x 3.1” x 2.3”1.75” x 1.22” x 4.13”1.7” x 1.47” x 2.75”2.24” x 4.78” x 6.88”4.69” x 2.9” x 2.2”
Weight7.2 oz5.8 oz8.64 oz4.6 oz5.93 oz
Price[amazon fields = "B06XPTH4YX" value = "price"][amazon fields = "B00H3QQD64" value = "price"][amazon fields = "B00IB0ZJXE" value = "price"][amazon fields = "B007BJULYS" value = "price"][amazon fields = "B01NBLE8Q2" value = "price"]
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The Best Bathroom Fan Switch 

Topgreener Dual-Tech

Topgreener bathroom fan switch

Features: 

  • An energy-efficient bathroom fan switch 
  • Controls light & fan simultaneously 
  • Humidity sensor & motion sensor 
  • Three adjustable humidity levels 
  • Four time-delay settings 

The only flaw of this phenomenal bathroom fan switch is that its wall plate is sold separately. 

Otherwise, it’s an extremely feature-rich model that provides the user with full control over their bathroom exhaust fan. The Topgreener Dual-Tech switch is equipped with two different sensors that allow automatic operation, although the user can control each of its functions manually as well. 

It is, in my opinion, the best device of this type you can get for your money on today’s market.

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Reviews of the Best-Rated Bathroom Fan Switches  

1. AirCycler SmartExhaust

Air Cycler Switch

Specifications:

Current rating: N/A
Dimensions: 4.69” x 2.9” x 2.2” 
Weight: 5.93 oz 

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The very first model in my roundup is the SmartExhaust, a premium bathroom fan switch made by AirCycler. It is available in only one color – just like the rest of the switches on my list – and is designed as a replacement for both the fan and the light switch. 

The model is capable of providing a precise amount of ventilation thanks to its innovative microprocessor technology. While it may look somewhat complicated at a first glance, it has only two actually important settings – ventilation and delay. 

By using the first setting – ventilation – you can choose the number of minutes per hour during which you’d like your bathroom fan to operate. The second setting, on the other hand, will allow you to choose for how long you’d like the fan to operate once the bathroom light has been turned off. 

The AirCycler SmartExhaust also has a manual mode and is exceptionally easy to install. All in all, a great deal. 

Pros:

  • Smart microprocessor technology
  • Continuous ventilation mode
  • Two easy-to-use settings
  • Up to 1-hour timer delay 

Cons:

  • Expensive 

2. GE Push-Button

GE bathroom fan switch

Specifications:

  • Current rating: 6 amp  
  • Dimensions: 2.24” x 4.78” x 6.88” 
  • Weight: 4.6 oz 

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Next up is GE Push-Button, one of the best-selling products of this type and a genuinely feature-rich bathroom fan switch. What is more, it’s one of the cheapest models on my list and a great choice for those on a budget. 

This particular model certainly lives up to its name – it is equipped with six easy-to-use buttons that allow a homeowner to choose between various timer settings, ranging from 5 minutes to 4 hours. You just have to push one of the buttons and you’re good to go – it’s as easy as that. 

Obviously, this bath fan switch also has a large on/off button, as well as a décor wall plate that easily fits most gang rocker plates. It is also very easy to set up, and the installation does not require a neutral wire. 

The last thing worth mentioning is that each of the six timer buttons – as well as the on/off button – has its own LED indicator light. These are of blue color and show the last used preset.

Pros:

  • Simple, minimalistic design 
  • Exceptionally easy to use 
  • Six preset countdowns 
  • Quick installation 

Cons:

  • The on/off button gets stuck from time to time 

3. Enerlites Countdown

Enerlites bathroom fan switch

Specifications:

  • Current rating: 15 amp 
  • Dimensions: 1.7” x 1.47” x 2.75” 
  • Weight: 8.64 oz 

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Here we have yet another budget-friendly bathroom fan switch – the Enerlites Countdown. The design of this particular switch is very similar to that of the model described above (GE Push-Button). 

This switch also has only seven buttons in total – the large on/off button and the six smaller buttons that allow you to choose between six pre-set countdown options. The model can replace spring-loaded timers, fan switches, as well as standard wall light switches. 

Just like in the case of GE Push-Button, Enerlites Countdown also has a blue LED light next to each of its buttons. Due to the fact that these lights shine quite brightly, the manufacturer advises against installing this switch on a bedroom wall. 

One big difference between this switch and the one reviewed above is the maximum amount of operational time you can choose – here, it’s only 30 minutes (compared to 4 hours on the GE Push-Button). It also doesn’t come with a cover plate. Without a doubt, it’s one of the best bathroom fan timer switches.

Pros:

Each button has its indicator light 
Works with all bathroom fans 
User-friendly design 
Easy to install 

Cons:

No cover plate 

4. Leviton Decora

Leviton bathroom fan switch

Specifications:

  • Current rating: 4 amp 
  • Dimensions: 1.75” x 1.22” x 4.13” 
  • Weight: 5.8 oz 

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There’s a lot to like about this convenient bathroom fan switch from Leviton. Well-designed and easy to use, it provides a homeowner with full control over his venting appliance. 

First of all, Leviton Decora uses special digital sensing technology that can detect excess moisture in the bathroom and automatically activate the fan. You can, of course, activate the ventilation process manually and choose between three sensitivity adjustments and four sensor time settings.  

With this wall switch, you can operate both a regular bathroom fan and a fan/light combo. It requires a neutral wire for operation and fits inside most wall boxes. 

One thing I particularly like about Leviton Decora is its contemporary design. It looks quite minimalistic and easily blends into any kind of bathroom décor.

Pros:

  • Digital humidity sensing technology 
  • Three sensitivity adjustments 
  • Four sensor time settings 
  • Contemporary design 

Cons:

  • The humidity sensor is somewhat inconsistent 

5. Topgreener Dual-Tech

Topgreener bathroom fan switch

Specifications:

  • Current rating: 3 amp 
  • Dimensions: 5” x 3.1” x 2.3” 
  • Weight: 7.2 oz 

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This bathroom fan switch ended up as my #1 pick for several different reasons. Its only disadvantage is that it comes without a cover plate – everything else about it is just outstanding. 

The “Dual-Tech” in the name of this model means that it can control both the exhaust fan and the light at the same time. What is more, the device is equipped with two different sensors – the standard humidity sensor and the PIR (Passive Infrared) motion sensor. 

As its name suggests, the humidity sensor of this Topgreener switch can detect the amount of moisture in the air and turn the fan on without any input on part of the homeowner (you can, of course, do this manually as well). The motion sensor, on the other hand, detects movement in the bathroom and turns the light on/off accordingly. 

Obviously, all of this can save you a lot on the electricity bills. There is also an adjustable time delay-off function with 4 different settings, ranging from 15 seconds to 30 minutes.

Pros:

  • An exceptionally energy-efficient switch 
  • Humidity sensor & motion sensor 
  • Three adjustable humidity levels 
  • Four time-delay settings 

Cons:

  • No cover plate 

Humidity Sensor Switches

Man installs a bathroom fan switch

One of the most sought-after features found on modern bathroom exhaust fans is the humidity sensor. 

This convenient feature can be either a built-in part of the bathroom exhaust fan itself or an integrated feature of the wall switch. In other words, a homeowner doesn’t really have to replace the entire fan just to have this feature. 

As you can already guess, bathroom exhaust fans with humidity sensors can turn on and off automatically depending on the current amount of moisture inside the bathroom. 

Obviously, this turns them into a phenomenal choice for forgetful homeowners and folks who just tend to neglect to use their bathroom exhaust fans. 

Failing to use this convenient appliance when it should be used can lead to all sorts of issues. These include the growth of dangerous mold, peeling wallpapers, damaged walls, corroded door hardware, and other similar problems. 

A lot of people simply don’t know that, in order to properly remove the excess humidity from a bathroom, you are supposed to turn on the fan for about half an hour every time you’re finished taking a shower or bath. 

Some models of bathroom fan switches will also feature the so-called delay-off function. This allows the homeowner to choose for how long will an exhaust fan stay in operation. 

With a humidity sensor-equipped bath fan, you never have to worry whether you did or didn’t turn the appliance off – you’ll never accidentally waste energy and, in that way, increase your electricity bill. 

Sensitivity Adjustment 

On some models of bathroom exhaust fan switches, it is possible to adjust the sensitivity of how easily will your venting appliance turn on and off. 

When it comes to complaints about humidity sensors, one of the most common ones is that this feature sometimes turns on the fan too easily, i.e. even at the slightest increase of moisture. 

It’s pretty easy to solve this issue when you have a switch with a sensitivity adjustment – you only have to decrease the humidity sensitivity. 

One important thing to mention here is that having the switch installed higher on the wall can increase its performance. I would recommend installing the switch at a height of about 5 feet. 

Another thing worth mentioning here is that the really tall bathroom ceilings (above 8 feet) can negatively affect the performance of the switch. 

Countdown Timer Switches

Countdown timer

Another convenient switch feature that gives homeowners greater control over their bathroom exhaust fans is the countdown timer. 

The bathroom fan switches of this type will typically feature a preset number of time periods that a homeowner can choose from. These usually range from just 15 seconds all the way up to 4 hours. 

A switch with a countdown timer will typically sport a set of tiny LED lights – their job is to indicate the user’s choice. Obviously, this feature can be of great help when you’re trying to find the switch in the dark. 

Keep in mind that these LED indicator lights – no matter how small they are – can become somewhat annoying if you decide to install the switch in your bedroom. These things can sometimes be very bright.

If your fan is noisy, read our guide on fixing a noisy bathroom fan.

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