Broan makes the ventilation products contractors reach for when moisture control matters. Founded in 1932 as the inventor of the quiet kitchen fan, they’ve built their reputation on bathroom exhaust fans, range hoods, and whole-home ventilation systems that deliver measurable performance.
Their product line covers the ventilation basics every contractor needs: bathroom fans, kitchen exhaust systems, range hoods, and fresh air ventilation. Nothing fancy. Just equipment that moves air where it needs to go.
The A110 Bath Fan — Built for Montana’s Moisture Reality
The A110 delivers what matters: 110 CFM airflow at 3.0 Sones. That’s enough capacity for a full bathroom with a shower running hot in January while keeping the noise reasonable.
The standout feature? TrueSeal™ Damper technology that reduces air leakage by up to 50% compared to competitive models. In Montana’s wind-prone zones, backdraft prevention isn’t optional. Standard dampers let cold air whistle back through when the fan’s off. This one actually seals.
| Specification | A110 Value |
|---|---|
| Airflow | 110 CFM |
| Sound Level | 3.0 Sones |
| Voltage | 120V AC, 60 Hz |
| Amperage | 0.4 Amps |
| Duct Size | 4-inch round |
| Housing Dimensions | 9.25” L × 10” W × 5.75” H |
| Grille Size | 11.5” × 12” |
Installation features that matter: EZDuct™ Connector allows room-side installation without attic access, and FoldAway™ Mounting Ears work for both new construction and retrofit applications. No crawling through blown-in insulation in July.
Recommended for rooms up to 105 sq. ft. — that covers most residential bathrooms. Corrosion-resistant galvanized steel housing handles the humidity. UL Listed for use over bathtubs and showers when connected to a GFCI-protected branch circuit.
Model 174 Wall Heater — Practical Supplemental Heat
The 174 wall heater fills a specific need: quick supplemental heat in bathrooms, entryways, and mudrooms where running central heat for one cold room wastes energy.
| Power Configuration | Wattage | Application |
|---|---|---|
| 120V | 750/1500W | Standard residential |
| 208V | 1125W | Commercial/multi-family |
| 240V | 1500W | Higher voltage residential |
20-gauge steel construction — thicker than typical residential heaters. Heats rooms up to 150 sq. ft. The adjustable louvers actually matter in a mudroom where you want heat directed down at boot level, not across the ceiling.
Multiple contractors praise its straightforward operation. Durable steel construction and adjustable louvers for directing heat make it suitable for residential or light commercial use. Users report it helps avoid turning up the central furnace prematurely — exactly what supplemental heat should do.
Why Contractors Keep Buying Broan
Named the top brand in the Builder Brand Use Study 2023, especially in bathroom ventilation and fans. That’s not marketing fluff — it’s contractors voting with their purchase orders.
ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for 6 consecutive years. Their products meet HVI certification standards for airflow, sound, and energy efficiency. When code compliance matters, certified ratings eliminate guesswork.
The reputation comes from doing one thing well: designing and distributing products that enhance ventilation, reduce energy consumption, and improve health and comfort in homes. Products are used in over 110 million homes across North America.
Broan doesn’t try to be everything. They make ventilation products that work. In Montana’s moisture-prone bathrooms and cold entryways, that focused approach delivers what contractors need: equipment that installs cleanly, operates reliably, and handles the moisture loads this climate creates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size bathroom can the A110 handle effectively?
The A110 is recommended for bathrooms up to 105 sq. ft. based on the standard calculation of 1 CFM per square foot plus a buffer. With 110 CFM capacity, it provides adequate ventilation for most residential bathrooms with showers.
Does the wall heater require special wiring?
The Model 174 offers flexible installation options. It operates at 750/1500W on standard 120V household circuits. For higher voltage installations, it provides 1125W at 208V or 1500W at 240V. Most residential applications use the standard 120V configuration.
How loud is 3.0 Sones for a bathroom fan?
At 3.0 Sones, the A110 operates at a moderate noise level — noticeable but not intrusive. It’s quieter than most 110 CFM fans but not whisper-quiet like premium 0.3-Sone models. The trade-off is worthwhile for the higher airflow capacity and 50% reduction in air leakage.
Can contractors install the A110 from below without attic access?
Yes. The EZDuct™ Connector specifically allows for room-side installation without needing attic access. This feature saves significant time on retrofit projects where attic access would require cutting through blown insulation or navigating tight spaces.
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