Air King Bath Fan with LED Light 100CFM

The Air King LEDAK100 combines 100 CFM ventilation with 2-sone quiet operation and integrated LED lighting, making it a solid choice for Montana bathrooms where moisture control matters as much as energy efficiency. This ENERGY STAR certified unit runs on just 35 watts total power — important when winter heating bills already strain budgets.

For contractors dealing with standard bathroom ventilation jobs, this fan hits the practical middle ground. It’s rated for bathrooms up to 100-125 sq ft, which covers most residential applications. The unit positions itself in the mainstream market — not bargain basement, not premium.

Performance and Installation Specs

The meat of what contractors need to know lives in the numbers. At 100 CFM airflow and 2.0 sones, this fan moves enough air to satisfy code requirements while staying quiet enough that homeowners won’t complain. That 2-sone rating means it’s about as loud as a modern refrigerator — noticeable but not intrusive.

Specification	Value
Airflow	100 CFM
Noise Level	2.0 sones
Duct Size	4-inch round
Housing Dimensions	13-3/4” L x 11” W x 7-7/8” H
Total Power Draw	35 Watts (approx.)
Fan Motor Only	26.5 Watts
LED Bulb	8.5W, 800 lumens, 3000K

The plastic 4-inch duct collar includes a built-in damper — one less part to order separately. Adjustable hanger bars come in the box, which means crews can mount between joists spaced anywhere from standard 16-inch to 24-inch centers.

Installation can be more involved due to housing size compared to basic builder-grade fans. That 13-3/4” x 11” housing footprint requires a larger ceiling cutout than many replacement jobs allow. This isn’t a simple retrofit — plan accordingly.

Energy Efficiency That Matters in Montana

Montana’s long heating season makes efficiency numbers count. The ENERGY STAR certification backs up the low power consumption claims. Running continuously at 35 watts total costs pennies per day, even with Montana’s climbing electric rates.

The integrated 8.5W LED produces 800 lumens at 3000K warm white. That’s equivalent to a 60-watt incandescent but pulls 85% less power. The moonstone glass lens diffuses light evenly — no harsh spots or shadows. The LED uses a GU24 base, preventing homeowners from swapping back to energy-wasting incandescents.

The unit supports an optional 4-watt night light (sold separately), though most Montana bathrooms won’t need it. The LED bulb is replaceable when it eventually burns out — typically 25,000+ hours down the road.

Code Compliance and Certifications

Montana contractors know code compliance isn’t optional. This fan checks the boxes:

• ASHRAE 62.2 Compliant — meets ventilation standards for new construction
• California Title 24 Compliant — relevant for energy-conscious builds even outside California
• HVI (Home Ventilating Institute) Certified — third-party verified performance ratings
• UL listed for installation over bathtub or shower on a GFCI-protected circuit

That last certification matters. Mounting over wet locations requires GFCI protection, but at least the fan itself is rated for it. The ARRA ‘Made-in-America’ requirements open doors for government and public building projects.

Real-World Performance

With a 4.4 rating across 5 reviews, users report satisfaction with the basics. Very quiet for the airflow comes up repeatedly. Efficient moisture removal gets mentioned — critical for Montana’s temperature extremes that can drive condensation issues. Good lighting quality rounds out the positives.

The 23-gauge galvanized steel housing should hold up to attic temperature swings. Side-access panel for wiring from inside or outside the housing gives electricians flexibility during installation. Fan and light can be wired separately for dual-switch control.

Air King holds ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year—Sustained Excellence Award status from the EPA, earned over multiple consecutive years. That’s not just marketing fluff — it reflects consistent delivery of efficient products that actually save energy in the field.

FAQ

What size bathroom can this fan handle? The LEDAK100 is suitable for bathrooms up to 100-125 sq ft. That covers most residential bathrooms, though larger master suites might need supplemental ventilation.

How loud is 2 sones? At 2.0 sones noise level, it’s comparable to a quiet kitchen refrigerator or light rainfall — noticeable but not annoying. Much quieter than older 4-sone builder-grade fans.

Can I install this in a shower? Yes, it’s UL listed for installation over bathtub or shower on a GFCI-protected circuit. The GFCI protection is mandatory for wet location installation.

Is the LED dimmable? No, the LED is NOT dimmable. Wire it to a standard on/off switch only.

What’s the warranty coverage? Air King provides a 1-Year Limited Warranty on parts and motor. Standard for the industry, though some premium brands offer longer coverage.

Will this work with existing 3-inch ductwork? No. This fan requires 4-inch duct connection. You’ll need to upsize the duct for proper airflow and to meet code.