Air King Heat Lamp with Exhaust Fan

The Air King Heat Lamp with Exhaust Fan combines 850 BTU of infrared heat with 70 CFM exhaust capacity in a single ceiling-mounted fixture. For Montana bathrooms that turn into ice boxes every winter morning, this combo unit tackles both the cold and the moisture problem without needing separate fixtures.

Why This Matters in Montana

At 250 watts of infrared heat output, this unit delivers targeted warmth exactly where you need it — standing under the shower or stepping out onto cold tile floors. The infrared heat works silently, unlike those rattling ceiling heaters that wake the whole house at 5 AM.

The 70 CFM exhaust fan pulls moisture out at 3.5 Sones — quiet enough that you won’t need to shout over it. That airflow capacity handles bathrooms up to about 70 square feet, which covers most standard bathrooms. The moisture control matters more than you might think. Montana’s cold winters mean bathroom windows stay shut for months, turning shower steam into condensation problems, mold behind walls, and peeling paint.

Installation Specs for Contractors

This unit pulls 2.6 amps at 120V, so it runs fine on a standard 15-amp circuit. No need to run new 20-amp wiring like some bathroom heaters require. The housing is 23-gauge galvanized steel with a 4-inch round duct connection.

The IC rating allows direct contact with insulation up to R-40 — crucial for Montana homes where attic insulation often reaches R-49 or higher. You don’t need to build clearance boxes or worry about fire hazards from buried fixtures.

Specification	Value
Voltage	120V AC
Current Draw	2.6 Amps
Circuit Requirement	15 Amp standard circuit
Duct Size	4 inch round
Housing Material	23 gauge galvanized steel
Insulation Rating	IC rated up to R-40
Heat Lamp	250W max, Type R40 infrared, medium base

The motor features lifetime lubrication and thermal protection — two things that matter when you’re installing something in a ceiling you don’t want to revisit for the next decade.

What’s Missing from the Box

The heat lamp bulb doesn’t come with the unit — you’ll need a 250-watt R40 infrared bulb with a medium base. Also not included: the 4-inch ducting, external vent cap, and wall switch or timer. Factor these into your material list when quoting the job.

Bottom Line

This Air King combo unit makes sense for Montana bathroom renovations where you need both heat and ventilation but don’t want to cut two holes in the ceiling. The 850 BTU output won’t replace your primary heat source, but it takes the edge off those freezing morning showers. The 70 CFM exhaust handles moisture better than leaving the door open and hoping for the best.

For contractors, the simple 120V wiring and IC rating mean straightforward installations without electrical upgrades or insulation headaches. Just remember to add the heat lamp and ducting to your material order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can this unit handle a bathroom with a separate toilet room?

A: The 70 CFM capacity works for bathrooms up to about 70 square feet. If your bathroom plus toilet room exceeds that, you’ll need additional ventilation. Most separate toilet rooms need their own exhaust fan anyway for code compliance.

Q: How loud is 3.5 Sones compared to other bathroom fans?

A: At 3.5 Sones, this fan operates at a moderate noise level — louder than premium quiet fans (under 1.5 Sones) but quieter than builder-grade units that hit 4-6 Sones. You’ll hear it running, but it won’t drown out conversation.

Q: What’s the actual heat output in real terms?

A: The 850 BTU output from the 250-watt infrared lamp provides focused spot heating — think of it like standing under a heat lamp at a restaurant patio. It warms your body directly rather than heating the whole room. Perfect for that moment when you step out of the shower.

Q: Does this require a dedicated circuit?

A: No. Drawing only 2.6 amps at 120V, this unit runs fine on a standard 15-amp bathroom circuit. You can typically connect it to the same circuit as your bathroom lighting, though check local code requirements.

Q: Can I install this over a shower?

A: The unit cannot be used inside showers or over tubs. It needs to be ceiling-mounted in the general bathroom area, not directly in wet locations. Minimum 4-inch clearance from combustible materials is required.