Broan-NuTone 505 Exhaust Fan Review: Conditional Verdict
Powerful enough to rip a heater vent out of a wall — that’s how one Amazon buyer described the Broan-NuTone 505 Exhaust Fan, leaving no doubt about its airflow muscle. Scoring an 8.2/10 from aggregated user feedback, this 200 CFM vertical discharge fan impresses in raw ventilation but faces scrutiny over noise, installation complexity, and occasional quality lapses.
Quick Verdict: Conditional
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Moves air exactly as rated — consistent 200 CFM performance | Louder than average, some liken it to a vacuum cleaner |
| Durable galvanized steel housing | Installation often requires attic access and custom framing |
| Eliminates moisture even in large bathrooms | Occasional manufacturing defects and missing parts |
| Simple design, paintable grille | No light or additional features |
| Widely available and reasonably priced | Mixed reports on consistency of sound rating (official 8.5 sones vs user experiences) |
| Strong replacement option for old Broan units | Efficiency-focused users may find it energy-hungry |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing for the Broan-NuTone 505 leans heavily on the “200 CFM powerful ventilation” boast. That claim holds up well in practice. A verified Amazon buyer stated: “The CFM is as advertised and has the power to move out the condensation from my bathroom... after returning 3 fans from other brands that falsely claim their products.” For larger spaces and stubborn moisture, this fan delivers exactly what the spec sheet promises.
Where reality diverges most is in the “audible sones” listing. Officially rated at 8.5 sones, descriptions elsewhere — even from sister product pages — mention 5.5 or 6.5 sones. User reactions show the sound feels louder than many expect. One Reddit commenter joked: “Imagine vacuum cleaner-like noise,” underscoring that for those seeking whisper-quiet operation, spec confusion can lead to surprise.
Ease of installation is another strong marketing point, with “steel mounting brackets with keyhole slots for fast installation” advertised. Yet multiple reviews call this misleading. A long Amazon review detailed how the supplied brackets wouldn’t fit between trusses, requiring cutting wood braces and wiring in advance: “Be prepared to go into attic... do yourself a solid and wire the thing before mounting.” For older houses or non-standard framing, “fast” can turn into a half-day project.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Raw ventilation power is consistently applauded. Users with persistent humidity issues in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens report immediate improvement. One Amazon customer said: “Old fan wore out and this one works so much better.” For homeowners replacing decades-old Broan units, this fan is often a drop-in upgrade in performance.
Durability in materials — especially the rugged galvanized steel housing — also earns praise. Many users liked the solid feel when unboxing, noting “really like the size and volume of this vent” as a plus for long-term service.
And the simplicity appeals to those wanting a single-purpose, big-volume exhaust. The paintable white polymeric grille blends easily into ceilings, a small but appreciated touch for décor-conscious buyers.
Common Complaints
Noise dominates user complaints. While some welcome the loudness (Amazon buyer: “I like a powerful, noisy fan in a bathroom”), others mention it disrupts warmth during showers or even affects door closing due to strong suction. A Reddit story humorously recounted how airflow was so strong it pulled a metal heater vent from the wall.
Installation challenges crop up for many DIYers, particularly in retrofits. Tight attic spaces, bracket adjustments, and junction box placement can quickly elevate the labor required, making this fan less appealing for quick swaps in certain layouts.
Occasional manufacturing defects — missing grommets, ill-fitting screws, improperly assembled pivot bars — caused frustration for contractors accustomed to older Broan build quality. One veteran installer lamented: “They don't make ‘em like they used to… for an additional $3-$5 they could produce a fan I’d give 5 stars.”
Divisive Features
The noise, as noted, is polarizing. For some, it’s functional — masking bathroom sounds or serving as a kind of white noise generator. For others, it’s a dealbreaker. Similarly, the fan’s sheer power is both beloved and excessive; the same airflow that clears condensation in seconds can chill a shower or cause doors to resist closing.
Lack of extra features like lighting also splits opinion. Utility-minded buyers appreciate fewer failure points, but those replacing fans with integrated lights may miss the functionality.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot data wasn’t extensive for ventilation fans, but isolated reports on related Broan products flagged high repair frequency and discontinued parts availability as potential concerns. The 505 hasn’t attracted widespread scam warnings, yet Amazon and Reddit accounts show occasional examples of assembly faults right out of the box. For longevity, contrasted user experiences emerge — some fans replaced units in service since 1939, others question whether this model will make it past a decade.
What stands out is brand loyalty erosion in some veteran installers — driven not by overall failure rates, but perceived drop in component quality. Still, many homeowners report smooth operation years in, keeping the model in generally favorable territory for reliability.
Alternatives
Within Broan’s own lineup, users often mention smaller, quieter models like the Broan 678 (50 CFM with light) or fan/light combos like HD80L when noise or illumination matter. However, these alternatives sacrifice the sheer air-moving capability of the 505, so condensation-heavy spaces may not see equal results.
Competitors aren't deeply compared in gathered feedback, but frustrations with inaccurate CFM ratings from other brands drove multiple buyers toward the 505 specifically. For situations needing vertical discharge and verified high output, alternatives appear scarce.
Price & Value
Prices vary sharply by retailer — from as low as $71.40 on discount sites to over $180 on eBay. New units generally list around $102 in major outlets. Resale on eBay for unused or open-box items hovers in the $76-$89 range, suggesting steady demand.
Community buying tips emphasize checking attic accessibility before purchase and planning for potential bracket modifications. For those who need the airflow, the price-to-performance ratio gets favorable notes; but noise-sensitive buyers see better value in quieter fans for similar cost.
FAQ
Q: How loud is the Broan-NuTone 505 in real use?
A: Officially rated at 8.5 sones, users describe it as “vacuum cleaner-like” in loudness. Some enjoy the white noise, while others find it intrusive during showers.
Q: Does it fit easily in older houses?
A: Fit can be tricky. Many installs require attic access and custom framing if joist spacing is non-standard. Pre-wiring before mounting is advised.
Q: Can the grille be painted?
A: Yes. The white polymeric grille is designed to be paintable, allowing it to blend with ceiling décor.
Q: Is it Energy Star certified?
A: No, the 505 is not Energy Star rated. It prioritizes power over efficiency.
Q: Does it come with lighting or night light features?
A: No. This is a ventilation-only unit without integrated lighting.
Final Verdict: Buy if you need maximum airflow in moisture-prone spaces and aren’t bothered by noise — ideal for large bathrooms, laundry rooms, or workshops. Avoid if quiet operation or integrated lighting is a priority. Pro tip from the community: wire the fan and junction box before mounting to save attic time.
