Broan-Nutone 164 Bulb Heater and Fan, Energy-Saving 2-Bulb I
✅ PROS
- Instant radiant heat from two 250-watt infrared bulbs — no warm-up wait
- Separate switches for fan, one bulb, or both bulbs gives flexible control
- Compact 13-inch housing fits standard 2x6 ceiling joist spacing without framing modifications
❌ CONS
- Bulbs sold separately and can be hard to find locally — budget for ordering online
- Fan is loud — roughly 55-60 dB — not for light sleepers or nursery-adjacent bathrooms
- No built-in timer; you must remember to switch off manually, which wastes energy
The Verdict
If you’ve ever stepped out of a shower into a cold bathroom in January, you already know why the Broan-Nutone 164 exists. This is a no-nonsense, two-bulb infrared heater with a ventilation fan built into one ceiling unit. It’s not fancy. It doesn’t have Bluetooth or a digital display. But after 210 Amazon ratings averaging 4.2 stars, it’s clearly doing something right for a lot of homeowners.
What’s actually in the box
You get the housing, the grille, and the fan motor assembly. That’s it. The two 250-watt R40 infrared bulbs are sold separately — a detail that trips up more than a few first-time buyers. You’ll also need a standard 120V circuit and a 4-inch duct for the vent. The housing measures 13 inches long, fitting neatly between 2x6 ceiling joists, so retrofits are usually straightforward if you already have a fan opening.
Performance and real-world use
The heat comes on instantly. Infrared bulbs don’t need to warm up a filament coil — they radiate heat the moment you flip the switch. In a typical 5x8 bathroom, this unit will noticeably warm the space within two to three minutes. Not tropical, but comfortable enough that you’re not shivering while drying off.
The fan function moves a respectable 70 CFM. That’s adequate for bathrooms up to 70 square feet with standard 8-foot ceilings. It won’t clear steam as aggressively as a dedicated 100+ CFM exhaust fan, but it does the job — especially since the heat helps evaporate moisture.
One thing buyers consistently mention is the wiring flexibility. The unit supports separate switches for the fan, one bulb, or both bulbs. That means you can run just the fan for everyday ventilation, just one bulb for a quick warm-up, or both for full heat. As one reviewer put it: “Being able to run one bulb on a mild day instead of both saves a surprising amount of electricity.”
What buyers consistently praise
The instant heat is the headline feature. Multiple reviewers note that it’s much faster than forced-air heaters. One long-term owner wrote: “Had mine for six years. Still works like day one. Heats the bathroom in under three minutes.” Another appreciated the compact footprint: “Fits in the same hole as my old fan — swap took about an hour.”
The energy-saving angle is legitimate. Infrared heat warms objects and people directly rather than heating all the air in the room, so you feel warm sooner and can turn it off quicker. With the dual-bulb switch option, you can run just 250 watts instead of 500 when you only need a light warm-up.
Where it falls short
The fan is loud. Not unbearably so, but at roughly 55-60 decibels, it’s clearly audible during operation. If you’re used to whisper-quiet modern exhaust fans, this will feel dated. One reviewer noted: “The fan sounds like a small jet engine. Works fine, but I wouldn’t put this in a guest bathroom.”
There’s also no timer. You have to remember to switch it off manually. Infrared bulbs are energy-efficient for what they are, but leaving 500 watts running for an hour because you forgot is wasteful. Some buyers have added their own timer switch — worth considering.
Finally, the bulbs are R40 infrared models, which aren’t always stocked at big-box hardware stores. Plan to order them online in advance so you’re not stuck in a cold bathroom waiting for a shipment.
Who should buy this
This unit is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious renovators who want heat and ventilation in one unit without paying for a premium brand
- Homeowners with standard 2x6 joist spacing doing a straightforward bathroom refresh
- People in cold climates who want instant heat for those brutal winter mornings
- DIYers comfortable with basic wiring — this is a manageable weekend project
Skip it if you need whisper-quiet operation, if you want built-in humidity sensing or timers, or if your bathroom exceeds 70 square feet.
FAQ
Do I need a dedicated circuit? Not necessarily. The unit draws about 4.2 amps with both bulbs and the fan running. Most bathroom circuits on a 15-amp breaker will handle it, but you shouldn’t run a hair dryer on the same circuit simultaneously.
Can I replace just the fan motor if it fails? Yes, Broan sells replacement motors for this model. It’s a common part and a straightforward swap if you’re handy.
Are the bulbs standard? They’re R40 infrared bulbs, typically 250 watts each. They’re not the same as standard household bulbs, so check the model number before buying.
The Verdict
The Broan-Nutone 164 is a workhorse. It’s not the quietest or the most feature-packed heater-fan combo on the market, but it’s reliable, effective, and affordable. The instant heat, flexible switch options, and proven longevity make it a solid value for the money.
Buy it if you want dependable radiant heat and ventilation without overspending. Skip it if quiet operation or automatic controls are deal-breakers for you.
Rating: 4.2/5 — A practical, no-nonsense solution that delivers where it counts, with a few old-school compromises.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.