The Benefits of ENERGY STAR® Certified Ventilation Products

What Does ENERGY STAR® Certification Mean for Ventilation?

ENERGY STAR® certification is a simple way to identify products designed to use less energy while meeting performance requirements set through the ENERGY STAR program. For ventilation products, that matters because fans are not decorative accessories. They are working systems that help remove excess moisture, objectionable odors and stale indoor air while supporting healthier indoor air quality.

According to ENERGY STAR, certified ventilation fans must meet requirements for airflow efficiency, sound levels, and performance under rated static pressure conditions. That means the label is not based on energy use alone; it also reflects whether the fan can move air effectively and quietly enough for real residential use. Learn more from the ENERGY STAR ventilation fans program.

A ventilation fan that saves energy but does not move enough air will not adequately remove humidity or stale indoor air. That is why proper airflow, measured in cubic feet per minute or CFM, is just as important as energy efficiency.

ENERGY STAR also reports that, since 1992, the program and its partners have helped American families and businesses save 5 trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity, avoid more than $500 billion in energy costs, and prevent 4 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions. Read more on the ENERGY STAR About page.

Benefits of ENERGY STAR® Certified Ventilation Products

Lower Energy Use and Operating Costs

The most direct benefit is energy savings. ENERGY STAR certified ventilation products are designed to deliver required airflow while using less electricity than less efficient models. In frequently used spaces such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, utility rooms, and whole-home ventilation systems, those savings can add up over time.

According to ENERGY STAR, certified ventilation fans use about 48% less energy than standard models. Models that include integrated lighting use about 70% less energy than standard models with lighting. Learn more from ENERGY STAR certified ventilation fan guidance.

Better Indoor Air Quality Support

Ventilation helps remove moisture, odors, and indoor pollutants before they build up. An ENERGY STAR certified energy efficient bath fan can help reduce excess bathroom humidity that may contribute to mold, mildew, peeling paint, and lingering odors.

For a broader look at home air quality, read 4 Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality at Home.

Quieter, More Efficient Performance

ENERGY STAR ventilation fan requirements include sound limits, so certified models are designed with both efficiency and comfort in mind. Because quieter fans are less disruptive, homeowners may be more likely to use them consistently.

Reduced Environmental Impact

Using less energy reduces demand on power generation and helps conserve resources. Choosing energy-efficient home ventilation is a practical step homeowners can take without changing daily routines or giving up comfort.

Smarter Long-Term Value

A lower-cost fan may not be the better value if it uses more energy, runs loudly, or fails to ventilate effectively. ENERGY STAR certification helps homeowners compare products with more confidence because the label is tied to defined efficiency and performance criteria.

Benefit	Why It Matters
Energy savings	Uses electricity more efficiently while delivering needed airflow.
Moisture control	Helps remove humidity that can contribute to mildew, odors, and surface damage.
Quieter operation	Encourages regular use and improves comfort in bathrooms and living spaces.
Performance confidence	Certification is tied to tested airflow, efficiency, and sound requirements.
Environmental responsibility	Lower energy demand helps conserve resources over the life of the product.

Which Ventilation Products Can Be ENERGY STAR® Certified?

ENERGY STAR certification is especially relevant for products that run often or are installed as part of a broader whole-home ventilation strategy.

Bathroom Exhaust Fans

Bathroom fans remove humid air generated by showers, baths, and daily routines. Choosing an efficient model helps manage moisture while reducing energy use.

If you are selecting a bath fan, start with airflow, sound rating, room size, ducting, and features. Our Bathroom Exhaust Fan Buying Guide explains how to compare these factors.

Utility Room and Multi-Location Ventilation Fans

ENERGY STAR certified ventilating fans may also be used in utility rooms, laundry areas, and other spaces where moisture, odors, or stale air need to be exhausted. The right fan depends on the room size, required airflow, ducting layout, and how often the space needs ventilation.

Fresh Air Systems, HRVs and ERVs

A fresh air system brings outdoor air into the home in a controlled way. Heat recovery ventilators, or HRVs, and energy recovery ventilators, or ERVs, are balanced ventilation systems that exchange stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while helping manage energy use and comfort, depending on climate and home design.

An energy efficient fresh air system can help temper incoming air before it reaches your heating or cooling system, supporting comfort and efficiency.

For homes built or upgraded for efficiency, ventilation becomes even more important. Read How to Create an Energy-Efficient, Healthy Home with Proper Ventilation.

Kitchen Ventilation and Source Control

Cooking releases moisture, odors, grease particles, and airborne pollutants. Kitchen ventilation is another important part of a healthy home because cooking releases moisture, grease particles and other airborne pollutants. While this article focuses on ENERGY STAR-certified residential ventilating fans, effective kitchen ventilation also helps improve indoor air quality.

To understand how kitchen ventilation affects air quality, see Range Hoods and IAQ: Why Ventilation Is Essential for a Healthier Kitchen.

How to Tell if a Broan-NuTone Product Is ENERGY STAR® Certified

When a Broan-NuTone ventilation product is ENERGY STAR certified, you will typically see that certification called out in the product specification table and on the product specification sheet. This is one of the easiest ways to confirm the product’s status before you buy or specify it for a project.

You can also review certified products through the ENERGY STAR certified ventilating fans product finder.

Many homeowners, builders, and contractors also look for HVI certification. While ENERGY STAR focuses on energy efficiency and program performance requirements, the Home Ventilating Institute explains that HVI-certified products are tested and certified to ensure they meet stated ratings for airflow, sound, and energy. Learn more from HVI-Certified Ventilation Performance.

Where to Look	What to Check
Product specification table	Look for ENERGY STAR certification listed among the product details.
Specification sheet	Confirm ENERGY STAR status alongside airflow, sound, electrical, and installation details.
ENERGY STAR product finder	Search certified ventilating fans by brand, model, airflow, efficacy, and other criteria.
HVI certification details	Review certified ratings for airflow, sound, and energy performance when available.
Product packaging or marketing materials	Look for the ENERGY STAR mark when comparing qualified models.

Broan-NuTone and ENERGY STAR®

Broan-NuTone has a long-standing focus on residential indoor air quality, ventilation performance, and energy efficiency. You can view Broan-NuTone’s ENERGY STAR partner profile on the ENERGY STAR website.

In 2023, Broan-NuTone received the ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. The award recognized the company’s continued work in energy-efficient product design, education, and indoor air quality innovation. Read the 2023 Broan-NuTone ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year press release.

Choosing ENERGY STAR certified ventilation is not just about saving a few dollars on electricity. It is about selecting products that support efficient operation, healthier indoor air, and better long-term performance in the spaces where moisture, odors, and pollutants are most likely to accumulate.

The best ventilation products combine energy efficiency, adequate airflow, low sound levels, proper installation, and routine maintenance to help create healthier indoor environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are ENERGY STAR® certified ventilation fans worth it?

Yes. ENERGY STAR certified ventilation fans can reduce energy use while still meeting performance requirements for airflow, efficiency, and sound. They are especially valuable in bathrooms, utility rooms, and other spaces where ventilation is used regularly.

Does ENERGY STAR certification mean a fan is quieter?

ENERGY STAR certified ventilation fans must meet sound requirements, so the label can help identify models designed for more comfortable operation. Always check the product’s sone rating for the exact noise level.

How do I know if a Broan-NuTone fan is ENERGY STAR certified?

Check the product specification table and specification sheet. If a Broan-NuTone ventilation product is ENERGY STAR certified, that information should be listed with the product’s other performance details. You can also check the ENERGY STAR certified ventilating fans product finder.

What is the difference between ENERGY STAR and HVI certification?

ENERGY STAR uses independent certification and testing to verify qualifying products. Many residential ventilating fans also carry HVI certification, which independently certifies airflow, sound and energy performance ratings. Because ENERGY STAR ventilation fan specifications reference HVI test methods and certification, the two programs often complement one another. Looking at both can help homeowners, builders, and contractors compare ventilation products more confidently.

Can a bathroom fan save energy and still remove humidity well?

Yes. A properly sized ENERGY STAR certified bathroom fan is designed to move the required amount of air efficiently. For best results, choose the right CFM for the room and make sure the fan is installed with proper ducting.

Are ENERGY STAR ventilation products only for new homes?

No. ENERGY STAR certified ventilation products can be used in new construction, remodeling, and replacement projects. They are a strong option whenever homeowners want better efficiency and reliable ventilation performance.

Do fresh air systems need to be energy efficient?

Energy efficiency is important for fresh air systems because they may operate regularly as part of a whole-home ventilation strategy. Efficient systems help provide outdoor air while reducing unnecessary energy waste.