QuietScoreBathroom & Utility Fans › Panasonic FV-20VQ3

Panasonic FV-20VQ3 noise level

The Panasonic FV-20VQ3 is certified at 0.9 sones (≈38 dBA) — quieter than 41% of the 811 bathroom & utility fans in the ENERGY STAR database. In practical terms it is comparable to a quiet modern refrigerator humming in the next room.
0.9sones (certified)
≈38 dBAapproximate conversion
190 CFMairflow
4.6CFM per watt

The Panasonic FV-20VQ3 is louder than the category median of 0.7 sones, and its 190 CFM rating makes it suitable for bathrooms up to roughly 190 sq ft.

Full specifications

BrandPanasonic
Model numberFV-20VQ3
Model nameWhisperCeiling
CategoryBathroom & Utility Fans
Sound level0.9 sones (≈38 dBA, approximate)
Airflow190 CFM
Efficiency4.6 CFM/W
Duct size6.00 inch diameter
Speeds1
Integrated lightingNo
ENERGY STAR certifiedYes
On market since2010-06-01
MarketsUnited States, Canada

Quieter alternatives with similar airflow

Model Sones ≈ dBA Airflow Efficiency
Air King EVD 0.1 7 150 CFM 4.5 CFM/W specs
Air King EVDG 0.1 7 150 CFM 4.5 CFM/W specs
Air King EVDGH 0.1 7 150 CFM 4.5 CFM/W specs
Air King EVDH 0.1 7 150 CFM 4.5 CFM/W specs
Air King EVLD 0.1 7 150 CFM 4.6 CFM/W specs

Similar bathroom & utility fans

Model Sones ≈ dBA Airflow Efficiency
Delta PRO200 1 40 200 CFM 11.4 CFM/W specs
Commercial Electric BF1115 0.8 37 160 CFM 4.4 CFM/W specs
OREiN OL1700376 1 40 160 CFM 4.8 CFM/W specs
ACIQ AEPD150SC 0.9 38 150 CFM 11.4 CFM/W specs
Air King AK150LS 0.9 38 150 CFM 4.5 CFM/W specs

Frequently asked questions

How many sones is the Panasonic FV-20VQ3?

The Panasonic FV-20VQ3 is certified at 0.9 sones in ENERGY STAR lab testing, which is approximately 38 dBA. That is comparable to a quiet modern refrigerator humming in the next room.

Is the Panasonic FV-20VQ3 quiet?

At 0.9 sones, the Panasonic FV-20VQ3 is quieter than 41% of the 811 certified bathroom & utility fans we track, and louder than the category median of 0.7 sones.

How powerful is the Panasonic FV-20VQ3?

It moves 190 CFM, which is adequate for a bathroom of roughly 190 sq ft under the standard 1-CFM-per-square-foot guideline, at an efficiency of 4.6 CFM per watt.

Data provenance: Sound levels are certified lab measurements (sones) reported in the U.S. EPA ENERGY STAR certified products dataset — not manufacturer marketing claims. Source: ENERGY STAR Certified Ventilating Fans (US EPA), last fetched 2026-06-13. The dBA figure is an approximate conversion from sones — see our methodology.