I have an interior bathroom with no windows. In the ceiling is a NuTone 763RLN exhaust fan with light bulb fixture.
This unit was built in 2003, so the only light bulb specification provided is "100 watts (max) [incandescent]". However, the light emitted from a 100 watt incandescent bulb is very yellow for a bathroom with no windows. I would like to find a solution that produces a "neutral white" (~3500K) light that is at least as bright as a 100 watt incandescent (1200-1600 lumens).
My concern is, of course, that a CFL or LED bulb is going to die quickly in an enclosed fixture that vibrates.
How do I find a solution to this?
I have already replaced the plastic lens that came with the exhaust fan. The original, 13-year-old lens had yellowed. The new lens improves the light quality, but not enough. (I'm trying to avoid repainting the bathroom before putting the home on the market.)
I have already tried a low-wattage CFL that is designed for enclosed fixtures. In this category, I have only found low output bulbs (800 lumens). This is not enough to be an improvement.
Basically I am wondering if there are ways to mitigate the heat build-up and vibration in this environment. Or I'm looking for assurance that a certain type of bulb will last longer, under these conditions, than I am led to believe by the bulb documentation.
Alternatively, perhaps I could find an even better type of lens to cover the bulb enclosure. The new one that I just purchased is translucent, color-neutral plastic. Perhaps somebody makes a compatible lens that transmits the light of an incandescent 100 watt bulb in a more pleasing way.
Best Answer
You need a Daylight, Natural Light or Full Spectrum Bulb, going to Cool White is only a slight improvement & may be what you have now (Soft White & Cool White color is 2500K to 3000K). You'll need to check the package's or box's stated ratings, listing the color as 4500K up to 6500K.
GE & Phillips have a single incandescent option, though the CFL's have a wider offering. This is an enclosed fixture & not a sealed fixture so either of these will & do work perfectly fine, LED's will not. However, overall bulb length may be limited by the fixture & incandescent may be your only choice.