Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I purchased a Panasonic FV-11VH1 heater fan for my new home construction. Outwardly, the unit appeared well made, and the unit operated flawlessly (and very quietly I must add) for about 5 months. As a sidenote, I also purchased four other Panasonic bathroom ventilating fans, and all appear high quality and all are very quiet. Unfortunately, after only 5 months of VERY light use, the FV-11VH1 unit heater failed. Upon removal and close scrutiny, I discovered the electrical wire lead that connects 120V service to the heating element had literally deteriorated, and subsequently fell off. When I state deteriorated, I mean to the point of virtual dust. Accordingly, the heater element did not work simply due to lack of incoming electric service. I then tested (using ohm meter) the heating element itself to discover it was still operable, and subsequently tested it under 120V power to verify it did work...which it did. I then scrutinized the heater's electrical connection prongs, and discovered the special heatproof insulation surrounding the failed prong/connector had, like the wire lead, deteriorated. As the unit was only five months old, and still under three year warranty, I got on line to contact Panasonic for service instructions. Despite being very savvy on line, I could not find any contact information for Panasonic Service Centers. I called all three Panasonic Consumer phone numbers, and all three numbers enabled me to speak to an automated voice giving Panasonic Service Center contact information. I called six Panasonic Service Centers (in three states) to find out they do not service the Heater / Fan units, and they did not what Panasonic Center did. Each Service Center rep was helpful, but stated they did not have product specific Service Center information. I inquired with each Service Center rep as to "how could I contact a human being at Panasonic to ask of service"...in each case, and without hesitation, the reps stated there is no way a human contact can be made via Panasonic Consumer Services. No matter how long I remain on the phone with the Panasonic automated voice system, there is NEVER an option to "press 0" or similar to actually speak with a representative. I have emailed Panasonic four times now, each time utilizing their Customer Service contact format. I have received automated responses from Panasonic, all identical, and all stating to contact my installer. My installer is an electrician, has been involved in this fiasco, and marvels that we cannot get part number specific information...much less, actual warranty service. He will never recommend another Panasonic heater fan again... I am technically able to repair my unit, but would like to order the correct parts via Panasonic. Unfortunately, there are NO SCHEMATICS WHATSOEVER available to me, as a consumer. Accordingly, I can find parts and part numbers for my unit, but cannot unconditionally identify that I am purchasing the correct part. I do know this...the replacement heating element for this unit is $12 less that my original purchase price. Add in shipping cost, and my total cost (I've given up on warranty service) is greater than the cost of a new unit. I have been a Panasonic fan since about 1975, and have always had good luck with the entire range of Panasonic products. This particular scenario has changed my opinion 180 degrees, as I will never purchase another Panasonic product again, and am pleased to be able to announce to others my tale in an era where customer service is paramount. Update 12/9/2011: Matt, Thank you for providing relevant Panasonic contact information. Panasonic finally did come through! Upon FINALLY finding someone within Panasonic Corp. that clearly understood the defect outlined in my original review, an entire new unit was sent. I did find it extremely physically and economically inefficient that Panasonic sent an entire new unit, despite only two heating element wires being defective on the original. The whole replacement affair was a bit bizarre...the replacement unit I received, while appearing "new"...did not come in a designated Panasonic box, and was very obviously packed in a generic box using whatever packing material the Panasonic employee who packed it could get his/her hands on. Very unprofessional. Conversely, I now have "replacement" parts for virtually every part...but hope that I do not need them. I installed the new heating element, have used the heater unit for many hours, and have checked the heater element wiring for degradation...of which I have found none. All in all, despite my abysmal initial experience, this heater/fan unit is operating quietly and efficiently. The heater unit will heat our large bathroom with 10' ceiling, and the ventilation unit is very efficient at removing moist air. My faith in Panasonic has been severely shaken, but at least I'm recovering and would consider other Panasonic products.