NORTEK APPOINTS TREASURER

PROVIDENCE, RI, August 22, 2001 - Nortek Inc. (NYSE:NTK) today announced the appointment of Edward J. Cooney as Treasurer of the Company.

Mr. Cooney assumes the position of Treasurer from Richard J. Harris, who currently serves as Senior Vice President-Administration of Nortek. Mr. Cooney will report to Mr. Harris.

In announcing the appointment, Richard L. Bready, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said, "We are pleased to be able to add such a highly-experienced manager to the Nortek team as we continue to grow our presence in the building products markets."

Mr. Cooney has over 22 years of key senior level experience with Amtrol, Inc., where he served as Senior Vice President-Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing and, most recently, Speidel, where he served as Chief Financial Officer. He began his career with Arthur Andersen in Boston where he spent 9 years.

Mr. Cooney holds an A.B. degree in Economics from the College of the Holy Cross, an M.S. degree in Taxation from Bryant College and he is a C.P.A.

Nortek* is a leading international manufacturer and distributor of high-quality, competitively priced building, remodeling and indoor environmental control products for the residential and commercial markets. The Company offers a broad array of products for improving the environments where people live and work. Its products include range hoods and other spot ventilation products; heating and air conditioning systems; vinyl products, including windows and doors, siding, decking, fencing and accessories; indoor air quality systems; and specialty electronic products.