If you are looking for the best ceiling fans with a brushed nickel finish, you are in the right place. Ceiling fans come in all different types of finishes. Brushed nickel is probably the most popular of them all. We selected a variety of ceiling fans with with that finish and an assortment of different blade types. For more information on all things ceiling fans, be sure to read all the way to the end. In our buyer’s guide below, we cover everything you need to know about making a purchase. We hope you enjoy!

  • Airflow: 7284 CFM Airflow quantifies the amount of air a ceiling fan delivers and is measured in CFM which stands for cubic feet per minute. CFM measurements are taken when a fan is on high speed, then that number is divided by the watts used. This means that the higher the CFM, the more efficient the fan, and the more air it moves.
  • Windspeed: 3.28 MPH Wind speed from a ceiling fan is sort of the same as the breeze between the two buildings that created the wind tunnel effect. To feel the more powerful wind speed you will need to be directly underneath the ceiling fan, or at least very nearby and not far from the tips of the fan blades.
  • 3 Blades, 6 speed DC motor
  • Durable LED lighting
  • Suitable for any large spaces

The Minka Aire Skyhawk features an attractive design with real solid wood blades. The blades have a curved design to produce exceptional airflow even in large spaces. The fan comes with an integrated dimmable LED light. It glows at 1649 lumens with 3000k color temperature to produce almost a natural light effect. The downrod and motor casing come in a brushed nickel finish which pairs beautifully with the wooden blades.

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The light fixture is rated for 30,000 hours making it more durable than ordinary incandescent lights. The fan can be operated by a remote and a wall control with a full range of light and speed controls. Its above-average airflow of 7284 CFM makes it efficient enough to cool you off in minutes. The 60” blades provide a wind speed factor of 3.28 MPH giving off strong wind to all four corners of the room.

Minka Aire operates in two continents with over 2100 independent showrooms across the country. This company makes exceptionally well-made fans like the Skyhawk that provide the best energy efficiency. They are certainly a great addition to any home to bring down the AC Bills.

  • Airflow: 5159 CFM Airflow quantifies the amount of air a ceiling fan delivers and is measured in CFM which stands for cubic feet per minute. CFM measurements are taken when a fan is on high speed, then that number is divided by the watts used. This means that the higher the CFM, the more efficient the fan, and the more air it moves.
  • Windspeed: 2.32 MPH Wind speed from a ceiling fan is sort of the same as the breeze between the two buildings that created the wind tunnel effect. To feel the more powerful wind speed you will need to be directly underneath the ceiling fan, or at least very nearby and not far from the tips of the fan blades.
  • 3 Blades, 6 speed DC motor
  • High Efficiency rating
  • Variable Airfoil Blades

The Minka Aire Aviation Ceiling Fan comes with molded composite distressed Koa blades. They compliment the downrod and motor casing’s brushed nickel finish quite nicely. The variable degree airfoil blades produce an exceptional airflow. The 3-blade ceiling fan hosts a 120 x 75 mm DC Motor designed for indoor use only. The fan is highly energy efficient and consumes only 178 Watts/hour.

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It is operated by a 6 speed hand held remote control but other control options are also available. However, the wind speed factor is below average at 2.32 MPH, so don’t expect a strong breeze. The airflow is also pretty decent at 5159 CFM. For smaller rooms requiring moderate cooling and airflow, this fan is an ideal bet.

The Minka Aire company is one of the most contemporary fan design companies having distribution centers across the country. It delivers to any location in the U.S in three working days. Nevertheless, its designs never fail to impress buyers, just like its 60″ Aviation in Brushed Nickel .

  • Airflow: 5295 CFM Airflow quantifies the amount of air a ceiling fan delivers and is measured in CFM which stands for cubic feet per minute. CFM measurements are taken when a fan is on high speed, then that number is divided by the watts used. This means that the higher the CFM, the more efficient the fan, and the more air it moves.
  • Windspeed: 3.06 MPH Wind speed from a ceiling fan is sort of the same as the breeze between the two buildings that created the wind tunnel effect. To feel the more powerful wind speed you will need to be directly underneath the ceiling fan, or at least very nearby and not far from the tips of the fan blades.
  • 5 Blades, 3 speed DC motor
  • Integrated LED
  • Strong Breeze

The Minka Aire Dyno Ceiling Fan is an affordable LED integrated model. The light fixture comes with a low profile glass diffuser with an LED Lamp. The 17 watt dimmable LED gives exceptional lighting solution and saves electricity. The fan, even without the lights, consumes less due to the DC motor running inside. The motor runs without noise and operates for long hours without overheating.

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The fan can be operated by a 3 speed remote control as well as a wall control. The 14 degree blade pitch gives better distribution of wind across the room. The 3.06 MPH wind speed factor ensures that you get the strongest breeze to cool you off instantly.

The Minka Aire Company has become a leader in producing beautiful and functional decorative home accessories in the market. Their broad range of products at affordable price points make them very popular in the recent years. The Aire Dyno is one of such designs that is energy efficient as well as aesthetically appealing. This model’s brushed nickel finish is easy on the eyes and will be the talking point of any room in your house.

  • Airflow: 8593 CFM Airflow quantifies the amount of air a ceiling fan delivers and is measured in CFM which stands for cubic feet per minute. CFM measurements are taken when a fan is on high speed, then that number is divided by the watts used. This means that the higher the CFM, the more efficient the fan, and the more air it moves.
  • Windspeed: 3.43 MPH Wind speed from a ceiling fan is sort of the same as the breeze between the two buildings that created the wind tunnel effect. To feel the more powerful wind speed you will need to be directly underneath the ceiling fan, or at least very nearby and not far from the tips of the fan blades.
  • 3 Blades, 31 speed DC motor
  • Optional Wi-Fi
  • Variable Blades, light kit

The Fanimation Custom Wrap Ceiling fan comes with a fashionable LED light kit to blend with blades of multiple color and size options- ranging from 44” to 84”. The DC motor used inside is highly energy-efficient and Energy Star qualified.

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The fan is damp rated to run in both indoors and outdoors efficiently. The device comes with a hand-held remote control with 16 different fan speeds, infinite light levels, home away and safe exit button, and timer. The Wifi units are sold separately to turn the fan into a smart device. You can use that to turn the fan on with your voice or smart phone.

Fanimation is one of the most trusted brands for lighting and air solutions. The Custom Wrap is a typical Fanimation model that provides customizable blades, lighting and motors to allow their customers to have better use of their home appliances. We love the look of this one in a brushed nickel finish.

  • Airflow: 5450 CFM Airflow quantifies the amount of air a ceiling fan delivers and is measured in CFM which stands for cubic feet per minute. CFM measurements are taken when a fan is on high speed, then that number is divided by the watts used. This means that the higher the CFM, the more efficient the fan, and the more air it moves.
  • Windspeed: 3.45 MPH Wind speed from a ceiling fan is sort of the same as the breeze between the two buildings that created the wind tunnel effect. To feel the more powerful wind speed you will need to be directly underneath the ceiling fan, or at least very nearby and not far from the tips of the fan blades.
  • 5 Blades, 3 speed AC motor
  • 3- Speed Pull Chain
  • Energy Star Qualified

The Minka Aire Contractor comes with a variety of optional light fixtures. The traditional style ceiling fan is designed for indoors. It features a 153 mm x 12mm AC motor which gives the fan a better speed control and frees it from harmonics. As a result, it runs smooth for longer hours without any noise.

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The traditional design continues to amaze with its 3 speed pull chain control. Additionally, other types of controls are also available for your convenience. With a 12 degree blade pitch, it creates an average airflow of 5450 CFM. As the motor is Energy Star qualified, expect less power consumption and more savings on your AC Bills.

Minka Aire designs have been winning hearts for over a century now. Their products are acclaimed worldwide and most sought-after for mega designs. With the Contractor model, it adds another feather to its cap, thanks to its seamless design and powerful performance.

  • Airflow: 5538 CFM Airflow quantifies the amount of air a ceiling fan delivers and is measured in CFM which stands for cubic feet per minute. CFM measurements are taken when a fan is on high speed, then that number is divided by the watts used. This means that the higher the CFM, the more efficient the fan, and the more air it moves.
  • Windspeed: 3.21 MPH Wind speed from a ceiling fan is sort of the same as the breeze between the two buildings that created the wind tunnel effect. To feel the more powerful wind speed you will need to be directly underneath the ceiling fan, or at least very nearby and not far from the tips of the fan blades.
  • 3 Blades, 31 speed DC motor
  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth compatible
  • Optional Blades

The Fanimation GlideAire has a contemporary design with the latest FanSync Bluetooth technology to meet your smart home requirement. It is also Wifi compatible with most of your smart devices. You can control the fan with voice commands if you wish – how cool is that? The fan is damp rated and will be a perfect addition to your indoor or outdoor living space. It is available in three finishes to match your existing room decor.

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The sleek design works extremely well even in rooms as low as 7’9” as the blades are only 9” from the ceiling. With a wide 52” blade span it generates air at a wind speed factor of 3.21 MPH. The 5538 CFM airflow ensures you enough cooling breeze even when you are not under its blades.

Fanimation is on its way to become the global leader of outstanding electrical home décor items. The GlideAire is one such product that will never disappoint in terms of its performance. Moreover, with 17 watts of energy consumption per hour it stays on the “Extremely Low” side, unlike most other fans in the same price range.

  • Airflow: 6012 CFM Airflow quantifies the amount of air a ceiling fan delivers and is measured in CFM which stands for cubic feet per minute. CFM measurements are taken when a fan is on high speed, then that number is divided by the watts used. This means that the higher the CFM, the more efficient the fan, and the more air it moves.
  • Windspeed: 2.71 MPH Wind speed from a ceiling fan is sort of the same as the breeze between the two buildings that created the wind tunnel effect. To feel the more powerful wind speed you will need to be directly underneath the ceiling fan, or at least very nearby and not far from the tips of the fan blades.
  • 3 Blades, 6 speed DC motor
  • Appropriate for low ceilings
  • Energy Efficient

The Minka Aire Triple LED ceiling fan features a very efficient DC Motor that uses 50% less electricity than an ordinary AC Fan. The DC motor also gives it light weight, durability and protection from power fluctuations. The fan comes with a 20 watt LED light which again saves energy while decreasing the usage of other lighting devices.

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The 60” blade span features blades that are twisted from vertical to horizontal, giving it a unique style. Despite the 60” blade span, the fan doesn’t look overbearing and is appropriate for rooms anywhere from 12 x 12 and larger. It comes with a hand-held remote control with a full range of light and speed controls.

The Minka Aire has expertise in producing highly functional designs. The Triple LED is one such design that is very energy efficient and budget-friendly at the same time. The model comes highly recommended by experts all the time.

  • Airflow: 8181 CFM Airflow quantifies the amount of air a ceiling fan delivers and is measured in CFM which stands for cubic feet per minute. CFM measurements are taken when a fan is on high speed, then that number is divided by the watts used. This means that the higher the CFM, the more efficient the fan, and the more air it moves.
  • Windspeed: 4.16 MPH Wind speed from a ceiling fan is sort of the same as the breeze between the two buildings that created the wind tunnel effect. To feel the more powerful wind speed you will need to be directly underneath the ceiling fan, or at least very nearby and not far from the tips of the fan blades.
  • 4 Blades DC motor
  • UL WET rated
  • High speed wind

The Minka Aire Shade LED has the best energy efficiency at 195 CFM/Watt. It consumes only 42 watts per hour which will cost less to operate than an average ceiling fan. It uses LED lights to save more energy than incandescent light and provides better illumination. With a far above average wind speed factor of 4.16 MPH, it gives you over the top wind speed.

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The 8181 CFM airflow cools you off any large area instantly. It will allow you to raise your thermostat by 10 degrees thus saving you up to 40% on your AC bills. The 56” blade span is appropriate for both large and small areas.

Minka Aire is a very reputable company with thousands of catalogued and stocked products on their website. You can rest assured to find a perfect design fan to fit your existing room décor. The Shade LED series is one of those versatile designs that blends well in both any professional and private space.

  • Airflow: 5236 CFM Airflow quantifies the amount of air a ceiling fan delivers and is measured in CFM which stands for cubic feet per minute. CFM measurements are taken when a fan is on high speed, then that number is divided by the watts used. This means that the higher the CFM, the more efficient the fan, and the more air it moves.
  • Windspeed: 3.03 MPH Wind speed from a ceiling fan is sort of the same as the breeze between the two buildings that created the wind tunnel effect. To feel the more powerful wind speed you will need to be directly underneath the ceiling fan, or at least very nearby and not far from the tips of the fan blades.
  • 3 Blades, 3 speed DC motor
  • LED Bulbs with light globe
  • Easy assembly

The Minka Aire Concept features an integrated LED Fixture with one 17 Watt LED Array for adequate lighting. The downlight glows with 1550 lumens of light while the fan offers great cooling at 5236 CFM. The 52” blade with a 14 degree blade pitch is ideal for medium to large rooms. This modern contemporary style fan is rated for indoor uses only.

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The fan uses a 172mm x 20mm DC motor that saves energy and has more longevity than other ceiling fans. The fan itself requires 75% less labor and time to assemble than conventional ceiling fans. The device can be operated by both a hand-held remote and a wall control.

Minka Aire is a global company that produces state of the art fans. This model draws Minka Aire’s innovative and sleek design with a promise for an energy efficient performance. Moreover, it accentuates the décor rather than overpowering it.

  • Airflow: 5604 CFM Airflow quantifies the amount of air a ceiling fan delivers and is measured in CFM which stands for cubic feet per minute. CFM measurements are taken when a fan is on high speed, then that number is divided by the watts used. This means that the higher the CFM, the more efficient the fan, and the more air it moves.
  • Windspeed: 3.24 MPH Wind speed from a ceiling fan is sort of the same as the breeze between the two buildings that created the wind tunnel effect. To feel the more powerful wind speed you will need to be directly underneath the ceiling fan, or at least very nearby and not far from the tips of the fan blades.
  • 3 Blades, 3 speed WhisperWind
  • Optional Wi-Fi
  • Variable Airfoil Blades

The Hunter Donegan comes with 44” blades that keep the air moving vigorously inside the room. Its high-end finish is complimented by three gorgeous light fixtures with dimmable LEDs inside. You can customize fixtures, blade finish and size as per your needs.

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The powerful 153x15mm WhisperWind DC motor is energy efficient and runs very quietly. That is why it is also appropriate for study rooms or a nursery. The high wind speed factor (3.04 MPH) gives you a terrific breeze. Its windflow is moderate at 3946 CFM and thus provides a good air circulation only in limited spaces. The fan is exclusively an indoor ceiling fan.

Hunter produces dependable fans because they undergo more quality testing than most fans in the market. Their legacy of trustworthy fans is almost ten decades old and the Donegan series is the glowing testimony to that.

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Everything To Know When Buying a Brushed Nickel Ceiling Fan.

We have a deep love for ceiling fans and live to help others understand these products as well as we do. That is why we took the time to write a ceiling fan buyers’ guide.

Buying a brushed nickel ceiling fan for the first time can be overwhelming. There are many options for fans and each fan has different styles, sizes, functionality, blades, and installation steps.

Also, there are different shades of brushed nickel ranging from lighter to darker shades.

We will walk you through how to think about each color.

Fortunately for you, we have distilled all of the key variables down into an accessible and digestible guide. You can read this guide if you want an in-depth understanding of ceiling fans or you can skim it if you only want to better understand certain aspects of the fan itself. 

This includes how to select a brushed nickel fan to buy, the types and angles of a fan’s blades, the pros and cons of the AC and DC motors that power fans, and how to install the fan on your ceiling. If you follow this guide you can be confident that you are making a well informed buying decision.

We know all things ceiling fans and want to pass on our learnings and insights to help you. 

Most importantly, we know that once you evaluate, select, and install a brushed nickel ceiling fan it will likely remain in place for many years to come. That is because ceiling fans can be heavy, expensive, and labor intensive to install. 

A central air conditioning system consumes 3 kiloWatts, which is about 36 cents per hour. Running a fan only runs at 30 Watts, equivalent to only a cent per hour. 

This makes fans affordable and energy efficient alternatives that many people love as they are good for you, your wallet, and the environment.

Running a fan that turns off when a certain temperature range is reached is even more affordable.

Take the time to do research now before buying because the switching costs of changing your mind can be high.

Go through this evaluation check-list so that you better understand the types of motors, blades, installation units, and fans that exist. We encourage you to optimize for:

  1. Overall quality: in particular the speed of the motor to optimize for cooling efficacy and quietness.
  2. Aesthetics: in particular ensure that you are happy with how the fan looks, its shade of brushed nickel coloring, shape, design, and blade count.
  3. Size: select the right size fan for the room you will be placing it in. Larger rooms require larger fans to create strong air flow.

Selecting the location of a ceiling fan: Inside or Outside

Most brushed nickel ceiling fans are used within the home. Others are for outdoor structures. Before deciding which type of brushed nickel ceiling fan to buy, determine where you will place it. Understanding the placement of a ceiling fan will help you select other attributes – like size, speed, and sound – that will enhance your experience with the fan.

Outdoor fans require different electrical strategies and water-proof finishes. Please keep this mind throughout the guide as we largely focus our attention and advice to those people who want to install indoor fans.

If placing the brushed nickel ceiling fan in an indoor room, measure the size of the room.

Bathrooms tend to be smaller than bedrooms which tend to be smaller than living rooms or kitchens. 

Knowing the approximate size of the room in which the fan will be placed is important. 

Larger fans are best suited to larger rooms as their blades and motors move greater volumes of air.

Ceiling Fan Size Chart

Room (in feet) Cubic Feet/Minute Fan Size
6′ x 6′ 3,000 – 4,500 Shop: 24″ to 36″
10′ x 10′ 4,000 – 5,500 Shop: 37″ to 48″
12′ x 12′ 6,200 – 7,500 Shop: 49″ to 56″
15′ x 15′ 7,000 – 9,000 Shop: 60″ to 72″
Larger 9,000 – 11,000 Shop: 80″ to 99″

The length of the blade of the fan and the size of the room go hand in hand.

In short, if you have a large room, buy a larger fan. The bigger the fan the better.

The common sizes for ceiling fans are 36, 44 and 52 inches, with the large fans having a blade wingspan of 60 inches. 

Of course you can technically go even larger, with the largest recreational home fans having up to 99 inches of wingspan.

99 inches is 8.25 feet. That is a large fan indeed.

Measure the height of the ceiling and allow at least 7 feet and 6 inches of space.

It is wise and safe to place your fan at least 7 feet above your flooring. 

Placing a brushed nickel ceiling fan high up protects tall individuals from hitting their head or having their hair caught while the fan is in motion. Fans need to be installed on ceilings and these installation bases take space as well. 

An installation base is adjoined to a downrod, which is a simple piece of metal that the fan is connected to and hangs from. 

The average American ceiling height today is 9 feet (2.7432 meters). This means that the average room can support a fan but with a shorter downrod. 

If you have average sized ceilings you can afford to install no more than 1 foot and 6 inch downrods.

How to measure downrods and base mounts

A ceiling fan is composed of fan blades, a downrod, and an installation base. 

The installation base attaches to the ceiling. The downrod connects to the base. And the fan itself hangs from the downrod.

Per the measurements mentioned above, the fan must be at least 7 feet and 6 inches above the ground if you have a standard 9 foot ceiling.  

There is one exception: fans placed above beds, where you will not walk, require less height.

Many downrods match the color of the fan. So if you want a back ceiling fan you will likely want a complimentary brushed nickel downrod to go with it.

Many people enjoy selecting the fit and finish of the downrod as these pieces of metal or plastic come in different colors, shapes, and sizes and compliment the overall fan’s aesthetic.

As a general rule, more expensive ceiling fans enable you to have longer and more customizable downrods. The downdrods tend to be longer – between 6 and 18 inches.

This is for functionality and aesthetics. Cheaper ceiling fans sometimes have very short – or almost nonexistent downrods – because the base and the fan are fused together.

Design and Look: what a brushed nickel ceiling fan looks like

A hugely important aspect of a ceiling fan is what it looks like. If you see the fan while lying in bed or while in your living room you will want it to look great.

The base and downrod are not nearly as important as the blades for how a fan looks in a room. 

Blades come in different cuts, lengths, seizes, finishes, colors and of course quantities. 

When people think of a brushed nickel fan, they often think of brushed nickel blades and a matching flush mounting and downrod.

This is important to clarify: when buying a brushed nickel fan do you want the entire unit to be brushed nickel or only a portion? Do you want all brushed nickel exteriors (blades, motor casing, and downrod) or only the blades?

These are minor but important details to think through. Many people love the idea of having a consistent color scheme.

How many blades should the fan have?

At a minimum, a brushed nickel ceiling fan will have two blades though four or five are certainly more common. 

A two blade fan can be made of one long piece of metal connected at the mid-point or two distinct blades.

Blades add functionality and impact the air flow.

When you look at a fan that is turned on, the blades are hard to see. When the fan is stationary, however, the design and color of the blades will need to align with your preferences for style and decor. 

Fans with four to six blades produce a lower pitch, softer volume noise output. Three blade fans use the air surrounding the fan most efficiently and require the least effort to clean as you have fewer blades and surface area to collect dust. 

Windmill fans, always popular in kid’s rooms, have the most surface area of blades. This increases the effort to clean and dust these fans.

The shade of brushed nickel, material, and quantity of the blades impact how the fan looks and performs. 

Another subtle variable is at play too: the angles of those blades. If the blades are too flat, they won’t whisk through the air and create air flows. We highly advise blades with angles between 12 and 14 degrees. 

Nearly all of the fans we provide you here have angles in that range for optimal air circulation and air flow efficacy.

More than a fan: how a brushed nickel ceiling fan provides lighting, symmetry, and aesthetic benefits.

Some people buy ceiling fans simply to cool or heat a room. Others buy ceiling fans because they can be elegant and add character to a home. Some fans have lights and others do not.

If you are going to place your fan in the center of a room – for example, your living room – you might do so at the expense of a central lighting system. 

For this reason, adding lights to fans is popular. If you add lights you will want to also consider how easy it is to change the bulbs, especially if the fan is very high above your floor.

LED, Halogen, and Fluorescent lighting options are available on all fans that have integrated lighting.

Control Your Environment: Noise and Air Flow

Fans without lights produce two types of energy outputs when they are on: noise and air-flow. Both will impact your experience with the fan. Fans with lights also produce illumination as an energy output.

Firstly, noise is a byproduct of any fan. The rotation of the blades and the motor can cause distinct sounds. Larger motors produce more power and, as a result, can generate more noise.

The good news is that noise can be mitigated. 

Motors that are built from higher quality and durable screws, armature, bearings, windings, and rotors are more expensive. 

Cheaper fans have motors that usually produce more noise as a byproduct. 

If you want a quieter fan, buy a more expensive one. You won’t regret it.

Please pay particular attention to this when considering which type of fan you will place in different rooms in your home. If you are considering a bedroom ceiling fan, it is prudent to optimize for minimal sound. 

People tend to care less about noise when a fan is in a garage or bathroom.

The second type of energy output is air-flow.

Fans can not only cool rooms, they can also heat rooms and reduce air moisture.

They substitute central cooling or work in conjunction with air conditioning. 

Fans do not lower air temperatures. They produce air flows and circulation which can in turn create the effect of a windchill. 

The wind chill temperature is how cold people feel. The air flow, which leads to evaporative cooling (deratification), is generated by the ceiling fan.  

If you are using a fan for general room cooling, you will want a fan that accelerates the heat loss from exposed skin. 

Put simply, you will want a fan that generates significant air-flows point downwards and towards the center of the room.

Air Flow Deep Dive: Cubic Feet per Minute

Air flow is the volume of air that is produced by the fan. 

The most common way to measure air flow is Cubic Feet per Minute (or CFM). 

All of the fans we review have a CFM rating so that you can easily compare how much air that each fan produces. 

The average CFM is around 5,000. 

For nearly all non-industrial use-cases, like your home bedroom, kitchen, living room, or garage, a CFM of 6,000-7,000 is optimal. 

At this rate you will be left feeling cooler without greatly enhancing your energy bill or having papers strewn all over the place from the powerful wind currents that larger fans produce.

You might also see a measurement similar to CFM which is air (or wind) Miles Per Hour. 

Much like measuring the speed at which one drives, a fan can have its air speed measured too. 

Nearly all fans produce between 3 and 5 Mile Per Hour air flows. Naturally, the higher the MPH, the stronger the air flows.

Controlling Your Fan and Your Energy Output for Efficiency

Mobile apps and the internet have changed how we communicate, manage, and control various technologies. 

Brushed nickel  ceiling fans are no exception. 

Ceiling fans are well suited for management by a digital switch, remote, or mobile app because you can power the fans on or off (or even alter the speed) from afar. 

A connected fan is controlled via a remote control or smartphone. In contrast, less expensive and simpler fans are controlled via a manual switch.

Lastly, some ceiling fans are controlled by pull chains.

While chains are usually made long enough for all users to reach them, please keep in mind that this can cause discomfort or annoyance on high ceilings or fans that need to be frequently turned on or off. Nearly all brushed nickel fans have matching brushed nickel pull chains.

If you plan on installing your fan over 9 feet above the ground, you should buy a fan that can be controlled digitally.

All ceiling fans can create air-flows bi-direactionally. 

Usually a simple switch exists on the fan’s motor or external base that enables you to change the direction in which the blades rotate. 

Changing the directional air propulsion is critical during the winter months. 

Rather than have air convected from the center of the room for cooling, you will want air to move from the blades horizontally down through the walls. 

Lateral air-flow is used for heating rooms and maintaining central warmth while reducing your energy bill.

Choosing the right ceiling fan direction

 

How you control your fan is correlated with how much energy your fan uses. Will you leave it running all the time? Or will you use smart logic to power it down after a certain amount of time?

We have gone above and beyond to think about fans not just as cooling mechanisms but as a tool that can help you save money while lowering your ecological footprint. These efforts will, most importantly, save you money.

Let me explain further.

When you use central cooling or air conditioners, you are physically reducing the temperature in a room. 

An air conditioner sucks air into its ducts through a vent. This air cools the gas in the evaporator and as the heat is removed from the air, it is cooled. Cool air then flows into your room.

This process is energy intensive and expensive.

In contrast, a ceiling fan does not cool the room or remove heat. Rather, it moves air around which creates the feeling of cooling. Actual cooling is not occurring. Less energy out means less energy in. And in total this means a lower energy bill.

What A brushed Nickel Ceiling Fan Looks Like To You and Others

This guide provides ample information pertaining to how a ceiling fan works and things you should be aware of before buying one or many fans for your home. 

What we have not discussed in great depth is how a fan looks and the importance of design aesthetics. 

A fan will need to fit aesthetically into your room and, as a result, you should think about material (wood, metal, plastic), color, and design patterns. Some questions to reflect on:

  • Is the room light or dark? Is it naturally well lit or does it require lots of electrical light?

If your ceiling fan is going in the center of your living room, for example, you will likely want a fan with built-in lighting. This is because many living rooms have existing fixture hardware and wiring.

  • Do you want a smart fan that connects with your digital applications and services (Google Home, Nest Apple Siri, Amazon Alexa)?

If you control other aspects of your home – like the temperature and humidity – via smart apps, you might want to add a ceiling fan as another connected Internet of Things device. Likewise if you have high ceilings and plan to install a fan that you can’t easily reach by hand. 

Smart fans can be controlled via your phone, tablet, or voice, and these controls will make turning them on or off easier.

  • Do you want a brushed nickel windmill fan?

Windmill fans are harder to clean (more blades means more surface area for dust to land and accumulate). On the other hand, windmill fans are quiet and elegant.

This type of fan is also hugely popular in kids rooms and living rooms. 

The windmill fans pay homage to an older design aesthetic.

While this fan is not modern chic it goes very well in rooms with wooden floors or darker walls because it is made of simple plastic or wood finishes, glass fiber reinforced polyester, and thin pulp-plastic infused blades.

  • What style finish do you want?

Sleek and minimalist fans have fewer blades. These fans, made of lightweight metal, have universal brushed nickel finishes. These colors tend to best pair with brushed nickel:

  1. Ivory
  2. Light brown
  3. Beige
  4. Slate

Brushed nickel adds sophistication and class to any room. Brushed nickel fans look great and match lighter room color schemes with ample natural light.

Where to buy a brushed nickel ceiling fan?

Ceiling fans are heavy and can be difficult to fit in a car or to transport yourself unless you have a large vehicle or flat-bed truck. Given this, it makes a lot of sense to have your fan shipped to you so that it arrives ready for home assembly.

You can self-install a ceiling fan. This work requires moderate technical skills and physical strength. This is because you will need to install not only the fan (the blades) but you will need to connect the fan’s base to the ceiling and its electrical fixture hardware and wiring.

How much do ceiling fans cost? What impacts the price of a fan?

Brushed nickel ceiling fans range in price from $100 on the cheap-end to over $1,500 on the high-end. There are several reasons why the range in price is so large.

A ceiling fan, made of plastic instead of more durable wood or metal, is cheaper.

Additionally, less expensive brushed nickel fans have weaker motors. This means that they are capable of producing less air flow or have smaller Cubic Feet per Minute scores.

More expensive fans are akin to those you would experience at a resort or high end hotel. A ceiling fan over $1,200 will likely come packed with high tech solutions built-in. 

These fans will enable you to:

  1. Program the fan based on motion, temperature, or humidity. 
  2. Turn the fan on or off based on preset logic or rules for maximum physical comfort. 
  3. Enjoy very efficient and quiet DC motors that have multi-decade support and lifetime expectations.

Moreover, these pricer fans come with app based (smart phone, iPad) mobile management and remote controls. 

It is common for expensive ceiling fans to come with mount options so that you can install a panel adjacent to your light switch. These wall mounts enable you to control not only the fan (on/off) but also the fan speed and direction. 

AC vs DC fans: Understanding a fan’s power source

Cheaper fans do not come with these in depth level of controls or sophisticated management features. 

And that is ok. Simplicity might be what you crave. 

Cheaper fans cool rooms as well and can be easily turned on/off with pull chains.

Less expensive fans (in the $100-$300 price point) still come with energy-efficient dimmable lightbulbs.

Most inexpensive brushed nickel fans leverage AC motors.

Although AC motors are more powerful than DC motors, they typically are less efficient and are not as good at using their energy output. 

This can cause additional noise (thereby making it harder to sleep if that fan is in your bedroom). 

When buying a fan, please take a moment to see the Power Source listed in the fan’s essential product information that all suppliers provide. If you buy a fan with an AC motor, it will be louder.

As a result, we highly advise buying a DC powered fan if you will be sleeping near it.

AC motors are durable and longer lasting. While this might seem positive, DC motors are better (and therefore more costly). 

DC motors are simpler to install into the fan’s base, have high startup power, and have a faster response time. 

This means that time will be shortened from when you switch the “on” button to when the fan is accelerating to cool your room.

Although more expensive, ceiling fans with DC motors consume 70% less power which will enable you to save money over time as you pay less to power them.

Where to place the ceiling fan: voltage and flush mounting

Many people place their ceiling fans in the center of a room or above a bed. This is to maximize comfort and the impact of the fan’s air flows.

A centrally placed brushed nickel ceiling fan also creates room symmetry.

Voltage is the pressure from an electrical circuit’s power, and the most common electrical outlet in any home is a 110 volt. If you live in the United States, you will need to select a fan that complies with this voltage limit. 

Luckily for you, nearly all off-the-shelf ceiling fans support this standard. 

When installing a ceiling fan you will need to get a few things absolutely right. We have done this many times for ourselves, our family, friends, and of course our clients.

Firstly, some ceiling fans support flush mount integrations. Flush mount fans sit directly against the ceiling and point downwards. These fans are typically useful for cooling a small room. 

Not all ceiling fans are flush mountable. 

This means that they will hang lower from the ceiling. If you buy a fan that cannot be flush mounted, please ensure that the lower point of the fan is at least 7 feet and six inches from the ground.

Additionally, ensure that the weight bearing load of the ceiling can support the fan. 

Similar to voltage, this should be routine in many homes. 

But it is worth investigating because you don’t want to buy a fan just to see it unable to stay upright. 

For most fans that we review and see our clients deploy, a ceiling must be able to support approximately 35 pounds of downward pressure.

Buyer’s Guide Summary: Bringing It All Together

Buying a brushed nickel ceiling fan for the first time does not need to be overwhelming.

Simply follow this guide to evaluate and buy the fan that fits best in your room and adds the most value in your life.

Don’t get too bogged down in the details. If nothing else, pick a fan that looks great, fits well within your room, and that is priced according to your budget. 

Select a finish of brushed nickel that you think will match the room the ceiling fan will be placed in.