Howard is a seasoned HVAC technician with a specialized knowledge in air purifiers. With over a decade of hands-on experience in the industry, he has assisted numerous clients in enhancing their indoor air quality. In his free time, Howard is an avid basketball player and enjoys catching up on his favorite movies.
If you're looking to create a DIY air purifier using a box fan, you're in luck! This is a relatively simple and cost-effective way to improve the air quality in your home. In this guide, I'll walk you through the steps to create your very own air purifier using a box fan and a few additional materials. For more information on choosing the right air purifier for your needs, check out our ultimate guide to selecting the perfect air purifier for your home.
Materials needed:
Recommended Materials for DIY Air Purifier
Material | Description | Purpose | Recommended Brands |
---|---|---|---|
Box Fan | A fan that is enclosed in a square or rectangular shaped casing. Size can vary, but a 20-inch fan is recommended. | To circulate air through the filter, removing pollutants. | Lasko, Holmes, Honeywell |
Air Filter | A device composed of fibrous materials which removes solid particulates such as dust, pollen, mold, and bacteria from the air. MERV 13 or higher, or a HEPA filter is recommended. | To trap and remove pollutants from the air. | 3M, Honeywell, Filtrete |
Duct Tape or Bungee Cords | Strong, flexible and sticky tape; or an elastic cord with hooks on the ends. | To secure the air filter to the fan. | Scotch, Gorilla, Keeper, Cartman |
- A box fan (any size will work, but a 20-inch fan is recommended)
- A high-quality air filter (MERV 13 or higher, or a HEPA filter)
- Some duct tape or bungee cords
- A box fan (any size will work, but a 20-inch fan is recommended)
- A high-quality air filter (MERV 13 or higher, or a HEPA filter)
- Some duct tape or bungee cords
Step 1: Choose the right air filter
The first thing you'll need to do is select an appropriate air filter. I recommend using a MERV 13 or higher filter, as these are designed to capture smaller particles like pollen, mold spores, and even some bacteria. Alternatively, you can use a HEPA filter, which is even more effective at capturing tiny particles. Just make sure the filter you choose is the same size as your box fan.
Step 2: Attach the air filter to the box fan
Next, you'll want to attach the air filter to the back of the box fan. This is the side where the air is drawn in. Make sure the filter is facing the right way, with the airflow arrow pointing towards the fan. You can use duct tape to secure the filter to the fan, or if you prefer, bungee cords can also work well. Just make sure the filter is firmly attached and there are no gaps for air to bypass the filter.
Step 3: Turn on the fan and let it work its magic
Now that your filter is securely attached to the fan, all you need to do is turn it on! As the fan operates, it will draw air through the filter, trapping particles and improving the air quality in your home. Make sure to run the fan on a lower setting to avoid putting too much strain on the motor.
Step 4: Replace the filter as needed
Over time, the filter will become dirty and less effective at capturing particles. It's important to replace the filter regularly to maintain optimal air purification. The frequency of replacement will depend on the air quality in your home and the specific filter you're using, but a good rule of thumb is to replace the filter every three months or when it becomes visibly dirty.
And there you have it! With just a few simple materials and steps, you can create your own DIY air purifier using a box fan. While this solution may not be as effective as a dedicated air purifier, it's a budget-friendly way to improve the air quality in your home. For more information on air purifiers and maintenance, check out our air purifier maintenance tips and tricks article.