If you are looking to make the best DIY air purifier and have an afternoon to spare, you could turn a simple box fan into a fairly effective air purifier. How to make an air purifier box fan? Read on to find out.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- You can turn a simple box fan into a highly effective air purifier with a few simple tools and an air filter.
- Be sure to purchase and use a HEPA filter with a Merv rating of 13, as this will ensure maximum efficacy.
- Once you have built the air purifier, test it out for 25 minutes or so to make sure all of the components hold together.
Why a Box Fan?
A box fan works similarly to how the fans inside of a commercially available filter-based air purifier. The back of the fan pulls air in and the front of the fan pushes air out. It is the perfect tool for a DIY air purifier. Another DIY you can use is the charcoal air purifier that you can make using locally bought activated charcoal.
Insider Tip
A box fan works similarly to how the fans inside of a commercially available filter-based air purifier.
How to Make an Air Purifier Box Fan
Here is what you will need to do to make a serviceable air purifier box fan.
What you will need: Medium or large-sized box fan, a Merv 13 HEPA filter, tape, scissors
STEP 1 GATHER YOUR TOOLS
Before you get started, gather all of your required tools. Be sure to purchase a suitable Merv 13 HEPA filter ahead of time and have it ready to go. Why a filter with a Merv 13 rating? For extra filtration power. You should also put out some adhesive tape, a pair of scissors, and, of course, the box fan. Be sure to choose a fan with plenty of power, so as to increase its filtration capabilities.
Insider Tip
Be sure to purchase a suitable Merv 13 HEPA filter ahead of time and have it ready to go.
STEP 2 AFFIX THE FILTER TO THE FAN
The hardest part of this whole process will be sizing out the air filter and affixing it to the box fan. Use a simple pair of crafting scissors to cut the filter so that it fits over the end of the fan exactly. Then, use adhesive tape to affix the filter to the front of the fan. There should be arrows on the filter to let you know which direction it should face. Use even more tape to patch up any cracks or holes.
STEP 3 TEST THE PURIFIER
Once the filter has been properly affixed to the fan, you are essentially finished. You will still want to test your new air purifier for 25 minutes or so, to make sure the adhesive will hold and that it can handle being operated for long periods of time. Be sure to close all windows and doors as you test the air purifier.
Other than using a box fan, or charcoal, you can make a water-based air purifier or a build plain air purifier with some simple materials. For other great info articles, check out our guides to adjusting air purifier noise levels and installing a whole-house air purifier.
F.A.Q.
Are more expensive air purifiers always the best?
Absolutely not. Only research dictates the best air purifiers, and expensive models can occasionally fall short. Be sure to check out user reviews before making a purchase.
Will a DIY air purifier help with allergens?
Yes, especially if you use a HEPA filter in its construction.
How long will the filter of my box fan air purifier last?
Assuming you used a standard true HEPA filter to build your box fan air purifier, it should last anywhere from six months to one year. Once that time has run out, buy a new filter, remove the old one, and affix the new one.
STAT: For smoke, a MERV 13 filter taped to a box fan has been found to be around 80 percent effective. (source)
REFERENCES:
- https://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Basic-Air-Purifier
- https://www.washington.edu/news/2020/09/15/video-how-to-make-your-own-home-air-purifier/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultravioletr
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_purifier
- https://journals.lww.com/health-physics/Abstract/2007/03000/UVR_MEASUREMENT_OF_A_UV_GERMICIDAL_LAMP.6.aspx
Warning
Be sure to choose a fan with plenty of power, so as to increase its filtration capabilities.
