As the East Coast of the US is engulfed by toxic smoke from wildfires in Canada, many people are looking for ways to protect themselves from the harmful air quality indoors. One simple and effective solution that is gaining popularity on social media is to create a DIY air purifier using a box fan, four air filters, and some duct tape.
A box fan is a large, portable fan that can be placed on a window sill or on the floor. Air filters are usually used for furnaces or air conditioners, and they come in different sizes and ratings. The higher the rating, the more particles they can capture. For this project, you will need four air filters of the same size as your box fan, and preferably with a rating of MERV 13 or higher.
The idea is to attach one air filter to each side of the box fan, creating a cube that can draw in air from all directions and filter out smoke, dust, pollen, and other pollutants. To do this, you will need some duct tape to secure the filters to the fan. You can also use some cardboard or foam board to create a frame for extra stability.
Once you have assembled your DIY air purifier, you can plug in your box fan and turn it on. You should notice a difference in the air quality within minutes. You can place your air purifier near a window or in any room where you spend a lot of time. You can also check the color of the filters to see how much smoke they have removed from the air.
This DIY project is not only cheap and easy, but also effective. According to a study by researchers at Colorado State University, a box fan with four MERV 13 filters can reduce fine particulate matter (PM2.5) by 90% in a typical bedroom. PM2.5 are tiny particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause health problems such as asthma, bronchitis, and heart disease.
However, this DIY air purifier is not a substitute for professional-grade devices or proper ventilation. It may not be able to filter out gases, odors, or viruses. It may also pose a fire hazard if the fan overheats or if the filters are not changed regularly. Therefore, you should always follow safety precautions when using your DIY air purifier, such as keeping it away from flammable materials, monitoring its temperature, and replacing the filters when they get dirty.
