Make your own air purifier
- by Francesca Clarke (RSS feed) on Nov 14th 2007 10:00AM
- Filed under cleaning
When I wrote about how to get rid of dust mites, many of you commented, adding important tips. One of the most popular suggestions was from people who were using - and having great success with - air purifiers. A poor quality air purifier will leave you in no better shape than when you started and will only take up space (if it doesn't get thrown out the window out of frustration). A good quality purifier is going to cost you a hefty bill. Luckily, your choices aren't limited to choking down a few hundred dollars, or choking on dust mites. You can build your own air purifier and breathe easy.
After the break I'll share the materials and assembly for this DIY air purifier.
What you'll need
- PVC water pipe
- Replacement window screen
- Cardboard box
- HEPA filter
- small fan
What to do
- Drill a small hole in the wall of the box
- Put the water pipe in the hole. Run it all the way through the wall
- Place your filter material on the outside of the pipe. This will keep out insects, pollen, and other particulates.
- Place your HEPA filter inside the cardboard box and mount the box on the pipe
- Mount the fan inside the box. You'll need to cut a hole in the box to do this.
This isn't going to compare to the medical grade air purifiers, but it will do the trick if you're looking to save some money and try out a new project. For an aromatherapy affect, try using a cloth with essential oil drops or even a dryer sheet in place of the screen.
Daily DIY: Five Ways to Re-Use a Plastic Bag
Welcome the Fall With Apples Galore!
DIY & Save: 20 Foods That Freeze Surprisingly Well ... and 20 That Don't
Unusual Uses: Digital Cameras - 22 Clever Uses
10 After-School Snacks Your Child Can Make
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
7-05-2008 @ 3:06AM
Patrick said...
Here's a pic of my filter, I've made 3 of these and they last about 3 months a piece (as advertised on the filter.)
According to the info on the box the fan moves up to 2140 Cubic Feet (of air) per minute on the high setting, and the filter has a 1250 rating (about 85% or particulates down to 0.3 micron.
That's as good as the $300-400 range of purifiers.
Got the idea from a hospital purifier we have for flu/ SARS/ TB epidemics. They use a 20x20 filter that's only slightly better.
anyway, here's my pic...
http://web.mac.com/thesolidus/iWeb/Site/Photos.html
Reply
7-05-2008 @ 12:57PM
Francesca Clarke said...
Thanks for sharing!
Reply
3-02-2009 @ 6:40PM
Bob Jones said...
Good advice for building an air purifier. If you want reviews of other air purifiers check out http://www.reviewairpurifier.com
Reply
8-26-2009 @ 11:48PM
chris said...
great post also a high powered fan would probably be best.
- EARN LOTS OF INCOME FROM HOME ONLINE COMPLETING SURVEYS ONLINE!! HTTP://earnlotsofincome.yolasite.com
Reply
9-22-2009 @ 6:25AM
Eddie Peden said...
Is there a picture or diagram of the air purifier, or am I just missing it
Thanks, Eddie
Reply
11-15-2007 @ 11:59AM
TourPro said...
Even easier.
Wait till 20x20 inch box fans go on sale or Walmart. Spend slightly more for a little better quality for durability and quiet operation.
Buy 20x20 inch furnace filters. They come in many grades from basic fiberglass to HEPA. Use wide masking tape to mount on the intake side of the fan. You now have a portable three-speed air filter.
Installing in a "filter-box" helps to create distance between the intake and exhaust (it's a fluid dynamics thing).
These work most excellently.
Reply
11-21-2007 @ 1:28PM
Mona L. said...
It would be so nice if a picture of what you mean about the filter box thing on the home made air purifier. I think I understand but not sure.
11-16-2007 @ 5:44AM
Tracy said...
Yes on the box fan filters! My husband used to wake up every morning needing his inhaler, and since we build this fan filter and run it all night - he needs the inhaler maybe once per month. It works so well!
Reply