DIY PURIFIERS

WANT TO BUILD YOUR OWN AIR PURIFIER? 

You can make your own using a box fan with a square or rectangular housing and a MERV-13 filter that is the same area as the fan. This is called a box fan filter, and you can build one for about $45. Note that box fan filters are expensive to run over a 5-year period because of electricity use and filter replacement costs. Box fan filters can also be pretty loud to operate, so it may be better to buy one of the suggested air purifiers instead, even if they are more expensive up front


Here are the steps to make one:

Compare total costs* of DIY box fan filter and a medium-space commercial air purifier

DIY Box Fan Filter

Room size: approx. 350 ft² 

Purchase cost: approx. $45 

5-year cost: $630

Room size: 360 ft²  

Purchase cost: $149 

5-year cost: $453

*The operating costs for 5 years assume the unit is running 24/7, which is recommended in areas with medium/high air pollution.