Submitted by admiralamott t3_y7vq21 in BuyItForLife
snortswoggle t1_iswvef8 wrote
hdoublephoto t1_isxbvd0 wrote
This is the (inexpensive) way
snortswoggle t1_isxewf7 wrote
that works, those little air purifiers do not. and you can upgrade to MERV 11 filters if needed. Worked fine in my space, pet allergies.
MrEcksDeah t1_iszqa2p wrote
Good air purifiers do indeed work and use essentially the exact same filter
Barnacle-bill t1_isxj9jp wrote
Yup, been doing this for years. Doesn’t look pleasant but it works. And those box fans seemingly will run forever
ThatQuietOne t1_isxvrbd wrote
And if the room is big and have the space you can use 4-20"x20" filters and a piece of cardboard with a box fan; find merv13 to really clean the air:
snortswoggle t1_isxx09i wrote
Oh wow thats awesome hadnt seen that one, great idea
the_GOAT_44 t1_isxvohd wrote
Filter on the fan outlet is doing absolutely nothing.
snortswoggle t1_isxxsrb wrote
I tried it both ways at first and found it quieter , basically muffles it a bit. I will however check the filter surface when I eventually replace them to confirm, if the output filter is clean I will just reverse them. I am guessing probably good for a few months.
taco_in_the_shell t1_isy2tdc wrote
Don't put the input filter on the output, you'll just end up blowing the dust back out of the filter. Just throw it out and use your output filter as the new input filter. Don't bother with an output filter anymore.
Also, it's quieter with two filters because of course it is. It's blocking the air and also blocking the sound as well. But it's really just doubling the resistance to the whole system without providing any meaningful increase in filtration.
WorldComposting t1_isxwciv wrote
This person has the right idea but I would really recommend getting a 4" filter and putting it on the back. This will allow for more air flow which is important for removing dust.
If you want to kick it up a level I use a Corsi-Rosenthal box in my house. Modified design with 3 two inch Merv 13 filters. Merv 13 will filter out viruses and pet dander.
Here is the design https://engineering.ucdavis.edu/news/science-action-how-build-corsi-rosenthal-box and you can find a lot of Youtube videos on how to build them and some testing them https://youtu.be/lbWiZSsEqPg.
I recommend getting a decent fan instead of a cheap one as it should be able to pull more air through the filters.
SummerWinterSummer t1_isxejt1 wrote
Can confirm - this works!!
allisonmaybe t1_isy53ng wrote
So you've tried this? What's it do for pet dander and just general dust bunnies that accumulate because pets?
SummerWinterSummer t1_it0omk3 wrote
I have used this, yes. Sadly it won’t save you from the general dust bunnies under the couch, etc but it does take a lot of pet hair and dust out of the air. There is still pet hair on the couch and floor but it cleans the air well - which is good for the allergies. You know when the dog scratches itself and you see hair flying thru the air? That’s the stuff it’s filtering out. And all the dust in the air being kicked up by fans, the heat turning on/off, people walking thru the room, etc. My parents have two going in their large living room. We use painters tape to hold the filter on so it’s easy to switch out for a new one. Not pretty but it works! You’ll be amazed at what the filter looks like in a couple weeks - dirty!!
teaquad t1_isxg3re wrote
Does the box fan itself come apart and be easily cleaned/dusted? Sweet set up tho
velvetackbar t1_isxrdxk wrote
Yes: you just carefully unscrew the plastic covers, wash them in the shower and dry them thoroughly (they contact metal and can trap water leading to rust) and while that drying is happening, vaccum the blades and interior.
Carefully reassemble. Note that the screws will bottom out and just need to be snug, not torqued down. Torque and you will strip the holes in the sheet metal
I would imagine you could wipe down the blades and interior of the case with an antistatic wipe, but I haven't really investigated that route. That might inhibit future buildup.
LeeisureTime t1_isyb3p4 wrote
A cheap and nice smelling hack is to wipe it with dryer sheets. I do that with my baseboards because they are dust magnets
allisonmaybe t1_isy57sh wrote
If this is a more permanent setup maybe you could remove the grill on one side so it's easy to clean when you're replacing filters.
Gears6 t1_isy1aj6 wrote
Great advice, but build a Corsi Rosenthal box instead as it will increase air flow to the fan, keep the air cleaner and make your box fan last longer.
https://engineering.ucdavis.edu/news/science-action-how-build-corsi-rosenthal-box
and here is the case study around it:
https://energy.ucdavis.edu/wp-content/uploads/Case-Study_DIY-Portable-Air-Cleaners-083121.pdf
Now, where to buy cheap and reliable quality filters?
working_and_whatnot t1_isynhs0 wrote
OP, try this along with regular cleaning as others have mentioned. The secret with the box fan/filter setup is that it can move a lot more air than most air filter systems. I run mine on a higher speed setting when I am not in the room/home, and turn it way down or off when I am using the room. Some filters are specifically rated to remove pollen, mold, etc. but they cost more.
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