During our lengthening fire season, we can expect a drastic change in air quality. The wildfire smoke that overwhelms our state each year is full of small particles that can get into your eyes and lungs, causing a wide range of health problems. These particles can get inside our homes, worsening the air we breathe even when indoors.
Home air purifiers are inaccessible to many due to their high price, so we’re sharing a simple and relatively inexpensive alternative you can make at home with just three items! These have been proven by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency to reduce airborne particulate matter dramatically.
What You’ll Need
- A box fan about 20 inches tall
- 20" x 20" x 1" MERV 13 or FPR 10 furnace filters
- Optional: Duct tape or bungee cords
Putting the Filter Together
- Place a filter on the back (air intake side) of the fan.
- Make sure that the arrow on the side of the filter is pointing towards the fan.
- Use duct tape or bungee cords to attach the filter securely to the fan.
- Try to avoid blocking the filter with tape.
- If you don’t have either of these, suction from the fan will hold the filter in place, but be prepared for it to fall off when not in use.
- Place in an area away from obstacles and turn the fan on.
- Run on high speed for a few hours if the indoor air quality is already poor, then lower it to medium speed to maintain.
- Keep your fan in areas that you spend the most time in, like in your bedroom or living room.
- Keep all windows and doors closed when outdoor air quality is poor.
- Replace the filter periodically for optimum results.
Additional Ways to Filter Your Home’s Air
- Regularly change the filter in your air conditioning units
- Keep a few plants in your home