DIY Air Cleaner to Reduce Wildfire Smoke Indoors Infographic
Learn the steps you can take to create a do-it-yourself (DIY) air cleaner in an emergency, if portable air cleaners are not available or affordable. Two designs are available a basic design and a beyond the basics design.
- Download the Beyond the Basics Design infographic (pdf) (1,751 KB).
- Text version of the Beyond the Basics Design infographic.
Beyond the Basic Design
Text Version of the Infographic
DIY Air Cleaner to Reduce Wildfire Smoke Indoors: Beyond the Basic Design
Good
Basic Supplies:
- 20" x 20" x 1" or 4" air filter
- Suggested rating: MERV 13
- 20" x 20" box fan
- Only use certified fans with UL or ETL markings (2012 model or newer)
- 2p" x 20" cardboard shroud
- cutout the size of the fan blades
- clamps or Duct Tape or Bungee Cord
Better
Additional Supplies:
- Two - MERV 13 air filters
- Triangle cardboard cutout for base on top
Best
Additional Supplies:
- Four or five - MERV 13 air filters
- If using five filter design, use left supports (e.g., blocks) to allow airflow through bottom.
Ways to Improve Effectiveness:
- Add a cardboard shroud
- No cost improvement
- Use thicker filters
- 4" rather than 1" MERV 13 filters
- Use multiple filters
- 2-5 filter design
Key Reminders
- Only use certified fans with UL or FTL markings
- 2012 model or newer
- Keep extra filters on hand
- Replace filters when dirty