Enhancing Your Indoor Air Quality: A DIY Guide to Air Purifiers

As we reflect on the year 2020, it has been a period of significant hardship, particularly for the west coast residents, who have contended with unpredictable wildfires and the imminent threat of evacuation. Within a fortnight, close to half a million residents of Oregon were compelled to abandon their homes while firefighters combated fires that sprawled over 900,000 acres of parched land. While the direct threat of structural damage recedes, another problem emerges: smoke. The lack of rain or strong winds to dissipate the dense smoke endangers even the healthiest among us. The CDC warns that smoke inhalation can have immediate health impacts, such as coughing, shortness of breath, headaches, chest pain, and elevated heart rates.

Exacerbating the issue, air purifiers were rapidly sold out, leaving those in need in a quandary. However, there is a silver lining to this ominous cloud: you can construct your own cost-effective air purifying system at home.

Constructing Your Personal Air Purifier

We encourage thorough research to identify a filter that meets your requirements. Our findings suggest that most DIY purifiers perform similarly despite the use of distinct filters.

Gathering Your Supplies

Depending on your location, in-store purchases may be unfeasible, or perhaps local inventories are depleted. Fortunately, this issue only impacts a few states, and online stock levels remain steady. To construct a DIY air purifier, the following items will be necessary:

• Air Filters Multipack (Select options with high MPR-- the greater the MPR, the more microparticles the filter can trap)
• Box Fan
• Clear Packing Tape or Rubber Bands

Assembling the Purifier

Typically, attaching the air filter to the box fan with rubber bands would suffice. However, under these hazardous conditions, the use of tape is advisable to prevent smaller air particles from escaping through gaps between the filter and fan. For assembly, attach the filter to the fan's front, securing it with clear tape around the edges. Remember, this is a makeshift solution for emergencies and isn't as effective as a commercial air purifying device. Hence, we recommend having a pack of filters to avoid overuse.

Alternative Solutions

As mentioned earlier, numerous online options are available if you wish to purchase a commercial air purifier, ranging from $100 to $500, based on your needs. For those indirectly impacted by the smoke, the box fan can enhance air circulation within your home, reducing dust and mold accumulation. If you're seeking everyday, natural methods to improve your indoor air quality, consider the following:

• Purifying candles (preferably made from beeswax)
• Himalayan salt lamps
• Increasing indoor plants
• Diffusing oils (such as rosemary, thyme, clove, or lemon)
• Switching to non-toxic cleaning supplies

Further Resources

Presently, air conditions are hazardous for everyone, particularly those at risk. Stay updated with the air quality in your area and consider donating or sending supplies to wildfire victims.  Crosscountry Mortgage is here for you! Fill out the contact form below to connect with a local Mortgage Advisor!