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).
• Text version of the Beyond the Basics Design infographic.

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Beyond the Basic Design

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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" carboard 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