For the non-box fans, the filter doesn’t need to sit perfectly over the blades. If you have a round table fan or a fan with a rounded cover, remove the face of casing so that you expose the blades. If there is a little peg sticking out of the center, use a handsaw to remove the it and keep the fan flat. [2] X Research source
The arrow on the filter shows you which direction the air is supposed to flow. If the filter is going on the back of the fan, the arrow points to the blades. If you’re using a round or non-standard fan and the filter goes on top of the blades, the arrow should point away from the fan.
If you’re attaching the filter to a round or non-standard fan, you’re going to need to get a little creative with the tape. Use as much duct tape as you need to secure the filter tightly to the frame. Don’t worry if there are any tiny gaps you can’t keep covered—the filter will still work.
Replace the filter after 90 days or so to ensure that it continues cleaning the air. [6] X Trustworthy Source U. S. Department of Energy Official site for the U. S. Department of Energy, which provides resources related to energy safety, conservation, and efficiency Go to source
The Corsi-Rosenthal box was designed during COVID-19 as a cheap way to keep the air clean. The box is named after the two individuals who invented the DIY air purifier. [8] X Research source Any kind of air filter will work for this, and MERV 13 filters will really get the job done. HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters are as good as it gets, although they do tend to be a little more expensive. [9] X Trustworthy Source United States Environmental Protection Agency Independent U. S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices Go to source HEPA filters have MERV ratings, which refer to the size of the particles the filter can capture. For a Corsi-Rosenthal box, MERV 13 filters are ideal.
This cardboard sheet is going to be the base/floor of the air filter. The air filters are going to be the walls, and the box fan will go on top.
The arrows on the filters indicate which direction the air is supposed to flow. In this case, you want the arrows pointing inward because you want the air to be cleaned as it enters the middle of the box. This way, the fan will blow out the cleaned air.
If you aren’t sure which side of the fan to put facing out, plug it in. Whichever side blows the air out is the one you want pointing away from the box.
This air purifying unit should last 6 months. After a half year passes, deconstruct the box and rebuild it using new filters. [14] X Research source If you’re painting a home or spraying pesticides, bring the box with you whenever you move to a different room to keep your lungs safe.
Subtracting a little length from the diameter ensures the fan won’t fall through the lid when you put it at the top of the bucket.
Remember to make the hole a little smaller than the diameter of the fan. Center the hole and keep it as even as possible all the way around.
Make as many holes as you can while leaving a consistent amount of space between each hole. Every row on the bucket should have some airflow. Try making some of the holes a different size. Drill 4 columns on opposing sides, then switch to a 2 in (5. 1 cm) drill bit. Fill in the remaining space with columns of bigger holes. Consider sanding the holes smooth with 120-grit sandpaper or a rotary tool to improve your filter’s appearance.
If your filter has a frame on it, cut around the frame first to remove it. Another option is to install the filter on the side of the bucket by drilling one big hole instead of a bunch of small ones.
Make sure the cord stays firmly in the notch, out of the way of the lid.
Change the filter out every 3 months to ensure that the air stays clean.
