What kind of filter/cleaning does it need or cost?
Airthereal APH230C Air Purifier Replacement Filter Set - 3 Filtration Stage True HEPA Technology - Eliminates Pollen, Dust, Fire Smoke, Pet Dander - Pure Morning (1-Pack) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081Z3PRPL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_M8C4TDBAVSEFKESSQZWB
Wondering how this compares to Winix air purifiers…
Bluntly put?
A box fan with a filter on the air intake is as effective as any of them.
The only exception would be with devices that create negative ozone to remove particles ability to stay airborn. The issue with that is that this is toxic for living creatures if it creates ozone in the environment it’s “cleaning”.
Don’t fall for the marketing gimmicks. https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=box+fan+filter&sp=CAM%253D
This device is ozone free, so as effective as a box fan with the same filter. The main parts of this device are:
- Pre filter to keep large particles from getting to the HEPA filter.
- HEPA filter to remove particles as small as 0.3 microns
- Activated carbon - these last about two weeks at best and I think these are a complete gimmick.
So if you stack these same three devices in front of a $20 box fan, you’ll have the exact same air cleaning power.
I prefer this method of using multiple filters in a box formation to ensure each filter has the longest possible life span. It also leads to the least amount of resistance from the fan, so far less likely to overheat the fan. I’ve seen these run for years without issues. Very useful in shops with a lot of air pollution from equipment. How to Make a DIY Air Filter | Ask This Old House - YouTube
Woots filter on sale here today cost less than your DIY alternative . The DIY does have more output. However, Filter replacement costs would be more, 4 filters vs 1. Also, your DIY has no prefilter or activated carbon, “gimmick” absorbs odors . You pay more for your DIY version when you compare them fairly. With no washable prefilter you will be replacing your 4 filters more often.
I used the DIY method when there were wildfires in my area last fall and while it is effective, @poutie is right – you would go through filters like crazy and big box fans would likely be noisier to use and would take up more space.
I have a different air purifier and the HEPA filter on it has an outside layer that catches hair, etc., which I brush off periodically, so I know it’s working. It has helped my allergies quite a bit and it definitely helps with odors. I ran it in various locations around my apartment when I got it and it helped remove the lingering fire/smoke smell from the wildfires.
I live in a small apartment and I don’t have the room to run box fans all the time, nor would I want all that noise around me all the time. An air purifier was a smarter choice for me. If you’re talking about big shops, then sure, use your method. But I don’t know that it’s practical for the average home user.
I do have a box fan with filter in my bedroom, however when I had my winix purifier in there along with the filtered box fan, the winix helped out a lot with the dust that the filtered box fan didn’t catch. I also have 3 dogs and a husband so the activated charcoal filter does help with odor reduction. When I purchase a replacement filter for my winix every 9 months or so, it comes with several charcoal filters which get replaced every few months, as needed. So as for your comparison of a filtered box fan versus a 3-4 Stage purifier, your opinion is incorrect compared to factual evidence 