• initial thoughts

    Ira Sanborn • 01/08/2023 at 21:14 • 0 comments

    We care about the air we breathe, and we don't want to compromise when it comes to our health. But, commercial off-the-shelf air filtration devices, the like you'd find on amazon for anywhere from $100-$500+, seem to have little to no standards in terms of filter size, filtration capabilities, quality of components, actual effectiveness, and lifespan. When we think about what these devices are doing (sucking air through a filter), it becomes clear the manufacturers have gone straight down the inkjet printer marketing path with the resale of their custom-sized filters as a primary profit engine, and leaving the rest to gimmicks and even dangerous additions like ozone. 

    The thing is, we already have an industry standard for air filters in the home: furnace filters! Additionally, I'm not convinced that these devices have to be AC at all, and could instead likely get enough power from a USB connection and could have onboard battery power.

    I've already been scoping out some ideas of course, or why would I be here writing this.

    Here's what I've got so far:


    we can use an off-the-shelf return air filter holder w/grille - you can find these in most furnace filter sizes, and seem to run from $30-$80 - 

    the size you choose is probably going to be determined by 2 main things

    - how big of a device you're making

    - what size your favorite furnace filters come in, remember that is going to be _by far_ the biggest cost in this long term, so this is a big choice

    Next I started thinking about airflow. Backstory on this, I have built a few makeshift air filters in the past using a 20x20 box fan and a 20x20 furnace filter and some packing tape, they work great for a short-term application, but they are very loud, and definitely not something you'd want to put in your living room as-is. So, box fan was out. Next thought was computer case fans, and sure enough I found tons that had really great static pressure specs. I figure I can even use an off-the-shelf case fan controller, depending on the number of fans that we end up needing for this.

    An additional goal for this is to build 2 versions. One portable version and one for installing into a bookshelf.