< Back to News & Insights
How to Create a DIY Air Purifier
Don Layman, Mortgage AdvisorSeptember 17, 2020 — 4 min read
Considering all that's happened so far in 2020, the past few months have been incredibly difficult for the west coast as locals live with dangerously unpredictable wildfires and the fear of evacuation. Nearly 500,000 Oregonians were forced to evacuate their homes over the past two weeks as firefighters battled flames across 900,000 acres of dry land.
As the immediate threat of structural damage lessens, locals are left with another life-altering issue: smoke. A lack of rain or high winds to help disperse the thick smoke puts even those in the best health at risk. According to the CDC, breathing in smoke can have immediate health effects, such as:
And that's pretty much it! We do advise purchasing a pack of filters to prevent overusing one filter. DIYers should also be aware that this is a temporary solution for emergencies. Whereas this setup is cheap and useful on a short-term basis, it's not as effective as an actual air purifying machine.
- Coughing
- Trouble breathing
- Headaches
- Chest pain
- Increased heart rate
Create Your Own Air Purifier
We recommend doing your own research to find a filter that best fits your needs, but from what we can tell, most DIY purifiers function comparably despite using different filters.Gather Your Materials
Depending on where you live, in-store shopping may not be an option for you, or your local stores are already sold out. It happens. Unlike the toilet paper fiasco of Spring 2020, only a few states have been heavily impacted by smoke, so online inventories are holding firm. To make a DIY air purifier, all you'll need is:- Multipack of Air Filters (Look for options with a high MPR-- the higher the MPR, the more microparticles can be caught in the filter)
- Box Fan
- Clear Packing Tape or Rubber Bands

Alternative Options
As we mentioned above, there are still plenty of online options available to purchase an actual air purifier. These machines can cost anywhere from $100 to $500, depending on your needs. Those not directly impacted by the smoke, just the box fan alone will help keep air circulating around your house and help prevent dust and mold from settling. If you're looking for every day, natural remedies to help purify the air in your home, consider:- Purifying candles (Look for candles made from beeswax)
- Himalayan salt lamps
- Increasing your indoor plants
- Diffusing oils (rosemary, thyme, clove, or lemon)
- Switching to non-toxic cleaning supplies
Additional Resources
Air conditions are currently hazardous for healthy people and especially for those at risk. Monitor the air quality in your area here. For those interested in donating or sending supplies to wildfire victims, start here.We're here when you need us! Fill out the contact form below to connect with a local Mortgage Advisor!
[sc name= "form-handler-contact-us"]Keywords:
Categories
Archives
Recent Posts
- From Leaves to Snow: Your Guide to Cold-Weather Home Maintenance
- Buying a Home as an Empty Nester: Tips and Tricks for Downsizing
- Preparing Financially for Parenthood and Homeownership
- The Significance of School Districts When Buying a Home
- Teacher-Friendly Mortgages: Home Financing Solutions That Make the Grade
- Homeownership: The Ultimate Back-to-School Investment for Your Family's Future
Getting started >
You bring the dream. We'll bring the diagram.
There’s a financing solution for just about every situation.
What our clients say >
I felt like I was treated like family, great communication and helping me with any questions I had.
Getting started >

You bring the dream. We'll bring the diagram.
There’s a financing solution for just about every situation.
Find an advisor >
Where does your sun shine? Find your local advisor.
Enter your city or state to see advisors near you.
Careers at PacRes>
We’re growing. Grow with us.
Careers at PacRes reward excellence in mortgage banking.
Build a better tomorrow