Are DIY Box Fan Air Filters SAFE?

[@GanderFlight]

Watch all the Box Fan Air Filter Videos here: kzbin.info/aero/PLAriVJ-zrwINFsLm9NWBSUFdyV1x3ebqZ 🔸 DIY Air Filter | Box Fan Modification | Cleaner Air for Your Home from Pollen or Wildfire Smoke! kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6etnGh4gp2ri9E 🔸 Are DIY Box Fan Filters Safe? kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHaXoqCElKqCjtk 🔸⚠ Watch This BEFORE Making a DIY Box Fan Air Filter!!!: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJClZX-JlpWBeqc Lasko Air Flex 2 in 1 Box Fan Filter 🔷 Amazon: amzn.to/3NhkSlh 🔷 Menards: www.menards.com/main/heating-cooling/portable-fans/lasko-air-flex-20-air-purifier-box-fan/ff305/p-7720120058360405-c-12727.htm 🔷 Home Depot: www.homedepot.com/p/Lasko-Air-Flex-20-in-3-Speed-Air-Purifier-and-Room-Fan-FF305/315516663 🔷 Walmart: www.walmart.com/ip/Lasko-Air-Flex-2-in-1-20-inch-Box-Fan-and-Air-Purifier-in-One-with-3-Speeds-FF305-White/473758982 🔷 QVC: www.qvc.com/qvc.product.H232553.html 🔷 Boscov’s: www.boscovs.com/product/lasko-air-flex-2-in-1-20in-box-fan-air-purifier/763003 🔷 Wayfair: www.wayfair.com/Lasko--Lasko-23.2-Box-Fan-FF305-L447-K~UNW10066.html 🔷 Amazon: amzn.to/3NhkSlh

[@r3alfish]

I'd like to see @Project Farm test this against some top rated air purifiers. 😲

[@GanderFlight]

What a great idea- I’ll go leave him a message!!!!

[@she_sings_delightful_things]

Yes!

[@rickfrank7934]

@@GanderFlight any update?

[@GanderFlight]

@@rickfrank7934 I left him a comment - but didn't hear anything - nor do I expect to. Maybe we'll see a video sometime. Head over and leave Todd a message too! Maybe if we get enough folks suggesting it he might indulge.

[@ezrawaters6653]

He has done a video on HVAC filters though: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJzNg35_h9uUa5o

[@reneehughes5084]

Thanks for the video! The advantage to placing the filter on the back, is that the filter stops the usual build-up of dust and dirt on the fan blades (which .. over time, puts more drag on the blades which may heat the motor up a little with extra work and less airflow). Meanwhile, putting the filter on the front stops the dust/debris escaping, which slows the exit airflow a little and (admittedly, slightly) encourages the build up of dust on the blades and doesn't protect the motor. So for single filter setups, I'd recommend the back mounted filter, and you get the aesthetic benefits that are mentioned in the video and unobstructed access to any front-panel controls. As found in the video experiment... the amount of filtration should be (for all intents and purposes) identical if the fan speed and filters are the same. However, if the experiment ran for months until the filters were clogged and needed replacing... that story might be a little bit different. Taking it further.. two filters of differing types: A lot of wood workers, noticing the sawdust buildup accumulating in their workshops are putting filters on both the front and back of fans (Google/KZbin search: "DIY workshop air filter", and you'll get the idea). These usually involve two or more filters, with the typical air filter for the larger dust/particles/fibres on the back and another, 5 micron HEPA filter (or something similar) on the front. Naturally, this filters the air to a much higher quality, but also increases the cost of construction and ongoing maintenance. While you want a nice sealed "bottle neck" around the fan itself for efficient airflow, it's also better if you have a slightly larger filter than the fan on both sides as this reduces the "back pressure" the filters will place on the motor. If safety is your biggest concern, the best things you can do: 1. Keep your house as clean as possible... the less dust your filters are exposed to, the longer they'll last, and airflow will be less restricted. Put simply, there's less to catch on fire if there's a problem, and it's a situation that's less likely to cause a fire too. :-) 2. Clean and replace the filters regularly, (or as needed in times of low air quality). Clean any build up on the fan blades and suck any dust out of the motor with a vacuum. 3. Electrical safety. If you're enclosing a fan inside a box, then having a dedicated "safety switch" which (depending on the type) is usually either a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) or Residual Current Device (RCD). These devices create an automatic way to cut the power to the fan in the event of a fault. Differing laws and electrical systems are found in differing countries, but research how things are done in your relevant area or talk to your local qualified electrician and they'll give you appropriate advice. However, we can buy RCDs in Australia for around $20-30 in our nearest hardware store. Installation is easy. Plug the RCD into the wall, and then plug the fan into the RCD. Turn on the fan and make sure the switch trips the power by pushing the "Test" button, then hit the "Reset" button to turn the power back on. I hope this helps someone out there in these crazy times!

[@GanderFlight]

Thanks for the helpful and well thought out comments!

[@zlancenyc]

Yeah, filter on the back is safer in the long run. Esp if used in a woodworking shop

[@haydennillardthe3rd556]

Ya makes way more sense on the back nearly every fan ive had that failed was due to dust collecting on the motor and building up till it has to much resistance and fails. Also i never run it on max speed and the motor stays cool enough within spec.

[@MrAnimal1971]

Thank you for this information its what i was needing to know :)

[@imperiallegionnaire6943]

If you put it on the front, the air won’t go through and it’ll start blowing out the back of the fan

[@grnttplmr]

Best reason to put FILTER ON BACK is because you're filtering the air BEFORE the dust gets to the fan motor. If this was near a dust source that can build up (like saw dust) then the dust can not collect on the back of the motor because the filter collected the dust first. This reason alone is important enough to make it the preferred method.

[@GanderFlight]

Thanks for the perspective!

[@worldview730]

Excellent Point!

[@tarvebenzie3296]

*Works great with **Fastly.Cool** , exactly as described. Love the fact that it can push, pull, or exchange air with the push of a button. The remote is a nice bonus too!*

[@GanderFlight]

Not sure what fastly cool is and your link just goes to a general amazon page.

[@matthewstover6789]

I’ve used this method while replacing my attic insulation in mid summer. Not only did it filter out the insulation particles it still dropped the attic temperature by 10 degrees. This works and I’m planning to use it to take some of the strain off of our home furnace. 👍👍

[@GanderFlight]

Thats a good use for that project!!

[@hons3543]

Great video! I saw this idea, (same as yours), some months ago. The idea bounced around my head for a while and I decided to build one. One $18.00 Walmart fan and a 20"X 20" filter, the most expensive one Lowe's sells, taped it on securely and it has been running constantly for 6 months or so. The fan motor hasn't gone south but I change the filter every 2-2.5 months. That worked so well, I got another fan and filter and some duck tape. That one has been running for nearly 3 months. We have a HEPA filter in the bedroom due to my wife's allergies and my COPD. The fan filters do make a difference but I have no way of testing its efficiency.

[@GanderFlight]

Glad theyre working out for you!

[@evac3928]

I have been using this setup in my metalworking shop since 1989. Never had a problem. I just use a box fan, a filter, and a couple of bungee cords. The Walmart box fan has to be replaced about every decade. I always get the cheapest one. I wish I could find one of those old all metal box fans from the pre ‘80’s. Those things ran forever.

[@GanderFlight]

I think my dad still has on of those metal box fans in the garage - simple and effective and still going strong!

[@theleequa]

I like your bungee cord idea. I don't feel like getting too fancy but I also don't want to deal with tape. This is the perfect solution and easy too! Glad I read your comment! :)

[@jasonhsu4711]

Great video! While the Corsi Rosenthal box seems better when it comes to performance, this single-filter version is MUCH more portable. I'm pleased to see that the fan motor didn't heat up that much. If you're really that concerned about this issue (or if you want to reduce the electricity usage or make the filter last longer), you can connect the filtered fan to an electrical timer and set it to automatically turn on and off every half hour.

[@GanderFlight]

The timer is a good idea Jason!

[@fanguy247b9]

I remember in our high school wood working/ construction class my teacher had several of these spread around his classroom to help keep the wood dust down. It actually helped tremendously. He did have a homemade dust collector system he rigged up with pvc pipe and an old car wash vacuum cleaner he put outside he had attached to the various saws that would automatically kick on whenever the equipment was turned on. Our school district was too cheap for a true dust collector system and air filtration. Luckily the new clean air regulations in my state got him a much needed remodel for his classroom. He said that in 1996 the high school finally got modern hvac systems in the classrooms so most of the teachers were throwing their old box fans out he said that he , the metals teacher and the automotive teacher collected them and attached brackets to them to make filtered air machines for their classrooms. I always admired him for collecting things other people were throwing out. His philosophy was to reuse, renew, and recycle as much stuff as possible.

[@GanderFlight]

Sounds like a resourceful guy!

[@TimTurner115]

Great tip. I have a box fan with a filter on the back 7 micron filter in my woodshop . I turn it on at the end of the day to help clean the air of wood dust. I have it on a timer. It runs for 3 hours.

[@GanderFlight]

The timer is a great addition for an application like yours!

[@Rogers223]

Thank you for the effort put into this video, it’s greatly appreciated

[@GanderFlight]

My pleasure!

[@ronyerke9250]

1 advantage to having the filter on the inlet (back) side is the same reason furnaces are built that way: it keeps the motor windings cleaner which reduces fire/smolder hazards from dust build-up.

[@GanderFlight]

Agreed.

[@gaugeloore809]

Best configuration is a 4 sided cube. 5 sided cube will give you a better cad but 4 on the floor is the cheapest and most efficient way to do it unless you plan to hang it. 4x cube, 1x cardboard and then the fan... Set it on the floor and change your filters after about 6m

[@GanderFlight]

True - also takes up a TON of floorspace :)

[@practicalguy973]

Great testing! Good to know what the temps are! If people are worried about static pressure and strain on the motor they could get larger filters. I think you can get 20"x20"x2" which would double the filter surface area so more air will pass through. The larger the filter media the longer it lasts before clogging to so that is an advantage. I have that exact fan and been using it in a custom wooden box for 3 years. I made mine for a 20"x25"x5" filter which is 5x the surface area of a 20"x20"x1". I can run the fan on medium and get more airflow in the room compared to the smaller filter on high with all that extra surface area passing air. If you really want the motor to last long and quiet the fan down a little, I put a link to a video on balancing the box fan blade below. The bearings will have less stress on them and it will be less shaky when running but I use mine on medium speed so I'm already putting much less strain on mine so I never tried to balance the blades. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6DSamiflJuEkNU

[@GanderFlight]

Super helpful, thanks Practical Guy!

[@pattip1413]

I just build a cube using four filters, the fan, and cardboard for the base. 13 merv 20x20 x2. Wow! Amazing filtration. Seems to be helping my COPD person.

[@practicalguy973]

@@pattip1413 That is a lot of filter surface area going with the 2" filters! Just slightly more than my 20"x25"x5". Sounds like its doing a great job for you and you'll need to change the filters less with that much filter dividing the air going through the box!

[@siulunglee]

Thanks for the experiment. I have put a wifi switch with cloud timer in it. It is a little bit fancier. So, every two hours and stop for an hour (whatever you like for cool down the fan) around $10 to $15. But when your son's nasal allergy get improve much better, that makes me starts to make one for every room.

[@GanderFlight]

I like the additional customization! You could also do that with a standard outlet timer as well!

[@awesomedave8484]

What’s a cloud timer? I have WiFi switches and receptacles but it’s all managed in the app nothing on the cloud.

[@siulunglee]

Cloud just mean that the app store your timer setting in a server somewhere we don't know. Actually not quite knowing that my wifi switch timer info on the cloud or in the app or in the switch itself.

[@siulunglee]

Run it for 4 months now, and I put have put a UV light and hide behind the filter against the wall for extra sanitizing and no direct UV light exposure to me. But that is really good for cleaning the mold (even covid) in the air.

[@infinit3isha]

​@@siulungleecan you make a video on the setup?

[@RobbsHomemadeLife]

I agree with you, they last a long time and can run for years with a filter. My little dog liked to sleep in from of my box fan air filter. It was kept on 24 hours a day for over 3 years. The fan still works fine. I made a video of my little wooden clamp with a magnet and handle I made to attach the filter. "DIY $6 Magnetic Dust Fan Filter air cleaner for Home & Shop"

[@GanderFlight]

Watched the video - cool idea using the magnet!

[@nathandingman6846]

I got a filtrete 1900 air filter on my box fan and it helped tremendously with my allergies!

[@GanderFlight]

Glad to hear it!

[@bfurailroad1104]

Perty neat video Sir. You obviously put alot of time & effort into this project. Even the amount of time you spent on just the editing is outstanding. Good job!

[@GanderFlight]

Thank you very much!

[@seppous]

I love how straight to the point the video is. Thank you.

[@GanderFlight]

You're welcome!

[@steeltag]

well done Josh, we appreciate your efforts and time it took for these tests! I"m going to make a fan/filter combo now b/c of this!

[@GanderFlight]

Enjoy!!!

[@sunspot42]

The problem isn't so much the fan overheating when the filters are fresh - it becomes an issue as the filters get dirty and they restrict more airflow. Also, restricting airflow is wasting power, since the fan draws the same energy whether the airflow is restricted or not. Without the restriction the fan could circulate - and filter - more air for the same power consumed, and you'd get more filtered air. The solution is to build a box out of air filters, which you can just tape together with duct tape. Get 4 appropriately-sized filters and a matching piece of cardboard and build a 5-sided box with one end left open for the fan. Place the cardboard piece on the ground and build the box around that. Now you have so much surface area for the air to pass thru there will be virtually no restriction to the airflow, so no electricity will be wasted and the fan will be able to filter more air in a shorter period of time than it can manage with one filter. You also won't need to change filters as often. Only real downside is it takes up more space and isn't exactly pretty, although you could always build or repurpose some kind of box or cabinet to hide the whole setup in.

[@GanderFlight]

Yes, the box of filters would be overall better - but the amount of space it takes up and the aesthetics are the real killers - I currently have these set up in our bedrooms setting on a dresser - couldn't do that with the air filter box.

[@sunspot42]

@@GanderFlight It does take up more space. You could get creative and possibly use narrower filters for the ‘sides’ of the box - not sure what dimensions HEPA furnace filters come in. Would still allow you to more than double the surface area of the filters.

[@go86go]

This old house has a video for this

[@Davethreshold]

THANK YOU for the deep dive on this! I just ordered a $160 air filter, and am having 2nd thoughts. I did this a few years ago, and I noticed one thing: When you put the filter on the front, fan blowing at it, a whole bunch of air bounces right back at you from the rear!

[@GanderFlight]

Definitely better to put the filter on the back, and you can seal the edges with painters tape and place a shroud on the front to decrease backflow - check out the diagrams here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corsi%E2%80%93Rosenthal_Box

[@Davethreshold]

@@GanderFlight Cool! That would really kick some ass. LOL If I do it again, I'll do that. Thank you.

[@bobfenz3184]

Nice experiment. I have been using this system to remove dust from my garage work area when I have been doing wood work. I only run the fan with the filter for maybe several hours during and after I generate dust. I have always put the filter on the back (intake side) and it certainly clears the dust from the air. Also tried it in the house during pollen season and it also seems to work. The problem is that the fan makes noise and my wife doesn’t like it. Been using Honeywell or 3M brands both rated for dust and dander I get at Home Depot. No MERV rating provided on the packaging.

[@GanderFlight]

Yeah Home Depot made up their own rating system. Merv 13 is equivalent to FPR 10

[@brl5755]

A good test would be to test wattage draw on the fan with and without the fan and compare it to the rated power.

[@GanderFlight]

That would be a good test to measure.

[@mwj5368]

I bought about a $50 Lasko fan where you clip a 1 inch thick filter on the back, so I suppose since a fan company does it that way they must have tested it in their development phases. Thanks for a great video!

[@GanderFlight]

I've since gotten one of those Air Flex versions too and really like them.

[@OcRefrig]

Great Video ! if u Want to Add a Measure of Safety and don't want a Paper filter Slammed up tight against a hot motor. Space it away from the Rear of the Fan unit by a Few inches using Sheet metal and a Hvac Filter Rack.

[@GanderFlight]

Thanks for sharing the option :)

[@CinnamonWilson]

Lots of effort went into this video. Good job.

[@GanderFlight]

Thanks for watching!

[@muhsyakir]

Putting filter before depressurizes air, putting filter in front pressurizes air between the filter and the fan...Hence putting filter in front causes higher temp as air was pressurized...however, it is also important to consider the velocity of air that passes through the filter, which determine how tight or loose the particle trapped in the filter. This is even more important when using a box (CR BOX), which further reduces the velocity of air passing thru, on top of the dirty side of the filter are actually facing outside. box fan has a very low static pressure tolerance, which need to be compensated by adding larger area, that will done very little in circulating air throughout a room...

[@R0b3rtH1ght0w3r]

I just bought a Lasko brand fan with a filter that goes in the back. I'm not as crafty as you, so it was $60 well spent. Thank you so much for the idea! Love your videos.

[@GanderFlight]

I think its awesome that they've started making a version with the filter holder - definitely looks more aesthetically pleasing than the DIY version.

[@TheLongjohntim]

I truly want to thank you My husband wh is 81 early emphysema asthma and we have cats we wee facing the hard reality that we might have to get rid of the cats I was exploring HEPA filters and found your video. I was thinking of making my own and you showed me that I'm not crazy. Again Thank you!

[@GanderFlight]

Absolutely welcome!

[@imqqmi]

I did some testing with my DIY air purifier. I used a 200W wall fan of 400mm (uzman ksa-400 15.7") and a stack of 405x405mm filters: prefilter (thin foam + MERV11 filter 2" thick) - carbon filter (1") and 2" HEPA filter (MERV17). Built a simple wooden box to fit everything in. At full speed with ambient temperature of about 18 degrees C it only warmed up to 23-24 degrees C after 30min running as per the thermal imaging camera. I used the fan to pull air through the filters to keep the motor clean. The airflow was enough to cool the motor, even though it was quite a load. The advantage of a prefilter is you keep the more expensive ones (carbon and hepa) cleaner so you don't have to replace them as often. The foam layer can be vacuumed off for larger dust particles (also a shop vac with HEPA filter). Pollen are about 2.5-200 micron in size, average about 25 micron. The MERV11 will filter 70% of 2.5 micron and most of the >10 micron size. A box fan may not have enough static pressure to pull air through a filter stack though, you'll have to increase surface area to compensate. ie either thicker filters/larger pleats or more square meters/ft.

[@GanderFlight]

all great points - sounds like you had some fun experimenting too!

[@leonachilton9331]

Forest fire smoke is irritating tonight. I just put my kit together. I already feel a difference. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@GanderFlight]

Glad to hear it!

[@lynskyrd]

this is a good enough test. You covered enough bases to prove your point. Been using box fan filters for over a year now. MERV 5 and now MERV 8 filters. I own a cat and a couple of my grandkids have cat allergies- the box fan filtering makes a HUGE difference... according to them. Project Farm would be proud :)

[@GanderFlight]

hahaha - thanks -love Todd's videos!

[@Axern89]

I wouldn't worry about it, given your measured temperatures. Assuming the motor windings are class F, they would be rated for up to 155°C (311°F) before insulation breakdown starts to occur. Even if the motor windings were the worst case of class A, they would still be rated up to 105°C (221°F). These ratings come from IEC 60085. Insulation breakdown is the primary concern with motor and transformer windings. If the insulation breaks down the motor winding turns will short circuit and could possibly cause a fire. The internal over current protection or branch circuit breaker panel should kick in if that were to happen.

[@GanderFlight]

👍 Lasko now makes this DIY fan as an option straight out of the box so they don't think its an issue either.

[@Random-rt5ec]

Excellent video - Because of the Chinese Wuflu 1 year ago I made 3 box fan filters except I used 4 inch thick filters & I used MERV 13's that filter viruses from the air.. The 4 inch are quite abit more $$$ but they last longer and have better air flow. I heat the house with a pellet stove and the box fan filters both move the warm air around plus filter it. With the fans running my wife's allergies disappear as she stops sneezing within an hour of the fans running.

[@GanderFlight]

Larger filters are definitely better - as you mentioned more air flow, but like you said, they cost more and take up much more space. I'm thrilled to hear your wife's allergies are better when running a filter - win!

[@rahmanr112]

appreciate your dedication and commitment to this experiment! Thanks!

[@GanderFlight]

My pleasure!

[@Coldheartedmanong]

I bought a lasko fan with a 20 x 20 x 1 filter, I was able to cut out a small piece of the filter, only around the motor just to make sure the motor doesn’t overheat.

[@GanderFlight]

That's one way to do it!

[@awesomedave8484]

Lol

[@scottmorris4914]

If there are concerns about constraining the air flow and burning out the motor, create a surface area with more surface area, such as a Cube of filters, using 5 filters.

[@GanderFlight]

👍

[@ishouldbesleeping1354]

We use this setup in my sons’ room and it is good. In my room I use a Winnix air purifier with a HEPA filter and for allergies that works best but both are impressive and helpful. I feel better after seeing your video.

[@GanderFlight]

The white noise of the fan is a side benefit to aid in sleeping!

[@logans3365]

You will get a lot more airflow if you use 4 inch thick filters instead of 1, they also last longer. You can prevent the fan from drawing air from the front by adding a ring around the fan blades as close as you can, I recommend something rigid so it can’t be moved by the airflow overtime. I’m currently designing a filter model that uses 2 MERV 13s for much better filtration, and I’m also going to add a thin washable pre filter so that the more expensive filters will last much longer

[@GanderFlight]

All great points - adaptable for many scenarios and price points.

[@roblovegreen]

If you want to greatly improve the efficiency and performance of the box fan, cut out most of the front and back screen as it hinders air flow. You can use a pair of tin snips or wire cutters. You could also just remove the front screen but then there is no protection for fingers etc and this is important especially if there are children or pets in the house. You will likely be impressed at the improved airflow when the screen is no longer impeding air flow. 🤓

[@GanderFlight]

Not worth the safety risk as sometime down the line you may want to run the fan without the filter.

[@mcrich1978]

I'm doing this for my shop and I plan on mounting from the ceiling with chain and will run off the lighting circuit for switching. I may consider removing the vents for this application.

[@FulcrumsEdge]

the improvement in cfm is negligible, regardless of concern for safety, the improvement isn't perceivable outside of a controlled experiment. Safety issues make the idea anything but a good idea. it is a non starter. it also creates additional dangers on top of the fan blades being exposed. structural integrity of the fan becomes greatly reduced and becomes essentially a projectile waiting to fail and fly off its shaft. if it fails within the filtration system, it will then becomes a ticking shrapnel time bomb.

[@tommeyers974]

I use a Merv 5 on the back as a pre-filter and a merv 11 on the front as a final stage.

[@stans5270]

Thanks for the idea. Knowledge is power. You've made us powerful. I am going to try this with two modifications.

[@GanderFlight]

What are those two modifications?

[@cryptocolorado631]

Make a box behind the fan using multiple filters. It will improve airflow and reduce strain on the fan.

[@GanderFlight]

Corsi rosenthal box :)

[@Schrimpieman]

Very nicely done review. Simple, straight-forward and informative. I think you put a nice balance between "scientific" results and real-world application. Important also, which many other experimenters tend to neglect, was the ambient temperature. ....you measured it (thanks). . Thanks for your efforts, thanks for sharing.

[@GanderFlight]

You are most welcome! Thank you for watching and taking the time to share your kind comments - hope you found some value in the information.

[@beebob1279]

I think a concern is the restriction of air movement that heats up the fan motor. I've seen solutions to this where a box of air filters are used so that there are four areas for air to travel instead of your one filter. I'll be building one for my shop to reduce the dust. It's brutal in a wood shop. The air filters sold at the store for shops is just too expensive. Then buying the filters becomes another issue.

[@GanderFlight]

If you have the space, then yes the "box" of air filters will be a more efficient solution - I use them in our bedrooms on top of dressers so I was looking for something compact.

[@labaker3477]

Thank you for that video. I just found out I could build this purifier and was wondering of the safety. Very useful 💖

[@GanderFlight]

You are welcome!

[@ScooterDano]

Been using a similar setup for years and haven't burned the house down yet. Like the idea of the C channels to hold the filter. I'll have to do that some day.

[@GanderFlight]

👍

[@jcsoriano3766]

Hey Josh, great video! Thank you for taking your time to do this video. Thank you also for putting link for the J channel, really appreciate you. Take care!

[@GanderFlight]

No problem!

[@bunkyman8097]

Thak you Joshua for doing the research and work for us. I wondered about the motor heating up too. Now I know! I'm going to the store tomorrow and get a filter. Thanks again for doing the work for us

[@rose77778888]

I did a search looking for the method, and safety of a box fan filter. Thank you

[@GanderFlight]

You're welcome!

[@junballs6576]

Been doing it for 5 years using same fan with filter on back. Ive sealed all sides with scotch tape (white) so there's no gap exposed. I've change every 3months & it's only on when im in my bedroom. Setting on high 6hrs a day no issues. Not the prettiest but it catches a lot of dust. With this set up, to be safe I wouldn't leave on 24hrs on low unattended.

[@GanderFlight]

👍

[@eyestoenvy]

"LASKO" (fan maker) has FINALLY caught on and began manufacturing a box fan with a similar HEPA filter compartment in the back. The Compartment opens and you simply slide in a cleaned or replacement filter right in and you're good to go. Far far cheaper than a standard air purifier and much better suited for a garage, shop, or even a home but in a hidden area. Fun fact, "LASKO" products bought out "GERM GUARDIAN" (air purifier maker), thus giving them a nice chunk of the air purifier market.

[@GanderFlight]

You are correct - and its a great product! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJClZX-JlpWBeqc

[@michaellandreth1392]

The reason you put the filter on the Intake side. Is you want to filter the dust out before the fan. Just like your Heating and A/C unit. A filter doesn't block air flow that much.

[@GanderFlight]

👍

[@DAVE_WHITE]

been running 2 of these in my homes since 2004 no issues at all they are safe and effective change the filter as needed and tape a new one on 45 seconds and go..

[@GanderFlight]

Love it!

[@elo0o207]

I just balled up some aluminum foil and used that as a lil stand under the fan in the front so the fan sat more up than facing the floor because of those plastic stands in the back

[@GanderFlight]

👍🏻

[@andrewstrom3785]

You would experience a difference! Its based on how the fan is designed to flow. Air intake is passive, so low power consumption. Airflow, from the front, is what is powered by the engine, and by immediately impeding it you loose many cfm (amount of actual air movement throughout the entire room). Sorry if not explained well, but trust me, it makes a huge difference when turning over air throughout the whole room!

[@GanderFlight]

Clarify for me - are you then advocating for the filter on the back or front based on that?

[@andrewstrom3785]

​@@GanderFlight YES! 100% on the back.

[@inthedark334]

Yep this weekend I'm going to go to the store and buy all the parts and start putting this into all my fans thank you so much

[@GanderFlight]

Enjoy and happy building!

[@AndrewHunterMusic]

Wow, there really is everything on the internet. well done. I just put one of these together. the possibility of the motor overheating occurred to me and i thought a solution might be to cut a round hole in the filter to allow unrestricted/unfiltered airflow into the rear motor vents. Seems like this might be unnecessary. The fan has 3 speeds, i’ll likely run it on the lowest, which seems to push plenty of air. i figure the motor “strain” on speed 1 with a filter is more or less equivalent to fan on speed 3 with no filter.

[@GanderFlight]

And you'll notice a definite airflow difference when you change out a dirty filter for a clean one too. We typically leave them on medium, sometimes high, and haven't had any issues.

[@bruinv3738]

An inexpensive air quality meter measuring small particles and voc would have provided quantifiable results. I have a similar setup but added a carbon activated filter

[@GanderFlight]

👍🏻 thanks for the suggestion

[@John-mh6mi]

Big issue I think of is, with filter on front all the dust and other particles get into the fan motor parts and over time will lead to shorting life of fan. Always filter on back as been golden diy rule.

[@GanderFlight]

👍

[@zenos.5315]

Thanks for all of your effort….much appreciated!

[@GanderFlight]

My pleasure! Thank you for watching!

[@graveyj2000]

Well, I'm seeing this 2 years after it was made, but I think I am going to try using some furnace filter media. Won't do what the higer merv rating ones will do, but I have a high air flow barrel fan, and I can basically just cut a piece and drop it on the back-the fan will suck it tight. We'll see what happens! Thanks for the video!

[@GanderFlight]

Good luck!

[@ronberg8141]

Great video thanks. Actually I just put my filter up against the rear of the fan and it gets drawn tight against the fan without using tape etc. Not perfect air tight fit but seems to work.

[@GanderFlight]

Yes that definitely works! Just causes issues when you turn the fan on and off everyday.

[@debretaevans8049]

Yeah I never thought of that it'll help the allergies

[@GanderFlight]

Definitely helps running them while sleeping at night.

[@mikealfieri641]

If you use a 2 inch thick filter it will increase airflow, and any resistance on fan motor.

[@GanderFlight]

True enough - just have to find an alternative way to attach it when the fan it not turned on - rubber band, tape, zip ties etc.

[@mikealfieri641]

@@GanderFlight i just made one from 4. 20×30×2. Duct taped them into a box, put a 20 inch fan on top pulling through all four at same time. Its full flow from fan. 2k cfm on high. By the way an Air King box fan is the best I've ever bought. The thing is solid and moves tons.

[@kevinstory872]

Been doing that for 30 years. no issues. although I put the fan on the back and tape off the corners of the box fan outside the radius of the fan blades, that will fix it.

[@GanderFlight]

👍

[@OddWoz]

They’re far more efficient as well as safer if you build the box put some distance between the back of the fan and the actual filter.

[@neptronix]

No problems here, i have been running a MERV 13 filter on the same box fan for about a decade.

[@GanderFlight]

Nice!

[@Kotaztrafee]

I thought this was my idea so I tried it before seeing this video. I can tell you that a box fan does not have the power to have such a restriction placed upon it and my fan was struggling to turn. I suspect if I had kept the filter on the fan for long the motor would heat up and burn out in a short time. This is probably why what seems like a good idea is not a good idea and one can not find such a thing on the market. I left this same message on other videos but since you said you have been doing this for four years I may try again.

[@GanderFlight]

Lasko makes these commercially now: www.homedepot.com/p/Lasko-Air-Flex-20-in-3-Speed-Air-Purifier-and-Room-Fan-FF305/315516663

[@Kotaztrafee]

@@GanderFlight Interesting!

[@pauldunkel5897]

Been doing this for years. Its an old idea. It does work.

[@GanderFlight]

Yupp, nothing new here - just lots of questions about it!

[@Lsmith-ly2cm]

You could possably use a compressor to blow the filter out for reuse.

[@GanderFlight]

Guess it depends on what you're trying to filter -- dust in a garage? maybe -- wildfire smoke from your bedroom? buy a new filter.

[@gladysma308]

Thank you for the video. The flex model with inserted filter is not yet available in Canada. 4:50 motor temp test. NB: some comments suggest 4 in or 5 inch wide filter.

[@GanderFlight]

👍

[@GanderFlight]

Bummer about the Flex not being available in Canada.

[@ddemon4406]

Small motors typically have an over temperature trip or are built where they can handle overloading.

[@GanderFlight]

👍

[@kayakdog121]

Yes, when you think about it these fans even when used as intended can be easily knocked over by a pet or small child or have a plastic bag get sucked into it which would seriously restrict air flow far beyond what a filter would so it stands to reason there would need to be a safety cut off.

[@chachavessel]

THIS is how you do a Box Fan Filter video! TY. wtg.

[@GanderFlight]

Thanks!

[@mrl7514]

Great video, well articulated and practical. It almost made me want to huff. On another note, I plan to do the same but with carbon filters in hopes to get smell out of a small room. Those box fans are awesome and about a quarter of the price of others.

[@GanderFlight]

Good plan! The carbon filters should definitely help grab some of the odors.

[@Predator000099]

you should make a corsi rosenthal box. That way you can reduce air resistance because you have 4 filters that allow air to pass instead of 1

[@GanderFlight]

But then it wouldn’t fit on top of my dresser and would defeat my purpose◡̈

[@BishopEddie5443]

Such a wonderful help for so many people. Love it!

[@GanderFlight]

Thanks for watching!

[@TimN-5]

I've been running two almost 24/7 for the last 4 years without issue. The cheap $20 fans I got from Homedepot surprisingly last a long time.

[@GanderFlight]

Agreed

[@marielynn6311]

Hi, great videos. I was wondering if you had any DIY ideas to stop second-hand smoke from coming into an apartment? I already have the filter fan.

[@tracywade4441]

This was a lot of work for you, and very helpful to me. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@GanderFlight]

You're very welcome Tracy.

[@WillFuI]

I’m no professional but I would think adding an air gap between the back of the fan and the filter would help with static pressure leading to more air throughput and a quieter noise. I’m taking this perspective from the computer world where an air gap helps a ton with performance and noise

[@GanderFlight]

but then the fan would just pull air through that gap and not through the filter, which is the goal.

[@WillFuI]

@@GanderFlight the fan already does that it either will push it through or stall out

[@chriscorcoran2288]

This is great. I was having that question, and you've done a great job answering.

[@GanderFlight]

Glad it was helpful!

[@DougsterCanada1]

Just a thought slightly related to this video. I have bought, and I do recommend those laser thermometers, they are quite handy. If you get one, be sure to read the instructions as different surfaces will need different settings.

[@GanderFlight]

Yes - and different distances from the surface to be accurate

[@brianthered]

Well done, thanks for going to all the trouble here.

[@GanderFlight]

Glad to help :)

[@user-yf6by9di7i]

Great video. Deserves more views. I appreciate all the time and effort!

[@GanderFlight]

Much appreciated! Thanks for the comment

[@she_sings_delightful_things]

Wow....thank you!! Appreciate the detailed info!

[@GanderFlight]

You are so welcome!

[@blueandbanana]

Thank you! Love the popcorn smoker!

[@GanderFlight]

😂👐

[@kimsb1719]

You can keep the fan cleaner, by placing the filter on the intake side! :). Especially if you are filtering what could be toxic air, or moldy air.

[@GanderFlight]

👍

[@pattip1413]

Two words-Corsi-Rosenthal Box.the cube is fantastic and easy to build.

[@GanderFlight]

True - but its also SIGNIFICANTLY larger and takes up a ton of floor space and 3 additional filters. Lots of options.

[@derrickweese5916]

Filter in the back keeps fan and motor clean. Where as if filter is on the front all the dirt and dust gets sucked into fan and motor

[@derrickweese5916]

Clean motor makes fan last longer

[@derrickweese5916]

Also if you use 4 filters taped together in a box shape and put back of fan on one open end and set other open end on ground there is less air flow resistance which means motor does not have to work as hard plus gives more surface area to filter air. Doing this should make filters and fan last longer.

[@GanderFlight]

True enough- also takes up a TON more space.

[@armastat]

The reason you put filters before the motor so the dust gets stopped BEFORE it gets to the motor.

[@bluesky-ud9wg]

I have 4 box fans in my house with a 20x20 filter in the back, Not the Front. The motors will be fine, actually Better with the filter then without Because dust doesn't coat the motors. I have Never had a problem. I replace the filters every month and it does keep the house less dusty.

[@GanderFlight]

👍

[@stevieb82]

This guy Rocks! Thanks for the research.

[@GanderFlight]

You bet!

[@registromalplena2514]

Every time I've tried doing this with a setup like you're showing at the beginning of the video the fan motor Burns out doesn't last very long I tried different fans too.

[@GanderFlight]

Sorry to hear that - we've used the same two fans for over 5 years this way. Maybe try Lasko's commercial version that comes as a package: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmm9iqGJnslmnZYsi=WyVlmXavsS-6Tyt0

[@nova31337]

Did you just do both Bill and Ted's greetings at once?! I think you did. Excellent.

[@GanderFlight]

👍🏻

[@crystalkardulis9182]

Thank you so much for sharing you helped me out a lot because I'm going to fix the income I cannot afford a five billion dollar air filter but I can swing and manage the swing of box filter thank you so much for your help you and your family continue to stay safe many blessings to you all Much Love-n-Peace !

[@GanderFlight]

Glad to help- enjoy!

[@kirkwilson5900]

That 5 billion dollar unit must do a really good job tho. 🤣

[@katalytically]

Nice comparison.

[@GanderFlight]

Thanks!

[@rose77778888]

With the filter on the back, it helps keep the fan itself cleaner.

[@GanderFlight]

That it does indeed!