Most HEPA Air Purifiers Are A SCAM (There's A Better Option)
Рет қаралды 127,702
Күн бұрынIn this video, I present a staggering amount of evidence demonstrating that HEPA air purifiers are not as effective as Corsi-Rosenthal Boxes and other DIY air purifiers. I also talk to Wayne Westerman and Rob Wissmann, co-founders of the company Clean Air Kits that sells air purifiers that are quieter, more powerful, more energy efficient, and cheaper than commercial HEPA air purifiers. That's right: you DON'T have to build a DIY air purifier yourself!
This video is NOT sponsored.
This video is a journey. By the end of it, you'll learn exactly how to dramatically improve your indoor air quality by using air purifiers (AKA air cleaners). You'll also learn why you should. You'll learn about a better metric to evaluate air purifier performance so you can never be scammed into buying an ineffective unit again (Clean Air Delivery Rate, or CADR).
0:00 - Intro
1:35 - Research on the health impacts of particulate matter (PM)
3:43 - Why I started getting skeptical about HEPA Air Purifiers
6:12 - Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR): a better way to measure air purifier performance
7:28 - How can HEPA air purifiers capture virtually all particles, but still leave the air dirty?
10:05 - What are the tradeoffs of the high efficiency of HEPA?
10:36 - Most HEPA brands don't even report CADR
11:05 - Some HEPA brand DO report CADR. Can we trust that number?
11:29 - RESEARCH STUDIES showing that DIY air purifiers (CR boxes) with MERV-13 HVAC filters are better than HEPA
15:31 - Can HVAC filters capture ultrafine particles?
18:08 - Why HEPA efficiency may not be as high as 99.97%
19:16 - Can CR boxes protect us from viral transmission?
20:03 - How CLEAN AIR KITS makes a quieter air purifier (PC fans)
22:18 - How do clean air kits compare to CR boxes and HEPAs?
24:00 - How can clean air kits be safer than HEPAs with comparable CADR?
25:44 - WHICH AIR PURIFIER SHOULD YOU BUY?
27:59 - BEFORE BUYING: how to size an air purifier to a room
29:42 - Wayne's air purifier layout strategy for viral transmission (THE EXHALARON)
31:42 - Are HEPA filters useful in other contexts?
32:09 - Are activated carbon filters and prefilters necessary?
33:29 - CALL TO ACTION
Clean Air Kits website:
www.cleanairkits.com/
Scientific research:
Ratliff et al: e9i3r2v2.stackpathcdn.com/wp-...
Myers et al: www.tandfonline.com/doi/figur...
Dal Porto et al: www.medrxiv.org/content/10.11...
Srikrishna et al: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...
Holder et al: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36437...
Review of numerous papers: ncceh.ca/resources/evidence-r...
Azimi et al: www.sciencedirect.com/science...
Stephens et al: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23590...
Chang et al: aaqr.org/articles/aaqr-16-10-...
Pawel Misztal's presentation (the figures about PM and mortality rate): tamest.org/wp-content/uploads...
EPA article: research on DIY Air Cleaners to Reduce Wildfire Smoke Indoors: www.epa.gov/air-research/rese...
Simple way to size an air cleaner (AHAM’s 2/3 rule): ahamverifide.org/ahams-air-fi...
Air cleaner selection tool: cleanairstars.com/filters/
Joey Fox’s amazing articles:
Is HEPA necessary for portable/in room air cleaners? itsairborne.com/hepa-filters-...
CADR is all that matters: itsairborne.com/clean-air-del...
Are extra features in air cleaners necessary? itsairborne.com/how-to-pick-a...
David Elfstrom’s article on how to do your own CADR test: itsairborne.com/how-to-measur...
DONATE TO MY CHANNEL: www.buymeacoffee.com/healthyh...
@HealthyHomeGuide 2 ай бұрын
I wanted to address some of the comments and reiterate that this video is not sponsored by Clean Air Kits or any other company. I decided to feature their products based on my personal experience and belief in their effectiveness. I had no idea this video would be as big as it is! If any of my content is sponsored, I will always clearly disclose that to you. I also don’t want people walking away from this video thinking that HEPA filters in general are useless. I want to reiterate that there are numerous different contexts and settings in which filters are used. The type of filter required varies between them. MERV-13 is sufficient (or even optimal) in many of these. However, as I mentioned in this video, HEPA is necessary in some. For example, vacuums, cabin air filters for cars, powered air purifying respirators (PAPR), clean rooms, operating theaters, or nuclear laboratory exhaust. To add to what I said at 31:42: the Exhalaron by Clean Air Kits creates another context in which HEPA filters ARE useful. I’m referring to near-field source control, minimizing the spread of virus from a sick person to a healthy person. This scenario is different from reducing overall particulate counts within a medium/larger room.
@IntegrityMeansAll Ай бұрын
Can you please recommend an air purifier for a bedroom?🙏
@DennisMathias Ай бұрын
If you use a system that is 100% clean air it would be a partition. So this all makes sense. I discovered long ago that if I wanted better particulate filtering, just let the filter clog up a bit. More and more particulates with be captured. But the air flow will decrease and the efficiency of the furnace will go down too. I'm thinking that electrostatic air cleaners might be one way to go but then you have the ozone problem. The other alternative is to not allow dirty air anywhere in your home. Plastics and synthetics are volatiles. They emit air borne contaminants all the time for the life of the product. Your presentation is really good and I hope you will continue.
@01mustang05 15 күн бұрын
Ultra-low particulate air (ULPA) is a type of air filter. A ULPA filter can remove from the air at least 99.999% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria and any airborne particles with a minimum particle penetration size of 120 nanometres (0.12 μm, ultrafine particles). A ULPA filter can remove-to a large extent but not 100%-oil smoke, tobacco smoke, rosin smoke, smog, and insecticide dust.[1] It can also remove carbon black to some extent. Some fan filter units incorporate ULPA filters. The EN 1822 and ISO 29463 standards may be used to rate ULPA filters.[2][3]
@phil2082 14 күн бұрын
You did not adequately articulate quickly the issue: A filter that catches half of all particles ON EACH PASS THROUGH does not only catch half of all particles. It catches particles at a rate much more quickly than the filters which supposedly catch everything the first time through. Because half of all particles are caught per cycle, and because the flow rate is so high, the air filters which move more air are leagues better.
@darkguardian1314 14 күн бұрын
But that’s exactly what people are going to do. It should be placed somewhere at the end of the video. Especially, if they watch KZfaq vids on a big TV with no comments visible like I sometimes do. Few read comment sections as they have become a toxic cesspool over the years. I have two iHome purifiers for computer and bedroom and it fits my needs. Radon is something I’m concerned with but isn’t as bad in my location.
@derpamine 17 күн бұрын
Homeboys air purifier so strong, his black shirt turned a lighter color mid way through the video.
@TurfSurf 15 күн бұрын
😂😂😂
@CleanAirCommunications 13 күн бұрын
Hahahaha
@nintom 12 күн бұрын
☠ 😂
@rogersockwell 12 күн бұрын
Nice one! 🤣 Great to see someone else who leaves snarky and observant comments. I drop 'em all over the place and people don't usually notice.
@user-pp4ve6qo1b 12 күн бұрын
@@rogersockwell Well aren't YOU special!!!!
@netsudro 12 күн бұрын
My wife wanted me to buy an air purifier. Me being a pc builder, I immediately thought: I can build this with some pc fans, a case and some filters for way cheaper. Turns out my idea was good al along. I was right! I'm going to send her this video. 😂 Wish me luck.
@michaelbuto305 7 күн бұрын
It is more than good. I also have the same experience with purifying water watching my old pa when he lived. The sensor etc probably good for modern 'function', but damn the price difference if you know is too much to justify lmao
@HealthyHomeGuide 5 күн бұрын
Your instincts are top-notch!
@Florinutzzzzz 3 күн бұрын
What was her reaction?
@4Deuroz Ай бұрын
Dude that's an INSANE video, the amount of research and effort is honeslty crazy. Customer all around the work should look at this video.
@HealthyHomeGuide Ай бұрын
I did drive myself a bit crazy while putting together this video. Thank you for recognizing the value in it 🙂
@2adamast 13 күн бұрын
INSANE that CR-boxes are a valid solution after all? What's crazy is that HHG could tell the difference within a day, as both seem valid solutions.
@user-fu8vn7xo6c 18 күн бұрын
Yes, the surface area of the filters matters. With Biological Safety Cabinets used in laboratories, or laminar flow hoods used in pharmaceutical work, the size of the HEPA filters are enormous in comparison to a household air cleaner. The larger the filter given the same fan & speed setting, the more clean air produced because of decreased resistance to flow. Most household HEPA air filters have minuscule filters. HEPA filters are superior IF the household cleaner is properly designed. Apparently they are not today. HEPA filters can last for many years especially with the usual setup of having a pre filter ahead of the HEPA filter. A pre filter is similar to your MERV rated filter. This is standard in a laminar flow hood, as described in USP797.
@usr01 13 күн бұрын
Austin Airs Healthmate is awesome.
@Forbiddina Күн бұрын
Yep it’s the same logic in a car too. The reason a K&N filter flows better is because it filters less. The factory filter is sized appropriately for stock power while doing a good job filtering. Getting a bigger OEM style filter will give you more surface area while keeping silt out of your engine.
@23lkjdfjsdlfj 2 ай бұрын
"Merv filters leave HEPA in the dust". hehe
@HealthyHomeGuide 2 ай бұрын
Heheh 😉
@laylahassomethingtosay Ай бұрын
Very glad I found this video. Last week I purchased a Levoit Vital 200S-P as the home that I'm moving into has noticeably bad air quality and has shown worryingly high fungal presence in air quality tests. I decided to test it in my current home ahead of time, and after running it in a particularly dusty 168 sqft storage room on the highest setting for 8 hours I can't tell any difference. Not only that, but the machine had the audacity to say that the room had reached "excellent" air quality within 30 seconds of being on. I can't believe how many online reviews are praising this thing. As for a replacement, I'll need to find some more reviews first, but I'm pretty intrigued by the Luggable XXL. Thanks for gathering all this data.
@HealthyHomeGuide Ай бұрын
I’m glad you found it to be helpful! Air purifiers can certainly help reduce the amount of particulate in the air, but they have limited efficacy against odors. Ventilation is better for that. And source control (removing the smelly material). Air purifiers can be a good temporary bandaid (among other methods) in homes with higher fungal counts, but if your house has a severe mold problem, they can only do so much on their own. If you need more advice, please don’t hesitate to email me.
@gir1258 15 күн бұрын
Sensor is reporting that the air quality is excellent because it’s placed in a bad spot and is just picking up the freshly filtered air. Ideally, you need multiple sensors if your goal is accuracy.
@Irfan_1 13 күн бұрын
@@HealthyHomeGuideIs 190 Cadr good for a 1000 cubic meters room/ 30 cubic meters room
@azca. 9 күн бұрын
You can't tell any difference? That's all subjective. You're coming to a conclusion without definitive objective evidence based on how you feel. I'm not on the side of LEVOIT but I'm tired of these comments talking nonsense without hard data backing their mouths.
@Windstorm7x7-wl8ko 2 ай бұрын
As a moderate allergy sufferer I've used HEPA air cleaners, always Honeywell brand which had/have cadrs of 300 or higher. The units have always sounded like small jet engines but I didn't care because being able to breath was more important to me and after years of using them it's a little harder to go to sleep without the noise. I got noticeable relief from them and never questioned their effectiveness until I watched your video. I have an email into clean air kits and intend to buy to compare one or more of their filter units. You should hit them up for a discount code for your viewers.
@ethimself5064 18 күн бұрын
Been using Honeywell and Holmes larger types for over 20 years and zero issues with air quality. This test is invalid for me
@eljaytu 16 күн бұрын
I use Philips air cleaners during hay fever season and the results are great. After turning one on, it takes just a few minutes before I can breathe again.
@Techlifeandmore 16 күн бұрын
Yeah, last week we changed the filters on our GermGuardian air purifiers and cleaned our air conditioner filters. I am a major allergy sufferer, and most of my family are moderate allergy sufferers. Until we cleaned the air conditioner filters and replaced the air purifier filters, my pallet was itchy and I was sneezing up a storm. After cleaning/replacing the filters, my conditions quickly went away.
@NikoBellaKhouf2 16 күн бұрын
Honeywell makes really good filters
@Irfan_1 13 күн бұрын
@@eljaytu Guys is 190 cadr good enough for a 1000 cubic meter room/ 30 meters cubed room
@michaelgorczyca2408 2 ай бұрын
Wow! This was packed with loads of illuminating info, even more than your earlier vids. Thanks so much. Keep up the good work.
@HealthyHomeGuide 2 ай бұрын
Comments like this make the hundreds of hours of research worth it! Thank you 😊
@ShadowDaPk 4 күн бұрын
13:49 I'm not reading this the same way. The HEPA didn't generate as much cleaned air (lower CADR) but the air that came out was cleaned more thoroughly (higher efficiency). So the HEPA didn't move as much air, but the air that comes out at the filter has lower concentration of particulates in it, versus a lot more air coming out with higher concentration still "dirty". I feel like this is the part not being said directly here.
@spinachtriangle 16 күн бұрын
Thank you, this is exactly what I was looking for. All the fancy HEPA boxes always seemed like a scam to me as all they doing is sucking air through a filter. This has finally given me an option/approach I can relate to. Thank you! Amazing video, subbed and liked 💪💪
@nintom 12 күн бұрын
I live in a hot/humid area, where most of the particulate pollution is from the outside environment; and NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) blooms EVERY day, late afternoon, and well into the early morning. Carbon filter is the only easy option to help mitigate the NO2 effects, in my experience. Thanks for this video, and inspiring me to try and make my own device. ❤🙏
@tullgutten 9 күн бұрын
You can make carbon filters with just a thick honeycomb mesh, have one side with mesh glued to it and then fill the whole honeycomb mesh with carbon pellets that is sold for cleaning alcohol/wine/beer kits (activated carbon) that how one of my professional hepa carbon filter for an ERV whole house ventilation was made.
@revmatchtv 16 күн бұрын
Excellent video! Props to all the research you did. What’s the noise level of the DIY box you made?
@user-pp4ve6qo1b 12 күн бұрын
No answer means LOUD.
@AGL_AerialsTampa 28 күн бұрын
Hello! Great video! Did you ever do a CADR test of your DIY solution? It looks like it can be a bit more expensive than CAKs but with the AC infinity fan in there, I have to imagine at a higher speed it has a higher CADR.
@HealthyHomeGuide 28 күн бұрын
Thank you! I haven't done a CADR test of it yet, but The 3D Handyman (youtube channel) said that he may do one for a similar build (same fan and filters). I've been checking his website every week or so but he hasn't posted the results yet. I agree with your theory that it probably can achieve a higher CADR on the higher speeds.
@PhiTonics 26 күн бұрын
I can't tell you how long I've been looking for a video like this. 🙏🤝
@HealthyHomeGuide 26 күн бұрын
I'm happy you liked it :)
@KonfusedKorean 12 күн бұрын
Your video saved me from buying an overpriced filter. Invaluable information.
@HealthyHomeGuide 5 күн бұрын
I love to hear that!
@npcRegard 6 күн бұрын
You are a hero for taking the time to make this. Thank you so much 🙏🏼
@npcRegard 6 күн бұрын
Your whole channel is a gold mine. Incredible stuff!
@HealthyHomeGuide 5 күн бұрын
That's very kind, thank you :)
@PhilippeAdAstra 5 күн бұрын
Really great video on the science of air purifier, it will greatly help me in the system I will choose. Did you also searched or have an opinion about these options in some air purifier : UV light, pre filter, electrostatically charged mesh ?
@capcom4eva 7 күн бұрын
Do these kits work with 3M MERV 14 MPR 2500? Love your channel, just subscribed!
@HealthyHomeGuide 5 күн бұрын
Absolutely they do! One of mine uses those.
@Jsarson1976 12 күн бұрын
I got one and they really help with the dust and and pollen and it works exceptionally well.
@David.Elfstrom 2 ай бұрын
A well-researched rant, Alex! You've hit all the marks here.
@HealthyHomeGuide 2 ай бұрын
That means a lot coming from you, David! Thanks for your help with the face velocity stuff.
@musicjunk8266 9 күн бұрын
what is the absolute best clean airs kits air purifier for a bedroom? The 6-fan Brisk Box?
@DanielReskin 7 күн бұрын
Thanks so much for the information! I'm going to get one. Quick question - on average how often do you have to replace the filters?
@HealthyHomeGuide 5 күн бұрын
Sure thing! Around every 6 months.
@Shewhoknitsandspins 18 күн бұрын
Very timely. Have been thinking about buying a hepa filtration system. Thanks.
@McIntosh.R 15 күн бұрын
What a great a thorough video, seriously good work man!!!
@HealthyHomeGuide 12 күн бұрын
Thank you!
@dpanki 2 ай бұрын
I have two hepa filters in my home that has small rooms. I can't/don't want to have big footprint diy merv filter. Does it still make sense to stick with what I am doing when running those units on low 24/7.
@HealthyHomeGuide 2 ай бұрын
First, I’d find out what the CADR of the HEPA units in your home is and whether it makes sense for the size of your space. It’s almost certainly extremely low if they’re small units and you’re running them on low. If your priority is aesthetics, then stick with what you have. If your priority is clean air, then I’d get something with a higher CADR (assuming I’m correct about the above). By the way, if you watch the whole video, I’m not advocating for DIY units with huge footprints. Check out clean air kits website - they have plenty of units with reasonable footprints like the Luggables. Good luck!
@benjiebarker 2 ай бұрын
i just bought a hepa filter that claims to do 141 cfm CADR, is that good for the bedroom...
@HealthyHomeGuide 2 ай бұрын
@@benjiebarker That means it delivers 141 CADR cfm on the highest (loudest) speed. So if you’re running it on medium speed, it’ll do around half the CADR (70 cfm). Use the sizing methods I discussed at 27:59 to see if it’s right for your bedroom.
@alexandermikhailov2481 13 күн бұрын
Use both. A merv13 will scrub large volumes to 25% purity and use hepa13 to clean it further. This way hepa is not going to be overwhelmed with particulate
@HealthyHomeGuide 12 күн бұрын
If we're talking about in-room particulate purification, I disagree. MERV-13 tends to achieve higher CADR than HEPA at all particle sizes. Logically, looking at the data, why supplement a machine that does it all with an inferior, more expensive machine? If we're talking about near-field source control, then yes, supplementing with HEPA is a good idea.
@MrUncleBob 24 күн бұрын
wow! and thank you so much! Can you do one on water filter/purifiers? Having a hard time on which water purifier to buy.
@HealthyHomeGuide 24 күн бұрын
Great suggestion. I'll add that to my list.
@DaveEtchells 16 күн бұрын
Wow, SUPER useful info!! I stuck a box fan on the front of a big commercial HEPA filter from eBay and it works great - BUT it heats the room up too much, with the fan on high and it’s noisy. I’m gonna replace the box fan with a bunch of CoolerMasters and maybe buy one of these guys kits besides. Thanks for an incredibly useful video!! 👍👍👍
@HealthyHomeGuide 16 күн бұрын
Glad it helped!
@sandeeps_ 11 күн бұрын
Is Levoit a good brand of air purifier? I have the core 200S.
@isettech 18 күн бұрын
You can buy particle counters as used in clean rooms. When we had fires a couple of years ago, I used a standard box fan and furnace filter. Used it to clear the smoke from the house. It was very effective. The difference in odor between indoors and outdoors was huge. Avoided the HEPA filters as the goal was to remove large volumes of the smoke particles.
@Jed0328. 14 күн бұрын
could you test the efficacy if you add an additional HEPA filter inside a DIY MERV-13 before the fan outlet? Possibly with a stronger fan setup.
@BlaBlaBlaInDaHouse 18 күн бұрын
Thanks a lot for this video! Super insightful!
@IAQJosh 2 ай бұрын
Excellent video, Alex! Nice use and citation of other’s research and data to support the topic being discussed. 👏
@HealthyHomeGuide 2 ай бұрын
I appreciate your support Josh 🙂
@My_Legs_Are_OK 14 күн бұрын
Which ceiling height is considered for cadr calculation relative to area? It’s the volume of the room that matters, after all.
@gcs8 15 күн бұрын
So, my brain did not retain everything, but what are your thoughts on the coway Airmega 400 I bought forever ago? I mostly change the filters based off how I am feeling and what AirGradiant is reporting, so, maybe 2x longer than when it wants me to replace them (recommended 1 year). They claim 1 air change/hour 3,120 ft² (290 m²) // 2 air changes/hour 1,560 ft² (145 m²) with a CADR of 285 (Smoke), 358 (Dust), 450 (Pollen), I mostly got it for pollen controll before I fixed all my old leaky doors and windows and it seemed to do a good job of that, I leave it on full speed 24/7 in the area I spend the most time in, my whole townhouse is only ~1,200^ft. If I am only spending on average ~$50/yr for filters and already have the sunk cost, should I just keep on trucking or should I make a CR box and do some A/B testing?
@hyp3rimag 3 күн бұрын
So I have a luggable with the 7 sickleflow fans and I love it but I went to the clean air stars and did their find a filter tool and it at the top of the list had something called the AirFanta 3Pro. I actually ordered 2 of them on accident from Amazon but I noticed they have hepa filters on them but also a 488CFM rating. It uses 4 140mm pc fans(unsure which brand) would this be a sweet spot for having something with a hepa filter but also a high CFM rating? Can you do a review on this model by any chance?
@cassi1502 2 ай бұрын
Wow this was a great video. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and research. I live in Australia so it’s very expensive to import stuff. For example on clean air kits - choosing the tower of power which is $300 USD, the shipping cost estimate is $215 USD. So you pay 2 thirds of the product price to ship it. It sucks but Australia is a long way away from Missouri! So instead I’m going to watch your diy video and then maybe in a few years there will be a diy version for computer fans. I also don’t think I care how loud it is if it’s performing such an important job. And I can always turn it off when we need quiet.
@HealthyHomeGuide 2 ай бұрын
I’m glad you appreciate the work I put in 🙂 I’m so sorry about that shipping cost. Hopefully the AC infinity fan in my DIY version will ship to you for a decent price. It’s very quiet on the lower speeds. Good luck! I need to find better options for my Aussie viewers.
@Dynamik777 22 сағат бұрын
This is 10/10 type of content please keep it up!
@telaferrum 17 күн бұрын
Thanks a bunch for this video. Switching to thinking about CADR is such a simple and insightful way to understand why HEPA isn't just better. Before seeing this I just bought a 3rd portable HEPA air filtration unit to reduce allergens for an upcoming visit from my family, but now I can make a more informed choice next time the issue arises.
@SocialDeviant_ Ай бұрын
Hi alex, i have a dilemma that i was hoping for your advice on. My home relies on swamp coolers and AC units. These blow air in from outside super fast, and don't have a filter at all on them. I live in the Mohave desert, so its imperative these run almost always. Can i keep up with cleaning the air in my house when those are blowing in dirty air from outside? Should i put a makeshift filter on the swamp cooler opening? What kind of filters can even resist that kind of damp air all the time, And what options do I have as far as the small rooms, should I build one of those diy filters fans you show and put a makeshift filter on the AC units? Im thinking both right? Ive battled mold in my bedroom, and i also grow mushrooms. I dont know if you know what that consists of but basically for the space they grow in and any mycology work I do has to have air cleaner than 0.3 microns. I am purchasing a laminar flow hood for that, but the cleanest air possible for that space at least us needed. Keeping air in the house clean for health reasons can help maximize my success in that area as well, and help the laminars job a bit easier .I do not have a lot of money so diy may be the best option for me. Can you give me any advice on this? What are your thoughts and opinions if you wouldn't mind? Thank you alex!
@HealthyHomeGuide Ай бұрын
Thanks for the questions! Please email me and I’ll be happy to answer you.
@xbackwards8776 Күн бұрын
Hello Love this i am seeking a passive dust removal device / i am a thing collector, i have low thyroid and therefore dry skin and thus generate a lot of dust. i'm seeking a jetson's space age dust remover that does not require touching or handling the surfaces of the things or cabinets to clean. Any Ideas. thanks
@MathieuTitoLandry Ай бұрын
We've all been there. Too many experts don't really understand what we are looking for. Good research. I have smart Hepa filters in bedrooms, otherwise three PC fans CR boxes around the living areas. The CADR of the PCCRB is fantastic for low noise compared to a regular box fan CRB. Plus they are smaller. Currently looking for more than 6 air changes per room per hour, I can usually get double that.
@HealthyHomeGuide Ай бұрын
I appreciate that, thank you. You nailed your setup. I love shooting for super high CADR hehe. Especially because I unfortunately don't have an exhaust hood over my stove.
@MarieTomaselli-rf5ee 8 күн бұрын
Is that table top one with 2 squares a diy? Im looking for a medium size bedroom But I can't built
@Rezail_Uhhh 16 күн бұрын
Do you have one where the Merv and Hepa have the same surface area?
@mikeshawn5298 9 күн бұрын
Really good video and some great info. I just want to mention that clean air delivery rate is not the whole picture. Nowhere do you mention room turn-over. Take a room and seal it tight. A HEPA filter will remove 99.7% on first pass. On the second pass it will remove about zero because the air is clean. If it wasn't for dust entry and generation, you could move one room volume of air and be done (also assuming ideal air distribution). Now assume a MERV 13 filter removes 50% (at your 1 u example). The second pass will be 50% or 50%. Each cycle or room volume turnover removes a little more, taking you up to 99+%. That is why a MERV filter can match the performance of a HEPA filter over time. For your 180 sq ft room, a 300 cfm unit provides 10 turn-overs per hour (10 ft ceiling). The more turn-overs, the better cleaning because of added cycles and better dust capture.
@hyp3rimag 3 күн бұрын
I can’t decide if I should send the AirFanta back or not. I mainly use these for overall particulate count decreasing. I have 1 in my gaming room and it runs nonstop and there’s virtually zero dust in here. I haven’t had to clean my pc in over 6 months. Should I send these back and stick with clean air kits or will the AirFanta with the hepas be an exception in this case?
@cleanairkits 2 күн бұрын
Objectively, by having extra high filter area from 4 sides the AirFanta is using part of the CR Box principles (just not MERV13), sort of like our Exhalaron which is also not MERV13. However it's advertising high CADR by running its fans very high RPM and loud which we don't. Once you turn down to 4-6V where it's quiet it's CADR is about same as our Bedroom Luggable, yet not as quiet. So no need to send it back if you find an operating point you're happy with. We simply aim to consistently provide an advertise quiet sustainable operating points with sound pressure @1 meter < 40dB.
@PraxisPrepper 2 ай бұрын
Great video. Thx for sharing your experiences here.
@HealthyHomeGuide 2 ай бұрын
Glad you appreciated hearing about them!
@AramisWyler 13 күн бұрын
This is great. I already have an array of 6 120mm fans for my watercooling setup (2 radiators of 3 fans each). The idea that I could use these as outflow fans for a MERV based air filter is just great. Maybe an excuse to get a 3rd radiator and 3 more fans to make it a 3x3 square.
@HealthyHomeGuide 12 күн бұрын
Great idea!
@antibrevity 13 күн бұрын
Excellent video and good job presenting such a variety of research in one video.
@HealthyHomeGuide 12 күн бұрын
Thank you very much!
@ronm6585 Ай бұрын
Great info, thank you.
@thoughtsofawho5944 2 ай бұрын
Congratulations Alex on another great video - this one is close to my heart having watched the iterations of DIY filters over the past few years and built quite a few myself. I love your energy here and calling out terrible marketing. Great education like this is greatly needed. Thank you! 💪🫡
@HealthyHomeGuide 2 ай бұрын
Your comments are always very encouraging, thank you 🙂
@stonegiant4 14 күн бұрын
Thank you for the very insightful video. Ive been making diy box fan filters for years. I didn't know that the cube configuration was more efficient. And makes sense that pc fans would be good for people sensitive to noise. I like how noisy a boxfan setup is because it drowns out the tinnitus lol.
@HealthyHomeGuide 12 күн бұрын
Glad you found it to be insightful! Tinnitus is no fun, I understand lol
@bnato8209 7 күн бұрын
Great vidja, It dosent appear the UV-C is offered in the Clean Air Kits?
@HealthyHomeGuide 5 күн бұрын
Thanks! Nope, no UV-C.
@Chairman_Wang 16 күн бұрын
Great resource for finding out what PC fan to use in my tower. Idk how good a non ionizer purifier is, are there diy ozone generators i can stick inside a luggable? I always get winx plasmawave or equivalent (like blueair) to ensure i filter out maximum dust.
@phil2082 14 күн бұрын
Ozone causes cancer anyway. You shouldn't be in the room with an ozone generator going.
@multipotentialite 4 күн бұрын
What did you do with your HEPA filters?
@thephototour1615 Ай бұрын
Thanks for the info. I just ordered two of the CleanAirKits 7 Fan end table units, and I’m confident that they will outperform HEPA filter systems that cost over 600.00 each…. So I’m essentially getting 2 awesome air filters for about a 3rd of the price of 2 of the expensive hepa filter systems, with better performance & cheaper filter replacement costs as well. So thankful to have stumbled onto this video. 🙏🙏
@HealthyHomeGuide Ай бұрын
Well said! Thank you for taking the time to fully understand what I’m trying to say here.
@Gl8Dy 6 күн бұрын
Yesterday I bought the Vital 100S on Amazon, it will arrive on friday. Should I return it and buy something else? My room is around ~25m² and it collects dust. Outside my windows there is a pretty occupied main road, cigarette smoke from outside often comes inside my windows, just by breathing i feel that the air is bad.
@HealthyHomeGuide 5 күн бұрын
If it delivers sufficient CADR (at the fan speeds you're comfortable running it) to cover the size of your space, I think you could get away with keeping it.
@seethebutter Ай бұрын
Im a mechanical engineer. The vendors in HVAC have been trying to convince you of the “medical benefits” of HVAC widegets for at least the 45 years I’ve been in the field. Lmao
@prismalglue Ай бұрын
thanks a lot! i will build one myself!
@drinksoymilk007 19 күн бұрын
thanks for making this video. i'm in the market for a new air purifier and this information is so appreciated. will share with others as well. keep it up!
@HealthyHomeGuide 19 күн бұрын
Aw, thank you! And thanks for sharing it. I will definitely keep it up.
@Manwithanattitude 11 күн бұрын
Great video, thank you for the invaluable info.
@HealthyHomeGuide 5 күн бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@jonmajarucon51 14 күн бұрын
Well done. A lot of work went into this. Thank you. Best presentation ever.
@HealthyHomeGuide 12 күн бұрын
I really appreciate that! It did take a ton of research and work.
@LGrian 7 күн бұрын
What about HVAC systems? Is there a way to do a reliably test CADR for just running the fan on my unit 24/7? We only have one intake so I realize this means limited filtration surface area, but it’s a very small home (1000sq ft) and we have a unit meant for 2000sq ft
@cleanairkits 7 күн бұрын
Yeah if you just get a cheap particle counter, start with it off on a high PM2.5 day, and measure the reduction over e.g. 20 minutes you can estimate your ACH
@mitchcohen4870 Ай бұрын
I have multiple of the clean air kits and absolutely love them. whisper quiet.
@HealthyHomeGuide Ай бұрын
Aren't they great? Simple, quiet, and effective.
@cadriver2570 23 күн бұрын
Do the fans have any coil whine?
@hyp3rimag 4 күн бұрын
I also have a clean air kit and it’s solid! Awesome video!
@googlespyfranchise9089 9 күн бұрын
Incredible video!! Wow. I love all the data and your no nonsense clear communication. Thank you so much for doing this research! I think I love your brain 💪🏼👏⭐️🥳 You’re a hero!
@HealthyHomeGuide 5 күн бұрын
Aw thanks so much, that's a great comment :)
@joeedh 13 күн бұрын
How shocking, using too small of a filter for the volume of air to be purified doesn't work.
@pkstarstorm5548 15 күн бұрын
My current living situation isn’t the best but currently making do with finances. I’m living literally right next to a freeway that’s intersecting with another major freeway, and so I’m wondering what type of air purification for my room would be best? Looking for something compact because my room is on the small side and can barely fit my twinsize bed/ computer desk.
@HealthyHomeGuide 12 күн бұрын
I'd use a 6-fan brisk box by clean air kits in that scenario.
@subzerosystemx 20 күн бұрын
PM 2.5 how filters how effective is it in removing dust particles, since it is only rated for 2.5micron to 1micron, my room dust particles are mainly fine black soot from cars, what is the size of these pollutants?
@HealthyHomeGuide 20 күн бұрын
As the data shows, CR box type designs with MERV-13 filters maintain their performance across the entire range of particle sizes, from ultrafine to larger.
@marxchagall 2 ай бұрын
This is incredible thank you
@HealthyHomeGuide 2 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching :)
@oleeotv 2 ай бұрын
I watched over a few days and may have missed it... Care to share your thoughts on the 6 fan brisk Vs the AC infinity build? Both are really nice options. I heard you name the brisk is going to power on after an outage. In wondering if you think they are similar db for similar cadr. Tough question though because, as you say, it's involved to get the actual cadr from your infinity unit. Thanks for this and your other videos, really appreciate your work.
@HealthyHomeGuide 2 ай бұрын
Thanks for the kind comments! At 26:24, I give my option on the best option. I recommend Clean Air Kits. It’s really just an educated guess given that yes, I haven’t personally compared my DIY design with the 6 fan brisk box from clean air kits. I suspect that the clean air kit is superior CADR at similar dB. But you can adjust the speed of the AC infinity and reach CADRs that are likely very high, which you can’t with the clean air kit. But from another perspective, the single speed of clean air kits is an asset. Anyway, both are great options, I just think the clean air kit is better across the board.
@oleeotv 2 ай бұрын
@@HealthyHomeGuide thank you for replying so fully! I love the fun of the adjustable fan if in a variable environment, extra people coming or something. I'm going to try a brisk box 6 out. Adding it to a levoit core 600 and two box fans covered with nanofibre which go in the windows, hoping to breath well through this fire season.
@HealthyHomeGuide 2 ай бұрын
@@oleeotv you’re very welcome! That’s a cool setup. Just to be clear, clean air kits are not speed adjustable. Good luck!
@oleeotv 2 ай бұрын
@@HealthyHomeGuide yes for sure, that's one of the things I like about the infinity setup but for day-to-day constant running operation the single speed is great.
@HealthyHomeGuide 2 ай бұрын
@@oleeotv yup, exactly
@mrlucasftw42 8 күн бұрын
Really great video! I'm definitely going to work on cleaning my air better. I'd also be interesting in your thoughts on air quality monitors (although sounds like your body is doing a great job on that front).
@HealthyHomeGuide 5 күн бұрын
Hahah. I like the Dylos DC1100 Pro.
@vladimirpryjdun2207 11 күн бұрын
Nice, but how it compares with Central HVAC with large HEPA filter?
@cleanairkits 8 күн бұрын
In most legacy buildings HVAC only provides 1-3 ACH (air changes per hour). Hospitals and post-pandemic HVAC renovations to ASHRAE 241 shoot for 6-8 ACH. PC fan CR boxes are lowest energy way to get 6-8ACH throughout your home.
@robertlytle1746 2 ай бұрын
Alex, I really appreciate this video. I’m planning to build a C-R box inspired by your 16 x 30 and SC fan. I’m thinking about using 16 x 25 filters (same area as 20 x 20) and MERV 14 filters. Please comment re. MERV13 v. MERV14 for this application. Thanks!
@HealthyHomeGuide 2 ай бұрын
Many thanks Robert! 16x25 is a great size. Both MERV-13 and MERV-14 are good options, but MERV-13 may hit more of a sweet spot which balances airflow and efficiency. See the article entitled “What happens to CADR with different grade filters?” on Clean Air Kits site.
@johnzach2057 2 ай бұрын
Just buy filtrette or other high quality filters
@user-ut4vl8bw2k 8 күн бұрын
csn you put smaller one inside bigger one?
@dimitaryanakiev8707 21 күн бұрын
Hello thank you for the video. I got a little nervous that I've wasted money on the HEPA filters. I have winix zero pro that has 470 m3/h on highest setting. I usually let them run on highest or high in general. Should I reconsider into another brand since I'm from Europe and I can't buy the brand you recommended. I usually appreciate how really fresh the air is with HEPA 13 filtration though. I haven't gotten the same feeling from the Marv. I would really appreciate your feedback. Thank you for taking the time to read
@HealthyHomeGuide 21 күн бұрын
I can't post links in comments, but clean air stars, the website I talked about that I linked in the description, has an air purifier selection tool that allows you to search by country.
@dimitaryanakiev8707 21 күн бұрын
@@HealthyHomeGuide I appreciate your reply. I've already checked it and for Bulgaria they are not supporting basically. Can you name any other brand that has a similar mission to theirs? If u can't its cool. Thanks a lot cheers
@shreediculous 16 күн бұрын
Can you make a video on filters? Do they need cleaning? Can they be cleaned? Is it okay to use a vacuum cleaner to clean HEPA filters?
@HealthyHomeGuide 12 күн бұрын
Vacuuming them periodically with a HEPA vac can help.
@Jaker788 Ай бұрын
Lennox actually has as 20x20x5 (and other sizes) MERV 16 filter that cost $100. So far it's lasted a long time for me. I don't use it as a room filter but my HVAC is able to fit this thickness just barely and the pressure drop is incredibly low in my testing, and in their airflow charts for initial resistance. So far after about 8 months running 24/7 i haven't seen any real deviation in measured static pressure to indicate it's clogged yet, at 650cfm I'm seeing at most 0.01" wc increase from when it was first installed. If someone wanted to drop $200 for 2 and make a triangle room filter it would probably be pretty good. However after seeing the chart you showed of Merv performance in ultrafine, 12 and 14 actually have still pretty good performance in the middle range and very similar ultrafine performance to merv 16. I'd say it's a really good almost HEPA filter for significantly less airflow resistance, for a home Merv 16 is functionally the same as HEPA.
@HealthyHomeGuide Ай бұрын
This is a really well-informed and well-written comment, thank you! Are you talking about the Lennox Healthy Climate filters? Those are absolutely incredible. I actually have a video where I build a simple fresh air intake system around a Lennox Healthy Climate filter. It’d be super cool to test those in an in-room air purification context.
@Jaker788 Ай бұрын
@@HealthyHomeGuide Yep that's the filter I'm talking about. I'll have to check out that video
@JaydoCovid 2 ай бұрын
Great video, big fan of Clean Air Kits and CR Boxes so thanks for getting the word out!
@HealthyHomeGuide 2 ай бұрын
It's an honor to do it! Thank you so much.
@JaydoCovid 2 ай бұрын
@@HealthyHomeGuide one piece of feedback someone shared with me: some people may take the wrong message that HEPA is a “scam” and shouldn’t be used. I agree MERV based devices are better in most situations, but similar to how Levoit is not technically HEPA and some people are scared by that, some may view this and think HEPAs don’t help, when it’s really, there are cheaper or more effective ways to do this, but there isn’t something inherently wrong with HEPA entirely - agree?
@HealthyHomeGuide 2 ай бұрын
I've had several people reach out to me making this same point that you're making, and I've given this a lot of thought and reflection. Here's what I'll say: I don't want people thinking that HEPA filters in general are a scam. So I did several things to help prevent this: I included a section towards the end of the video where I talk about the contexts in which the high single-pass efficiency of HEPA filters is needed, I made a pinned comment explaining that further, and I added "Most" to my title after the fact. I believe it's important to reflect on my messaging, and I have. That being said, I do not regret using the word "scam." Beyond the incredibly deceptive marketing of most HEPA air purifier companies, I DO believe there is something inherently wrong with HEPA in the context of in-room particulate purification. I believe that HEPA filters are too expensive and restrictive for this particular context, and we need to move away from using them here. In order to produce a good CADR with HEPA, you either need a super powerful fan that is far too loud, or a super expensive, giant filter. Those are not viable solutions. In the real world, air quality usually suffers in the end. There is a cheaper, more energy efficient, and quieter option than HEPA at equivalent CADR. Let's talk about THAT - even if we may have recommended HEPA air purifiers in the past to our viewers/clients. Sometimes you need strong messaging to get the word out and help create a paradigm shift. So yes, scam.
@Skylancer727 14 күн бұрын
My assumption is that the denser filters they have limit airflow more so you need more static pressure to overcome it, but that means more noise and more air blow back.
@HealthyHomeGuide 12 күн бұрын
Well said.
@godminnette2 15 күн бұрын
I have a HEPA air filter that I keep in my tiny office. The difference is substantial - which surprised me, because I was highly skeptical I would notice any difference at all. A couple of times I would turn it off and wouldn't notice much difference over time - and figured it wasn't doing much, and I had just imagined a previous difference due to placebo. When I eventually turned it back on, though, after one day I was surprised by how large the gap was. After this happened three times I decided it likely wasn't placebo, but I'd need to take some measurements to be certain. When I kept it in my larger kitchen or studio room, though, I did not notice any difference between keeping it on or off. For those spaces, I will likely pursue other options that prioritize CADR.
@HealthyHomeGuide 12 күн бұрын
Well said. That makes complete sense.
@JettaTDI2005 Ай бұрын
Thanks you so much for the information and now I am going to get my air a bit more cleaner.
@user-bo7bi9cn7m 3 күн бұрын
How effective is a rate of 306 Cubic Meter / Hr. for a purifier.
@TheWebgecko 11 күн бұрын
Do you have any suggestions for wall mountable air purifiers? I have no available floor space in my room and I have cats that would probably scratch through the filters if they can get to them
@cleanairkits 8 күн бұрын
Our Exhalaron and Exhalaron tri come with wall mount slots and wall anchor screws
@lanzer22 18 күн бұрын
I came up with the same idea in 2020 when the California forest fires were raging and ran a whole bunch of tests with an AQI meter to come to the same conclusion that the typical air purifiers are way overpriced for what they do. Glad that more people know about this design now.
@gir1258 15 күн бұрын
Yeah, only thing that saved me was my Austin Air unit. Dropped my bedroom PM2.5, PM1.0, and PM10 readings to near zero
@jss2889 25 күн бұрын
Anyone know of any decent merv13 filters in Australia?
@Brian-xu9uq 13 күн бұрын
I subscribed. I enjoy watching researched based videos that use evidence to explain their points. A question I had for you is that box fans and computer fans use axial impellers while a lot of the home air purifiers use centrifugal impellers for the reason being is that they produce a higher static pressure aka suction power. So all of your data is based on filters when they’re clean, but as they begin to accumulate dirt, if the pressure drop of the filter exceeds the suction power of the fans, it will no longer draw as much as through the filter. So, you could a filter that’s used up 50% of its expected life but if it exceeds your fans static pressure then those filters will be prematurely rendered useless.
@CleanAirCommunications 13 күн бұрын
I change my filters more frequently than the recommendation. The difference is small, but it’s important to me to be as efficient/powerful as possible. (MERV-13 filters, that is)
@gavindonohue942 15 күн бұрын
Clean air kits only draw 6.5 watts. Can they be USB powered? It would save having to use bulky in line transformers that I saw on one of their website images.
@CleanAirCommunications 13 күн бұрын
My Brisk Box with six fans is. Not sure about their other purifiers. Well, Exhalaron can be USB powered or from a portable power bank.
@michaelgray5547 2 ай бұрын
Awesome video Alex - thanks so much for sharing such useful information! It’s great to know that there are low cost IAQ solutions that are even more effective (and quieter) than the much more expensive commercial products we’ve all been led to believe we need. Such a breath of fresh air!
@HealthyHomeGuide 2 ай бұрын
Great comment! That’s an astute encapsulation of the value that this video offers. Good luck Michael!
@romagluskin5133 10 күн бұрын
What sensors are u using to measure the air quality currently in the room ?
@HealthyHomeGuide 5 күн бұрын
A Dylos DC1100 Pro and an aranet4.
@CortezLu84 Ай бұрын
I'm glad I stumbled onto your channel. Thanks for the investigation
@HealthyHomeGuide Ай бұрын
Happy to do it!
@chickynuggers Ай бұрын
Just bought an xxl luggable, hope it goes well! Im curious if you have seen the 'airfanta' purifier: It's just one dude on twitter selling his design in which used a cr box design with 4 large pc fans (overclocked too I think) and 4 heavily pleated hepa filters. According to the site you linked it has the highest CADR to cost ratio. I bought the CAK anyways bc 1) I like the look of it more and 2)in the US it make sense to go with easily purchased merv filter over proprietary(ish, I think china sells the one he has) filters. This video was amazing btw!
@cleanairkits Ай бұрын
At full speed it's same loudness as the HEPAs 15 dB louder than ours. And he forgets the m3/hr to cfm conversion inflating CADR 70%. But at lower fan speed should perform similarly to ours.
@chickynuggers Ай бұрын
@@cleanairkits ahh that makes sense, yea the dB's are in 50's and I didn't see the unit conversion. I knew that high of cfm/CADR couldn't be possible and couldn't figure it out but now I know it literally isn't lol.
@Darksun93 2 ай бұрын
Are these diy/ clean air kits air purifiers good for pet hair? I have a dog, and I'm constantly sweeping dog hair and dust.
@HealthyHomeGuide 2 ай бұрын
Good question! Air purifiers in general aren’t great with pet hair. This is because pet hair tends to fall to the floor quickly; most of it doesn’t stay airborne for long enough to get captured by an air purifier. Some smaller hairs do get captured though. However, pet DANDER is a different story. Air purifiers can be decent at capturing pet dander because pet dander tends to stay airborne for longer. Clean air kits air purifiers should do this very well, yes. You’ll still have to clean though.
@Darksun93 2 ай бұрын
@@HealthyHomeGuide thanks for the info 👍
@HealthyHomeGuide 2 ай бұрын
You’re welcome!
@playlist5455 Ай бұрын
Ageed that pc fans seem like a good diy option. 6x120mm vs a box fan, the box fan is more likely to be noisy for similar air flow. My garage work box fan is noisy even at a low flow.
@lynskyrd Ай бұрын
yup - a $20 fan and a 6 pack of Merv 13s for about $40 - you'll be good for a year in a 1000 sqft living space. I actually got 3 fans; bedroom (white noise), living room and my home office where I'm allowed to smoke... on occasion.
@cableguy43309 Ай бұрын
I had an electrostatic precipitator when I was growing up due to several allergies. I haven't seen anyone talking about those.
@HealthyHomeGuide Ай бұрын
Interesting question. Electrostatic precipitators can be effective, but they are also known to produce ozone, which can be harmful. Search "24387032" in google if you're interested in seeing the study that confirms this.
@JasonEisenberg81 12 күн бұрын
To keep my 3090 cool I put it in a massive high airflow case. I have 6 intake fans and 4 outflow fans for positive pressure in the case to keep dust from heating up the gpu. The i take fans have fine mesh filters, which I clean regularly to keep airflow high. So you’re saying I accidentally built a great air cleaner?
@HealthyHomeGuide 5 күн бұрын
Hahaha. For very large particles, maybe. For everything else, fine mesh won't do much.
@Ron-eg9kb 8 күн бұрын
Have you looked into electrostatic precipitation based air purifiers? Ive seen studies showing them being very efficient at even removing UFP and the filters are washable and can last 20 years.
@HealthyHomeGuide 5 күн бұрын
Electrostatic precipitators can release ozone as a byproduct of their operation, which makes me wary of them, despite their efficacy.
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