Air Purifier Recommendations Please

dextours · Mar 22, 2022

Unfortunately the smoke and fire season will soon arrive. Can anyone recommend an air purifier suitable for van living?

Smoke smell removal is a must have. Don't see the point without that. Small in size. Runs off 12V would be a super bonus.

user 22017 · Mar 22, 2022

I read you should look at the CADR rating. Here it explains CADR:

https://www.bobvila.com/articles/cadr-rating/

Also, Consumer Reports rated the Alen BreatheSmart 75i Pure Air Purifier #1, but that model is for a large room and cost $750. On Lowe's website they sell that model along with many smaller sizes by the same company. No idea if any run off 12 volt.

Another model by Alen at Lowe's for $200. Covers 500 sq. ft.: Alen T500 3-Speed (Covers: 500-sq ft) White True HEPA Air Purifier

Here is the page at CR. Maybe you can look up smaller versions of the top 3:

https://www.consumerreports.org/air-purifiers/best-air-purifiers-of-the-year-a1197763201/

AmargosaWayne · Mar 22, 2022

Get a 12V box fan, stick a HEPA filter on the in flow side. A fancy version is to use two filters in a V, sealing the top and bottom.

If you have abundant 120VAC, a regular box fan will match up better to the filters.

Not my idea, I found out about it online on a website for a Native American community that was affected by the fires last year. I can't find the link at the moment.

I would like to get a handheld air quality meter, but what I have seen online always has mixed reviews about accuracy. The air quality dot gov site only has readings for areas that have AQ stations, obviously. Smaller towns near by dispersed camping tend to not be represented.

dextours · Mar 23, 2022

Thank you for your replies. CADR is good to know. The fan with filter hack is interesting.

Ripper238 · Mar 23, 2022

Just wear a P100 mask.

Filtering is a pretty simple concept, you may be able to make something better than buying something.

This is a simple option: https://www.amazon.com/QUEENTY-Purifier-Efficiency-Carbon-Eliminates/dp/B07YFNSCMW

This appears to be better. Just not 12v/USB: https://www.amazon.com/Medify-Medic...fier/dp/B081NWVMCH?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1

RvNaut · Mar 23, 2022

The best cheap way I have found is to use some manner of std fan and add a couple of hepa filters. My s&b version is a std box fan with std furnace filters. To be effective, there needs to be a space/plenum between the fan and the filter to allow the fan to build up negative air pressure in the space, effectively drawing in air... putting the filter up against the fan grill reduces it's ability to suck air through it.

Adapting this for VanLife may present challenges.. I suppose any box, made into a tube with the filters on one end and the fan on the other would do it. I have friends in the PNW that used the house fan system during extremely heavy smoke in the last two years.

So a cheap fan, a box and some furnace filters ... or spend $150 on some fancy rig..

YMMV IANAL

LoupGarou · Mar 24, 2022

Filtration, air movement and power consumption are concerns. Pick any two. I went with the LeVolt Core 300 and run it off the inverter. I have to pack it up when on the move. There are YouTube videos on others.