The main reason to use an air cleaner is to remove particles – the higher the particle removal rate, the more effective the air cleaner. What factors determine effectiveness? The first element is the FILTER. An efficient filter is critical. But, the filter is only as good as the construction of the air cleaner. The … More
Articles
IAQ Research-Practice in Action: The Corsi/Rosenthal Box Air Cleaner
By Jim Rosenthal Introduction: This is the story of how the knowledge and creativity of a researcher (Dr. Richard Corsi) and the practical experience of the CEO of an air filter company (Jim Rosenthal) combined to develop an extremely effective and inexpensive air cleaner. This open source design has been used extensively in schools, churches, … More
New Air Cleaner using Advanced ELGIT System Reduces Viruses, Mold and Bacteria by 93%
By Jim Rosenthal, CAFS At last, an air cleaner that is safe, inexpensive, reliable, quiet, and energy efficient. This remarkable product uses the new and advanced Electronic Green Incandescent Technology (ELGIT) system. Tests show that the ELGIT air cleaner reduces viruses, mold, bacteria and other indoor contaminants by 93%! The perfect product for schools, offices … More
Comparing Filters for Resistance and Efficiency
By Jim Rosenthal, CAFS Several years ago I wrote an article for this website comparing different commonly available filters for resistance and efficiency (at 0.3um). The article continues to be one of the most popular on our site. There just aren’t many places where one is able to compare filters from various manufacturers. Somehow it … More
It’s All About the Air Flow Through the Filter
By Jim Rosenthal, CAFS Users of air filters – whether they are residential or commercial – are not interested in filter efficiency. Efficiency is just a number. What they are interested in is whether or not an air filter will protect their HVAC system and provide better indoor air quality in their home or building. … More
How to Improve the Efficiency of the “Box Fan and MERV 13 Filter” Air Cleaner
By Jim Rosenthal Several months ago I wrote two articles for this site on the “Box Fan and MERV 13 Filter” air cleaner. They have been viewed over 30,000 times and many people have built these air cleaners following the simple directions in the articles. They are easy to construct, inexpensive and effective. In short, … More
A Variation on the “Box Fan with MERV 13 Filter” Air Cleaner
The “Box Fan with a MERV 13 Filter” air cleaner is an easy-to-assemble, inexpensive and effective way to improve indoor air quality and to reduce exposure to Covid-19. The concept is really simple – attach an effective air filter to a box fan and clean the air. This article gives more details about the construction … More
Face Shields Should Not be Worn Without Face Masks – Here’s Why
There continues to be a dispute about whether a face shield (sometimes called a “visor”) is as effective or more effective than a face mask. Frankly, I do not understand why. Face shields will not protect someone from airborne Covid-19 – period. A face mask must always be worn with a face shield. This is … More
Using Filtration, Ventilation and Differential Pressure to Slow the Spread of Covid-19
By Jim Rosenthal, CAFS As of today, August 8th, US health officials have reported nearly 5,000,000 cases of Covid-19 (officially SARS-Cov-2). Deaths are over 161,000. This is not just the flu. One of the reasons the disease has spread so fast and so widely is within-household transmission. It is estimated that one in five people … More
How a MERV 13 Air Filter and a Box Fan Can Help Fight Covid-19
By Jim Rosenthal, CAFS A MERV 13 filter and a box fan? It is definitely not a new idea. It has been floating around for years. However, in the era of Covid-19, it is time to take all of the tools out of the toolbox. This simple, inexpensive air cleaning device can remove substantial amounts … More