How to Build a Mini Carbon Filter

Carbon filters are the most effective way of eliminating unwanted odors. Keep the air you breathe fresh by installing a carbon filter in an area of your home where pet odors, cigarette smoke, or food smells are a problem. Unfortunately, the carbon filters on the market today can cost hundreds of dollars. Avoid paying high prices for a premade carbon filter by building your own using easy-to-find materials.

Activated carbon filter
4-inch ventilation end-cap (resize if needed to fit your ducts)
4-inch duct connector piece (resize if needed to fit your ducts)
Hardware cloth
Duct tape
Scissors
Measuring tape

Instructions

- 1
  Cut the carbon filter into a 48-inch by 8-inch piece. Many carbon filters measure 48 inches by 16 inches and can be cut in half so that one piece can be saved for use as a replacement.
- 2
  
  Hardware cloth will provide a sturdy base for the carbon filter.
  
  Cut the hardware cloth to width by cutting a 12-inch strip (8 inches for the width of the filter plus 2 inches on either end) from the entire roll.
- 3
  Attach the ends of the hardware cloth to the end cap and duct connector piece using duct tape.
- 4
  Wrap the hardware cloth around the end cap and duct connector piece, taping every few inches. As you add more layers, the cloth tube will go from flimsy to sturdy. This tube is going to serve as support for the carbon filter.
- 5
  
  Prevent any cuts or puncture wounds by taping over the sharp metal ends.
  
  Tape over any loose metal ends with the duct tape.
- 6
  Wrap the activated carbon filter around the hardware cloth tube. Secure the filter in place using duct tape. Don't tape over the filter too much, as air can't flow through duct tape.
- 7
  
  Use a duct connector that's sized to match your ducts.
  
  Slide the open end of the duct connector piece onto the duct vent and tape it down securely with duct tape.
- 8
  Check to make sure that air is flowing through the carbon filter. When you hold your hand over the filter, you will be able to feel the air moving.

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