ᐅ Self-Built Filter Box for Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery

Hello everyone,

There are already a few DIY projects online for controlled ventilation filter boxes. Since the supply air filter in my system needs to be replaced soon, I want to start this project. The hazel pollen is flying wildly, and alder seems to be making an effort too. I would like to keep both outside.

Unfortunately, images from other forums are now mostly only accessible as Google thumbnails. I will probably start the project today.

Everything has to be somehow squeezed in here:

Updates to follow.

Here is what I have:

I will go to the hardware store tomorrow.

Hi @OWLer, have you made any progress with your project?

RotorMotor schrieb:

Hi @OWLer, have you made any progress on your project?

Hello, yes I have – it just took a while! There’s always something. In the meantime, the filter change indicator came on, which gave me some motivation after all.

It looks like this and has been installed since yesterday.

I’ll gather my detailed photos and write a bit about the development process. But so far, it seems to be working and mostly airtight. At least I don’t feel any drafts.

So far, the system’s energy consumption is about 10% (3W) higher than before the modification. However, this is probably because the old clogged filter is still inside and I haven’t had time to remove it yet.

Today, for the first time in a long while, I cleaned the filters in the supply air (!) vents, and in the basement, I found quite a few dead flies. I clean the exhaust vents regularly, but I’ve been lazier when it comes to the supply air.

I immediately got worried that my filter setup might not be as effective as I thought.

However, upon inspection, I didn’t notice anything unusual. On the dirty side, there was quite a bit of dust buildup, and the filter was dirty. I also saw a few insects crawling on the dirty side.

On the clean side, there were no deposits, dirt, or anything else to be found. So far, I’m very satisfied with my work. It really seems to be fairly airtight. The flies have probably been there for quite some time.

I have also noticed flies in my house occasionally. I wonder if they are coming from the condensate trap?