The cost of clean air has shot up sharply as Delhi-NCR slips into another bitter pollution season. Branded air purifiers, till recently seen as optional upgrades for homes, sell for 20 to 30 thousand rupees, sometimes even more for premier models. These machines have suddenly become unaffordable for many families just when they have become essential.
What is the Rise of DIY Air Purifiers on Social Media
Into this gap have stepped a growing group of creators on Instagram, YouTube and X, touting low-budget DIY solutions built from simple parts with a HEPA filter, an exhaust or table fan and a roll of tape.
Their tutorials tout bringing down indoor AQI in minutes with many influencers posting controlled tests to demonstrate the drop. What began as a survival hack has turned into a seasonal movement.
Creators Who Sparked the Trend
Featured among the trending posts is a reel by DIY creator Pallavi Saini, blisslore who made a purifier for about two thousand rupees. Her video has crossed sixty-five thousand likes in five days and has several requests from followers for links to all the components used.
Another creator Keshav (@almost.engineered) talked about his nine-month experience of using a homemade purifier in Gurugram against pollution and fumes from 3D printing; the post received more than twenty-six thousand likes.
How These Low-Cost Devices Work
Most of these designs follow a basic pattern attach an H13 or H14 HEPA filter to a fan, secure the edges with duct tape and place the device near a window or in a frequently used room.
The components together typically cost between two and four thousand rupees. Their appeal lies in affordability, availability and the fact that they can be assembled in minutes without technical expertise.
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Expert Concerns & Reality Checks
Specialists are saying that homemade purifiers may bring some relief, but they cannot replicate the performance of certified machinery; besides, they face serious problems with sealing, inconsistent airflow and potential fire safety risks. These devices should be treated as temporary fixes, not long-term replacements.
How a Grassroots Push for Clean Air
Still, with AQI levels crossing 400 on many winter days, these DIY hacks offer families a lifeline when branded purifiers become too expensive or unavailable. In a city where clean air often feels like a privilege, creators are helping democratize access, even if only for a few crucial months.
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Disclamer: This article explains a social trend and does not endorse DIY devices; homemade purifiers may carry safety risks and cannot replace certified equipment.
