Interesting experiment tonight. A couple of years ago I was having some allergy issues, and for my birthday Jen got me a HEPA air purifier (accept no imitations! at least that's what they say, if you want to get 99.7% of allergens removed from the air at some micron size).
I hear there are some things where getting the knock-off just can't cut it. I can think of a few examples. Car tires. Bread loaves. Electronics. Quilting fabric (!?). Vanilla extract. Power tools. I guess what I'm trying to say is that there are some things that between the top of the line and bottom of the line there is so much variation that it really does make a difference. Some things really don't make much difference what the brand is, and you have to judge them one-by-one. Hole punches. Furniture. Clothes. Cars.
So anyway, here's the experiment. Last year when I installed a new filter, I wondered if there was a measurable amount of dust caught in the filter. I generally try to reuse the filter for about a year vacuuming it out once per month (since--you know--the real deal doesn't always come cheap, and I am generally a cheapskate) and by the time it reaches the end of it's reusable life, it's been through alot of dust in our home. So imagine my surprise when there wasn't really a measurable difference between the two filters. In fact, I think the new filter measured a smidge heavier last years.
Have a look here. In all their comparative glory.
The dirty nasty one measures in at 13.7 oz.
The brand-spankin new clean filter weighed in at 13.8 oz.
The brand new one is HEAVIER than the dust-laden for that one. Is there any logical reason for this? The only thing I can imagine is that they impregnate the fibers with baking soda or febreze or something that wears off over repeated collecting dust then vacuuming it out. Any other thoughts?
