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Have little knowledge on this field so this might be a dumb question: How noticable or significant is that 12% difference? On the same thought, if I had one that had a 95% efficacy, how does it compare to the 87% one and the 99% one in terms of day-to-day or long term effects?


I’ve spent a good amount of time in this space, mostly WRT cleaning air in wood shops. One of the problems is that the 12% difference there is mostly the smallest particles, and those are the most harmful.

It’s hugely noticeable with smoke, for instance. Humans don’t have a great sense of smell, but we do very well with smoke. The difference between air with <1% leftover smoke and air with 13% leftover smoke is obvious to everyone.

The EPA has a lot to say about this, if you’ve the patience to wade through it — https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/air-cleaners-and-...


What were you using? The filter should be MERV14 or higher. It will remove >75% of all small particles too.

You shouldn't end up with 13% leftover, if you're doing it right. Air will pass through the filter multiple times, and it removes >75% each time.

Below MERV14, you'll have that problem. Above, it should do as well as HEPA. The gap between 13% and 0% will be made up for with a 13% stronger fan.




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