Pleated air filters are more expensive at the outset, but they are also more efficient at trapping particles and can last up to 90 days, depending on use. When you purchase a new air filter, you'll find the manufacturer's recommendations for the replacement schedule.
Higher-quality pleated filters should generally be changed every 90 days, though they can potentially last up to six months. Why change the air filter so frequently? An old filter will naturally collect more dust, dirt, and allergens than a new one, becoming clogged and losing efficiency.
Pleated Air Filters – Negative Aspects
They tend to increase energy consumption and can skyrocket your energy bill. Pleated air filters might also require you to modify your HVAC system in order to accommodate them. Ultimately, they are typically 3 times more costly than traditional non-pleated filters.
Changing your filters every 3 months is the way to maintain proper airflow, efficient operation, and great indoor air quality throughout your home.
Pleated air filters can restrict airflow to some extent due to their denser construction and larger surface area. The pleats create more resistance for the air to pass through, which can potentially reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system.
In most cases, a MERV 11 air filter isn't too high for residential use. Generally speaking, anything under a MERV 13 air filter should provide very efficient air purification in a home without impacting airflow.
High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are recommended by the U.S. Department of Health because they are able to remove at least 99.97% of airborne allergens and pollutants — including mold spores and dust that are as small as 0.3 microns.
Expensive air filters are made from higher-quality materials, like fiberglass, that can last for up to 12 months. This not only saves you money, but it's also more convenient since you won't have to remember to replace your air filters as often.
If you don't change your AC filter, it will begin to fail. It will no longer be able to filter the air properly, letting dust and contaminants get into the HVAC system. Dust jams the moving parts of an AC such as fan motors and valves. Airflow is restricted which creates a strain on the system.
A good MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating for residential HVAC systems is typically between 8 and 13. MERV 8 filters capture basic particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander and are adequate for most households.
Switch To Pleated Filters
Fiberglass air filters will get the job done, but in most cases, pleated air filters are much better. Pleated air filters capture smaller particles and are less likely to clog within a short period of time.
Initial unladen performance of pleated filters is marginally better than foam equivalents, however as particles begin to build up between the pleat pack recesses, this blocks up the potential flow area – thus reducing performance.
If your pleated air filters get really dirty, you can wash them with soap and water. Just be sure to rinse them thoroughly afterwards so that no soap residue is left behind.
Fiberglass filters shield HVAC systems by capturing bigger debris but are less effective at filtering small particles. If you're looking to reduce allergies, pleated filters are recommended. Pleated filters are better at improving indoor air quality and may cost a little bit more, but they have higher MERV ratings.
Most disposable air filters last three to 12 months.
Cheaper filters, like fiberglass ones, can clog faster than higher-quality options like pleated or HEPA filters. Extreme weather can make your HVAC system work harder, leading to faster filter buildup. Neglecting filter maintenance, like not changing or cleaning regularly, can cause blockages and poor air quality.
As the system is working harder to get around clogged air filters, it can cause the entire system to overwork and eventually break. If this happens, you'll need to replace the entire system, which can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $12,000.
Filtrete Air Filters imply that they are as good as air purifiers but are not in the same category or performance arena. Filtrete air filters are built to work with homes equipped with forced-air heating and cooling systems. Simply put, Filtrete is not the best choice for your home and the air quality inside of it.
For instance, MERV 8 filters catch larger particles and are less restrictive, while MERV 11 filters catch smaller particles and are more restrictive. This means MERV 11 filters not only have higher initial resistance but also build up additional resistance faster as they capture more debris.
If nobody in your home has allergies and you don't have pets or significant air quality concerns, for instance, an inexpensive filter can still be effective. The main drawback with cheaper filters is you'll need to replace them more often.
For most homes, a MERV rating between 8 and 13 strikes the perfect balance between filtration, airflow, and cost. A MERV 11 filter, for instance, can last up to six months and offers excellent air cleaning without putting too much strain on your HVAC system.
Go for the Filtrete™ Dual-Action Micro Allergen Plus 2X Dust Defense Filter. Fun fact: This filter holds as much dust as 50 dusting wipes and holds twice as much dust as our other filters.