Pleated filters offer more value for their cost when compared to fiberglass. ✓ Pleated filters have more surface area so that they can capture larger amounts of smaller contaminants.
A fiberglass air filter typically has a MERV rating of 2 or 3, telling us it holds up against large pollutants well. However, it may be congested much faster than a pleated filter with a 5+ MERV. Pleated filters are more sustainable, affordable, and easier to maintain.
Pleated vs non-pleated air filters tend to greatly restrict air flow due to density of material they are made of. 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.
Most Popular Air Filter Material:
Polyurethane Foam Air Filter Media: Resilient and flexible air filter material that is reusable.
With a MERV rating nearing 16, HEPA filters provide the highest protection for your home. They're able to remove even the smallest microns or airborne particles, including tobacco and bacteria. Those who live with allergies or other respiratory issues may benefit from HEPA filters the most.
Pleated filters can restrict airflow slightly more than non-pleated ones, but they balance filtration and airflow. Choosing the right MERV rating (between 8 and 13) ensures your system gets proper airflow while still effectively filtering the air.
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.
Because of their design, pleated air filters can capture dirt, pollen, dust, pet dander, bacteria, and more, making them an excellent choice for allergy sufferers or individuals with respiratory issues.
Coal filtration, often referred to as activated carbon filtration, uses activated carbon derived from coal to reduce impurities in water. This method is highly effective due to the large surface area and porous structure of activated carbon, which allows it to capture a wide variety of contaminants.
Air filters can be made from fiberglass, pleated paper, synthetic fibers, and electrostatic materials. These materials are chosen for their ability to capture varying sizes of particles, from large debris to microscopic contaminants, impacting the filter's efficiency, durability, and cost.
Fiberglass filters are often referred to as “throwaway” or “disposable” filters because they typically last no longer than 30 days.
Pleating the filter media allows more media contained within the filter frame. More media means more surface area to capture and hold particles. The capacity to hold more dust makes the pleated filters last longer than fiberglass filters.
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.
Cons: These filters cost more to purchase, ranging from $5 to $15. The lower frequency of changes does offset this. For some HVAC systems, a pleated filter may be too powerful and it will restrict airflow and cause a decline in system energy efficiency. Check with our HVAC experts about this.
Reverse osmosis water filters are good at effectively removing a high percentage of toxins including fluoride, hexavalent chromium, arsenic, nitrates/nitrites, copper, radium, salt, and more. Talk about a good bang for your buck – reverse osmosis filters are incredibly popular for a very good reason.
How Often Do I Need to Change Out My Air Filter? Generally, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing your air filter every 90 days, or 3 months. That can change based on where your home is located (ex. dusty, dry climates), if you have any pets, and the age of your system and equipment.
Efficiency and lifespan
In terms of efficiency, polyester filters outperform fiberglass ones as they can trap smaller particles and allergens. Fiberglass filters usually need to be replaced every 30 days, while polyester filters have a longer lifespan, often around 60-90 days.
Disposable Pleated
These filters are made from paper and polyester, which helps them to effectively remove dust particles and allergens from the air. Pleated filters are more efficient and will last longer than fibreglass filters, as polyester is much denser than fibreglass.
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.
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.
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.
A filter with a MERV rating of 8 will trap mold spores so that any mold picked up by your HVAC system is removed from the air before that air passes through your ducts.
One of the main disadvantages of air purifiers with HEPA filters is the need to replace these filters regularly to maintain their effectiveness. A HEPA filter should be changed every 6 to 12 months, depending on its use and the environment in which it is used.