A crease-free air filter has a MERV rating of 2 to 4, making it considerably less effective at trapping small particles than a pleated filter. Filters with a MERV rating of 4 only capture less than 20% of particles smaller than 10 microns in size. Usually, a filter without creases is not suitable for allergy sufferers. Pleated filters, on the other hand, can be very efficient and durable.
Generally, they have a MERV rating of 5 to 12 and have a much longer lifespan compared to their counterparts. Pleated filters are also exceptionally good as an indoor air quality solution for allergy sufferers. The fiberglass air filter is cost-effective and more effective against large particles. Fiberglass filters are made with a cardboard frame that houses spun glass.
They are made with woven glass to form patterns that don't restrict airflow. The smallest particles of dirt, dust and allergens that pass through a 1-inch fiber filter can damage expensive equipment and cause numerous health problems. Contaminants will accumulate in the filter and, if left for too long, will eventually become clogged enough to overload the system. The 1-inch pleated air filter panel is made up of certain pleats or creases that help increase the surface area of the filter. While good airflow is a great quality for any air filter, the stability of fiberglass filter systems could be more reliable.
A fiberglass air filter usually has a MERV rating of 2 or 3, which indicates that it resists large contaminants well.
Pleated air filters
are made of cotton, paper or polyester sheets folded into pleats, increasing their surface area. As a reference, a pleated filter with only a MERV 8 rating filters at least 75% of particles between 3 and 10 microns. Reducing the lifespan of an air conditioning system as a result of using such a useless filter will end up costing much more in the long run than the additional six dollars of buying a pleated filter every three months. Creating a filter like this has been a difficult task because, in general terms, the more efficient a filter is at actual filtration, the worse its airflow. Most manufacturers recommend buying crease-free air filters because they offer very good filtration and good airflow, which is important for the performance and efficiency of the air conditioner. The most obvious ways to avoid filter dirt are to keep pets outside, not to spray deodorant, or to use products that produce smoke.Fibreglass filters are at the far end of that spectrum and offer close to maximum airflow, in exchange for virtually zero filtering efficiency. When it comes to choosing an air filter for your home or office, pleated filters are often the best choice. They provide superior filtration compared to other types of filters while still allowing for good airflow. Buying in bulk is also an option; those who buy us 3 pleated filters (enough for the whole year) save around 50% on the unit cost.
If you're used to using the cheaper 1-inch fiber filter that only has a loose mesh, consider a 1-inch pleated air filter to keep your system even cleaner. Effective air filtration, abundant airflow, and affordable costs make pleated furnace filters an ideal choice for clean air.
