With so many air filter options, it can be confusing to figure out which air filter to choose. Many people have their favorites, but we are here to &#;clear&#; the air on whether a fiberglass &#;throw-away&#; air filter or pleated air filter is best for you. When determining which filter is right for you and your needs you might consider price, changeout frequency, air flow/restriction, construction quality, and MERV rating/efficiency.
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Fiberglass Panel Filter
Pleated Synthetic Filter
Cost
Approx. $3-$5
Approx. $5-$15
Replacement Frequency
Up to 30 days
Up to 90 days
Air Flow
Non-Restrictive
Slightly Restrictive
Quality
Flimsy and Porous
Sturdy and Durable
Dust Loading Capacity
Flat Porous Media: Low dust holding capacity
Pleated Media: High dust holding capacity
MERV Rating and Efficiency
MERV 4-5 (less filtering ability)
MERV 8-13 (effectively stops and traps air containments from recirculating)
Let&#;s begin with fiberglass panel filters. Fiberglass filters are often referred to as &#;throwaway&#; or &#;disposable&#; filters because they typically last no longer than 30 days. These panel filters use either a spun glass media or a non-woven fiberglass media, with a flimsy cardboard frame and can be found in most hardware stores for a few dollars. The main argument with users of the fiberglass filters is that it will save you money, but keep in mind that you&#;ll have to replace these filters monthly (if not more frequently depending on how highly trafficked your environment is) and you&#;ll get what you pay for. Another reason many people opt for these filters is because they provide the least amount of airflow resistance for an HVAC system.
However, with this ease of airflow comes lower quality air filtration. Fiberglass filters have a very low MERV rating between 2-3 efficiency. A MERV rating (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) is the standard rating system for measuring an air filter&#;s overall effectiveness at trapping air pollutants. The higher the MERV rating, the finer the particles the filter can trap and block from recirculating back into the air. A MERV rating between 6-13 is recommended for residential use and 5-16 MERV for commercial environments. Fiberglass air filters have media that is loosely woven with a low MERV rating, which means many air pollutants pass through the filter sending the allergens and particulates back into the circulating air.
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While not the cheapest option, pleated air filters provide superior air filtration to fiberglass panel filters. Manufactured using a premium pleated synthetic fiber media, these filters allow for an increased surface area to capture more airborne pollutants. Additionally, these filters are reinforced with an expanded metal backing and heavy-duty frame. Pleated AC/furnace filters are available in an 8-13 MERV rating and can last up to 90 days without requiring a filter changeout. Although some older HVAC systems may be strained and experience less airflow with pleated filters, most HVAC systems today have had advancements so that the performance is unaffected by pleated filters. The synthetic media used in these filters effectively traps and blocks smaller sized air particles better than fiberglass filters, keeping your environment&#;s air free of pollutants and allergens longer.
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What is a pleated filter?
A pleated filter is an air filter that is manufactured using a synthetic fiber media that is pleated into an accordion or pleat style pattern to create more surface area to hold dust and debris that is filtered. The synthetic media is reinforced with an expanded metal backing and is housed in a heavy-duty die-cut beverage board frame.
What are pleated filters made of?
Pleated filters are made using a premium synthetic fiber media that effectively traps fine dust, pollen, pet dander, dust mites, bacteria and more. The media is adhered to expanded metal backing for additional structure and support during use. The frame is made of heavy-duty beverage board that ensures the filter&#;s integrity even in high humidity environments.
Are fiberglass filters safe?
Yes, fiberglass filters are safe. However, they are not as durable as pleated filters and if they are not replaced frequently, they run the risk of falling apart and damaging your HVAC unit. Because fiberglass filters are panel filters, they have a low dust holding capacity and are not able to filter fine air pollutants like dust, pet dander, pollen, mold spores, bacteria, and viruses.
Are pleated air filters better?
While fiberglass filters work, pleated filters do an overall better job at filtering and trapping common small airborne pollutants and contaminates. Pleated filters also have a longer service life (up to 90 days) and have a higher dust holding capacity.
August 13,
The air filter you choose has a direct impact on the performance of your HVAC system, since it's responsible for trapping all kinds of airborne particles that can cause harm to your health and your costly system components. Especially here in Iowa, where keeping your home comfortable year-round is essential.
While some HVAC systems have been modified to use electrostatic filters, most take mechanical filters that are available in both washable and disposable versions. Choosing the right filter type is an important decision, and at Lozier Heating & Cooling, we&#;ve spent over 115 years serving the Des Moines Metro, helping homeowners find the best solutions for their homes. In order to better understand the best HVAC air filter type for your home, you&#;ll need to understand the different types of air filter technology, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of each type.
Traditional flat-panel filters feature fiberglass mesh stretched over a cardboard framework. The fiberglass mesh catches debris as the air passes through. In general, disposable fiberglass HVAC filters are the most common and most affordable type of furnace filter, but they must be regularly replaced in order to maintain HVAC efficiency and air quality.
Washable or reusable filters can be rinsed with water or vacuumed to remove any particle buildup. Washable air filters are typically made out of woven polypropylene media and are electrostatically charged in order to capture more particles. Because they can be reused, washable air filters are more eco-friendly than disposable fiberglass filters, but they are also more expensive.
Disposable pleated HVAC air filters are single-use air filters, like their fiberglass counterparts, but they are constructed differently. Pleated filters are made from dense layers of cotton or plastic fibers. These layers are pleated, which provides more surface area to catch particles. Disposable pleated air filters cannot be washed and reused like washable air filters.
HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air. HEPA filters are highly effective at removing particles from the air. In fact, an HVAC filter cannot be considered a HEPA filter unless it consistently filters out at least 99.97 percent of all particles 0.3 microns or larger. HEPA is an official efficiency designation endorsed by the Department of Energy.
HEPA filters are commonly used in settings such as medical clinics, hospitals and laboratories, where extremely pure air is especially important. Not all HVAC systems can handle high-density HEPA filters, and they can be expensive. HEPA filters are available in washable or disposable options.
UV HVAC air filters do not use fiberglass, cotton, plastic or any other type of fiber to filter particles out of the air. Instead, UV filters use the disinfecting power of ultraviolet light to eliminate airborne particles, including pathogens and microorganisms like viruses, bacteria and mold. UV air filters are often used to supplement another type of air filtration system. Because there is no physical filter, UV HVAC filters are neither washable or disposable.
Once we have a basic understanding of the different types of HVAC air filters, we can see how washable air filters stack up against the other options.
Washable air filters have a MERV rating of 1-4. A rating of 1-4 means the filter only captures particles larger than 10 microns. Pollen, dust mites and lint are all 10 or more microns in size, so a washable filter could prevent those types of debris from circulating in your HVAC system.
MERV ratings are a standardized way to measure a filter&#;s ability to remove particles from the air. The MERV scale goes from 1 to 16, with lower numbers being less filtering power and higher numbers being very dense, top-of-the-line air filters.
Although it seems like a higher MERV rating would always be better, that is not necessarily the case. A filter with a very high MERV rating will be very dense, and a dense air filter means your HVAC equipment will work harder to pull air through the filter. We recommend talking to a professional about which MERV rating is the best option for both your home comfort and your HVAC system&#;s capabilities.
Some maintenance is involved no matter which type of HVAC air filter you choose, but special maintenance considerations are involved with washable air filters.
Washable filters need to be cleaned once a month, and they need to dry completely before being reinserted. If you put a wet filter back into the HVAC system, it provides an ideal environment for mold and bacteria growth. Disposable filters don't need any routine care because you can just throw them away and put in a clean filter when they get dirty.
Even if you clean a washable filter every month, it's going to start clogging up with debris over time. The particles that stay lodged in the filter can slow essential HVAC system airflow over time, which can cause costly problems. Another thing to consider with washable air filters is that the electrostatic charge can diminish over time. You can repeatedly wash and reuse a washable air filter, but you will eventually need to replace it with a fresh, fully charged one.
That being said, a well-maintained washable HVAC air filter can last 5-10 years before needing to be replaced.
Washable air filters are more expensive than disposable air filters, but they do not need to be replaced as often. Disposable air filters are less expensive, but it&#;s recommended to replace them at least twice per year. At Lozier Heating & Cooling, we pride ourselves on being upfront and honest with no misleading "free offers" with hidden fees, just trusted service you can rely on.
Performance also factors into the cost analysis. Washable air filters tend to have a lower MERV rating and are less efficient, whereas a high-quality disposable filter could do a better job at filtering your air. There are many variables at play when cost is considered, so be sure to keep these factors in mind when choosing the best HVAC filter for your home.
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