Which is better pleated or non pleated air filters?

A pleated filter is made up of different sizes, and readily captures pathogens as small as 0.3 microns, filtering out even the tiniest of bacteria. They are overall more effective in capturing very tiny particles than non-pleated air filters; 99.97% of airborne particles are trapped with a pleated air filter.

Are more pleats in an air filter better?

Catch more debris: Pleated air filters have more surface area, so they capture more – and smaller – debris. Depending on the MERV rating, they may filter out pollen, pet dander, bacteria, and some viruses. This makes a pleated air filter a much better choice for anyone with allergies, asthma, or similar sensitivities.

Should I use pleated filters?

Pleated filters are bad for your system because they block too much air, forcing the HVAC motor to work harder to pull in the air it needs and burning it out faster.

Do pleated filters reduce airflow?

Even though pleated fiberglass filters are very common and are continuously highly recommended, there's still a misconception around the filters being able to cause damage to your unit because they supposedly restrict air flow. Yes, pleated air filters do indeed restrict the airflow to your HVAC system.

What is the main advantage of a pleated air filter?

Advantages of Pleated Filters

Increased Energy Efficiency - Pleated filters maintain cleaner coils and greater heat transfer. Reduced Housekeeping Costs - Pleated filters result in cleaner walls, ceilings, furnishings, etc.

HVAC fibred vs pleated air filters

What filters do HVAC techs recommend?

HEPA Filter — HVAC replacement companies typically recommend HEPA filters because they can provide the highest protection level when it comes to airborne particles. This filter is capable of capturing small microns, and has a MERV rating between 17 and 20, meaning it can trap tobacco smoke and bacteria.

Do pleated filters last longer?

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.

What kind of air filters are best?

1. HEPA Filters. 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.

Is there a downside to high MERV filters?

Wrong. While the highest MERV ratings are the most effective for air quality, they can harm your HVAC system. A higher MERV rating means a higher resistance, which means less airflow. When researching HVAC systems, airflow will come up a lot.

How efficient is a pleated filter?

Pleated filters with high MERV ratings are very effective in trapping particles even with the smallest sizes. A MERV 12 filter from Bardi Heating, Cooling & Plumbing will trap up to 80% of particles with diameters smaller than one micron, including smoke and pet dander.

How often do you change pleated filters?

As a general rule, you'll want to replace pleated air filters and furnace filters in your home every 90 days. The longer the filter is in place, the more dirt, dust and allergens are trapped clogging the filter and decreasing their efficiency.

Does it matter what kind of air filter I use?

The short answer is, no, they're not all the same. In fact, there are many different types of air filters available and choosing the right one can make a real difference in the lifespan of your HVAC system.

Why are HEPA filters pleated?

The pleated HEPA design (folding into a zig-zag shape) allows for a larger area of HEPA filter material to be used in air purifier filters. The larger area means the purifier is able to filter out more air in one go, improving its effectiveness.

Do more expensive air filters work better?

Yes, in general, the more expensive air filters are more effective, but a single person with no pets and allergies might not need as much filtration as a family of five with three pets and a child with asthma.

Are expensive cabin air filters worth it?

The carbon air filter may cost more than the particulate filter which does not have carbon. If you drive in slow-moving traffic often or encounter strong odors on your drive, the investment in a carbon cabin air filter might be worth it.

What is the difference between MERV 8 and MERV 11?

MERV 8 vs MERV 11 AIR FLOW

Fine air particles are 2.5 microns and smaller. At that size, the air particles can get into lung tissue and enter the bloodstream. MERV 11 air filters can filter out a large percentage of fine particles, but a MERV 8 air filter can't.

Do MERV 13 filters help with Covid?

What kind of filter should I use in my home HVAC system to help protect my family from COVID-19? Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values, or MERV, reports a filter's ability to capture particles. Filters with MERV-13 or higher ratings can trap smaller particles, including viruses.

Are MERV 14 filters bad for HVAC?

So if you're using a filter with holes that are smaller than recommended (such as a MERV 14), you're essentially plugging up your HVAC system. And that can be expensive. Not to mention, it can cause other problems, too.

Will MERV 13 damage my HVAC?

What Are MERV 13 Air Filters? MERV 13 air filters are the highest-rated air filters for home use. Any air filter with a rating higher than 13 will restrict air flow to the point of which could cause damage to your HVAC system, resulting in an added expense to fix it.

How do I choose an air filter?

What are 3 different types of air filters?

What MERV rating should I use for my home?

In general, the best MERV rating for a home is somewhere between 8-10. These filters will capture a large portion of the airborne particles and improve indoor air quality without making your energy costs rise significantly.

How often should MERV 13 filters be changed?

For Merv 8, 11 and 13 filters, we recommend that you change your filter at least every 3 months, however changing your filter every 2 months provides better filtration which provides healthier and cleaner air in your home.

How long does MERV 16 filter last?

The basic recommendation for furnace filters replacement is every 3-4 months for MERV 8, every 6 months MERV 10 and 11 and every year for MERV 16.

Do HEPA filters restrict airflow?

High-efficiency particulate arrestance (HEPA) filters: These are the true high end of filtration and are able to filter out 0.3 micron particles. HEPA filters drastically restrict airflow and should only be matched to a compatible system.