Deciding on which filter is really dependant upon you. Your budget, lifestyle, & health can all play an important role as to which one you should get. Lets start with the importance of having a filter and the similarities between the two. Both pleated and fiberglass filters play an important role in maintaining the cleanliness of your home. Both trap dust particles, which means less dust is circulated which attaches to walls, furniture, flooring, and carpeting. This reduces the amount of dusting and vacuuming you have to do. The best benefit they both provide is helping you breathe easier because the air inside is cleaner. And if anyone in the home suffers from allergies or asthma, it is especially important to have proper filtration and good indoor air quality.
Now for the differences. The main difference is the MERV ratings these filters are given. MERV ratings gauge the efficiency of the filters. The higher the rating – the greater the efficiency of the filter at trapping airborne particles. Fiberglass filters have MERV ratings of 1-4 while pleated filters have MERV ratings from 5-12. Since fiberglass filters are flat, the dust gets inside the filter fibers more easily. Pleated filters on the other hand trap and capture dirt on the surface and reduce the amount of dust that weaves through the filter. Airflow becomes restricted when dust collects inside the filter, which reduces the efficiency of the HVAC system and the effectiveness of the filter from preventing dust and dirt particles from flowing through the home’s air ducts.
Pleated filters generally are the more popular choice because they are efficient but are not as expensive as an electromagnetic filter or non-disposable washable filter. Pleated filters are made from cotton, synthetic and polyester. Some even contain charcoal or carbon which will help eliminate odors in addition to filtering dust and impurities.
Fiberglass filters are common and you can find mostly anywhere…..grocery store, hardware store, and local drug stores. They are an affordable, easy and quick fix for replacing a filter that needs to be thrown away. Most cost less than three dollars, becoming more cost effective on a regular, monthly basis. Becaise they work by catching particles directly on the fibers, particles can slip through the filters pores, entering the household airstream.
If you or one of your family members has asthma or allergies. you definately want to get the pleated filters. If you are on a tight budget and need to save $, the fiberglass is for you.