Fiberglass vs Pleated Air Filters

If you want to learn more, please visit our website fiberglass filter supplier.

When it comes to choosing an air filter, having several options to choose from can make the decision more overwhelming than anticipated. Most consumers, though, end up at the same crossroads: fiberglass air filters or pleated air filters.

The two most important factors are cost and air quality - homeowners want their filters to effectively control air quality without having to pay a fortune for it. Fiberglass filters are the cheaper option, but buying filters based solely on the initial price does not guarantee quality air for your home.

Fiberglass air filters

Fiberglass filters are made with spun glass that is encased in a cardboard frame. Often the biggest selling point of fiberglass filters is that they are inexpensive, since the materials they are made with are very affordable. You can get these filters for as low as $1. However, there are several drawbacks to fiberglass air filters that need to be considered.

• You get what you pay for. While fiberglass filters are cheaper than pleated air filters, they do not trap nearly as many particles as pleated air filters do. They only pick up larger pollutants that are common in the air of a home, such as lint or dust. However, because the material is more porous, smaller particles like animal dander, smoke and bacteria are not filtered as effectively. On a 1-20 MERV rating scale, fiberglass air filters typically have a rating of 2-3.
• Fiberglass filters need to be replaced more often. Their surface area is small and cannot hold as many particles as pleated filters and need to be replaced every month. Because of this, fiberglass filters can be more expensive in the long run because you are buying more filters.
• The materials used to make fiberglass filters cannot be recycled and are not biodegradable.

Pleated air filters

Pleated air filters are made from sheets of cotton, paper or polyester that are folded into pleats, which increases their surface area. They are more expensive than fiberglass filters initially - ranging from $5-$20 - but are the superior choice for home air filters for the following reasons:

• Pleated air filters provide better overall air quality, with MERV ratings ranging from 7-13. Their increased surface area picks up more debris and pollutants than fiberglass filters, such as pollen and pet dander in addition to picking up dirt and dust and larger allergen debris. This makes pleated filters perfect for those with allergies or respiratory problems.
• They don’t need to be replaced as often as fiberglass filters. Pleated air filters typically last 90 days before needing to be replaced, meaning you're getting more value from what you spend. This can lead to pleated filters being less expensive overall than fiberglass filters.
• Pleated air filters can be recycled upon their disposal, thereby making them an eco-friendlier choice than fiberglass filters.

Because of their benefits, pleated filters are more expensive than fiberglass filters, ranging from $5 to $20 per filter, but the pros of pleated filters far outweigh the cons. Additionally, there are easy ways to save money per filter when buying pleated. Buying in bulk is a great option - for example, those who buy 3 pleated filters from us (enough to last the year) save about 50% on the per unit cost.

FilterBuy highly recommends pleated air filters over fiberglass filters for use in homes or businesses. We offer pleated air filters in various sizes with MERV 8, MERV 11 and MERV 13 ratings, and you can order them in any quantity.

There are many factors to consider when purchasing an air filter, including price and quality. The benefits of a good quality air filter include removing dust from the air and preventing allergies, but there are also disadvantages such as higher costs.

This article will explore cheap vs expensive air filters. You’ll learn about the pros and cons of both so that you can make an informed decision.

Why Do You Need an Air Filter? What Are the Benefits of Air Filters? 

There are many reasons why you might need an air filter. Air filters can help remove dust, pollen, pet dander, smoke particles, and other pollutants from the air.

They help reduce the risk of respiratory infections and other health problems associated with poor indoor air quality (IAQ) by minimizing the amount of dust and pollen that gets into your lungs when you breathe in.

Air filters also improve airflow by reducing resistance on heating/cooling equipment which results in lower energy bills over time.

They can also help reduce the amount of moisture in your home. The benefits of having a good quality air filter also include cleaner indoor air, lower heating and cooling bills, and a more efficient HVAC system.

The company is the world’s best custom fiberglass filter supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

Differences in Cheap vs Expensive Air Filters 

There are many differences between cheap and expensive air filters. Here are some differences between the two:

1. Cheap Filters Don’t Last Long Like Expensive Filters 

Cheap filters don’t last long as expensive filters do, so they need replacing more often. Cheap air filters are usually made of cardboard and paper. These materials are cheap to manufacture, but they are not durable. They may only trap half as much dust or pollen before becoming clogged with particles and needing replacement as an expensive filter would have trapped; thus, requiring twice the amount of maintenance time per year (and twice the cost). They may also need to be replaced more often because they wear out quickly when exposed to heat or moisture over time.

2. Expensive Filters Are Made of Better-Quality Materials

Expensive air filters are made of better-quality materials than cheap air filters. They are often made of fiberglass, which is a porous material that can trap more dust and pollen than other materials like cardboard or paper. Fiberglass also resists moisture and does not tear as easily as other materials. It is more expensive to manufacture, but it lasts longer and requires less maintenance.

3. Expensive Air Filters Have More Surface Area to Filter Unlike Cheap Air Filter 

If your air filter has a higher MERV rating, then you will have more surface area to filter particulate matter. A high-quality air filter that costs a few more dollars can help keep the dust and other contaminants out of your lungs while also helping reduce allergens in the home. A cheap air filter may come with fewer pleats (sometimes called fold) which reduces the surface area to trap contaminants in the air.

4. Cheap Filters Are Not as Effective at Removing Dust and Other Contaminants from the Air 

The problem with cheap air filters is that they’re not as effective at removing dust and other contaminants from the air. This is especially true for homes where there are more people, pets, and maybe someone with a respiratory problem. You’ll have to replace them more often, which will cost you money in the long run.

Which One Is Right for You? 

It depends on what your needs are. If you don’t need something that will last forever and want something cheaper upfront, then go with cheaper filters. They might not be as effective at removing dust and other contaminants from the air but they will do their job well enough until it’s time for another change.

The best air filter for your home also depends on your budget. If you’re looking for an air filter that’s good enough to keep your home clean but doesn’t break the bank then look no further than a cheap air filter or just an affordable air filter.

If you are looking for an air filter that will remove as many contaminants as possible from the air, then you should choose an expensive model with a high MERV rating. If you have allergies or asthma, then it might be worth spending more money on an air filter that will remove allergens from the air to help reduce your symptoms while also keeping dust out of your lungs when breathing in. But note that a high MERV can cause the air filter to experience stress. Newer motors cannot work under heavy static conditions. Also, if the air is too restricted by the high efficiency filter, the air filter can freeze up during the summer or trip out on a high heat limit in the winter. You can prevent this from happening by replacing the air filters with much larger filters, but it might not always be possible in residential applications.

If you are looking for an air filter that will last a long time and reduce allergens in your home, then you should consider buying an expensive air filter. Expensive air filters usually use higher-quality materials, such as metal or plastic. If you are looking for a cheap air filter that needs to be replaced often, then you should buy a low-quality one.

At the end of the day, it is important to consider your needs before making a purchase. do some research and find an air filter that meets your specific requirements.

Note that: It is not about buying an air filter at a better price. It’s about finding one that will serve you. It can be a cheaper one or the most expensive one. No matter the money you spend, in the long run, you’ll save money if you buy an air filter that serves your needs.

Conclusion 

Finding an air filter that is right for your home can be difficult, especially if you don’t know what to look for why the prices differ. In this article, we have outlined some key differences between cheap vs expensive filters so you can find the best one for your needs and budget. Hopefully, you now understand the benefits of both types of filters and you can easily make a decision on which to buy.

If you’re looking for installation, repair, and maintenance services for all types of HVAC systems, try Legacy Air. We offer comprehensive maintenance plans to ensure your HVAC system is always running at its best. Call us today at 725-237-2441 for more information or schedule an appointment online now!

Want more information on ceramic foam filter? Feel free to contact us.