Pleated Filters vs. Electrostatic Filters

Pleated Filters vs. Electrostatic Filters

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 reducing airborne allergens, but there are also disadvantages such as higher costs.

What Are the Benefits of Air Filters?

There are many reasons why you 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 dust and pollen that gets into your lungs when you breathe. There are a number of air filters on the market that allows for improved airflow through your home’s heating and cooling system. These work through reduced airflow resistance through heating/cooling equipment which results in lower energy bills over time. Denver ranks top 5 for worst air quality in the world, check out the link here for more information. 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.

Differences Between Pleated & Electrostatic Air Filters

1. Pleated Filters Don’t Offer Protection Like Electrostatic Filters
   Pleated filters don’t last long as Electrostatic filters do, so they need replacing more often. Pleated 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. Electrostatic Filters, when paired with a UV light system, offer unparalleled airborne particulate control. This is achieved by the particles being ionized by the UV light system which increases their surface area and allows them to be captured by the filter. Filtering of particles of as little as 0.1 microns can be achieved with electrostatic filters.
2. Electrostatic Filters Are Made of Better-Quality Materials
   Electrostatic air filters are made of better-quality materials than pleated air filters. They are often made of fiberglass media, 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. Electrostatic Air Filters Have More Surface Area to Filter Unlike Pleated Air Filters
   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 pleated air filter may come with fewer pleats (sometimes called folds) which reduces the surface area to trap contaminants in the air. Hardware store air filters often boast a higher MERV rating but will result in increased static pressure within your system. At our elevation increased static pressure can adversely affect your system. Electrostatic filters are often capable of the same high MERV rating without the static pressure increase.