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Did you know that poor indoor air quality can cause an array of problems, including headaches, fatigue, dizziness, allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions? Regularly changing your air filters can go a long way towards eliminating many airborne pollutants – but what’s the best filter to use?

Many people opt for the simple “throw-away filters” that utilize fiberglass material because they’re cheap. However, pleated filters are just as easy to use and perform far better. This makes them well worth the small extra investment.

Fiberglass air filters do the bare minimum to protect your HVAC system and do very little to improve the quality of the air you breathe! Want to learn more about your options? Keep reading to learn the basics of pleated air filters and why they’re a better option for your home.

What is a Pleated Air Filter?

In case you’re not already familiar, let’s start with the most obvious question: “What is a pleated air filter?” If you haven’t already guessed by the name, it’s an air filter that uses a folded pattern, or “pleats” on the internal media.

This creates several benefits, including increasing the surface area, creating more density, and improving airflow. Why are these benefits? Because this design allows the filter to collect a greater number of particles without causing an increase in energy consumption.

Even better, you usually don’t need to do anything special to start using a pleated filter. In most cases, they’ll easily slide into the same spots where fiberglass filters go. There’s no need to alter your ductwork or take any other complicated steps, making the barrier to entry basically nothing.

7 Reasons to Make the Switch

In addition to the benefits listed above, there are many other reasons why a pleated air filter is the way to go. Here are some of the biggest benefits you’ll start to experience right away.

1. Better Air Filtration

It may seem too obvious to state, but using a better air filter means you and your family will have cleaner air to breathe.

Just how much of a difference does it make? Well, a cheap filter with a minimum efficiency rating (MERV) of 1 through 4 will collect less than 20% of large particles in the air. In contrast, a great pleated filter (MERV of 12+) will collect 90% or more of these particles and 80% or more of smaller particles.

This means that they’ll easily catch dust, pollen, pet dander, mold, dust mites, and more. There’s also a lower chance of bacteria growth on pleated filters.

If you’ve been suffering from allergies or other issues, this one small change can seriously impact your breathing!

2. Less Maintenance

Are you one of those people who forgets to change their air filter until you notice some of the most obvious signs that you’re overdue?

When you switch to a pleated filter, you’ll only need to change it out about every 90 days, versus the 30-day cycle you’ll find with a cheap filter. In fact, these cheap fiberglass filters are called “throw-away filters” because they need to be changed out so often.

It’s still best to change it out before things get too bad, though, so make sure you put a reminder in your calendar to check them regularly.

3. Better HVAC Protection

Remember all those particles that were getting through your old air filter? They’re making their way into your HVAC system.

This can cause dust to build up and could lead to mechanical problems that require expensive repairs in the future.

4. Increased Energy Efficiency

If you want a standard filter to catch more particles, you’ll need to choose a higher MERV rating. Unfortunately, a higher MERV means a bit less airflow going through your system. This makes your HVAC system work harder, which increases energy consumption.

The design of pleated filters allows them to catch more particles without restricting airflow. This results in better performance and greater efficiency. Some pleated filters like the Air Beast are even specifically designed to give you great filtering capability with maximum airflow. You’ll save money on your electric bills and do your part to reduce your carbon footprint.

5. A Cleaner Home

When your air filters get dirty, the debris can build up on your ceiling, walls, and even your furniture! Switch to higher-performing pleated filters and you’ll spend less time dusting and cleaning your home.

6. Less Waste

Pleated filters are also a more eco-friendly option. Since you’re only changing out pleated filters every few months, you’re also creating less waste. In a time when everyone is concerned about “going green,” this is a great move to make both for your home and for the planet.

7. You’ll Save Money

While it’s true that pleated filters are more expensive, when you average it out over the course of a year, the difference is minuscule. You’ll go through an average of 12 throw-away filters each year versus four pleated filters.

The extra money you’ll pay for pleated filters will pay off when you’re able to avoid expensive HVAC repairs. Add in fewer allergy pills and a fewer trips to the doctor, and it’s clear that you’ll come out ahead in the long run.

Shop for Pleated Filters Today

Now that you’re clear on the benefits of pleated filters, you’re probably ready to make the change. You can get pleated filters in a wide variety of sizes and MERV ratings, so it’s easy to choose the perfect one for your system.

Not sure what you need? We’ve got you covered!

Browse our air filters today and easily filter by brand, size, and more. Once you see how easy it is to shop at Discount Filters, you’ll never buy your filters from the store again!