Pleated Furnace Filters are a Great Idea
Pleated furnace filters are an option for your home HVAC system. Even though they are still only 1 inch thick just like the very cheap and flimsy filters you might be using now, they do a better job of filtering dirt and debris out of your home’s air before it gets into your furnace system and into your duct work.
The reason pleated filters, like for example; filtrete filters work better than flat ones is easy to see. Because they’re pleated, which means they’re slightly folded like an accordion, there’s simply more surface area to catch dirt and dust. Even if you don’t want an expensive one designed to catch the smallest possible particles, the pleated design will catch much more of the bigger particles and do a better and more efficient job of filtration.
One thing to bear in mind if you use this type of filter is that you need to check it regularly to make sure it’s not clogged with dirt and dust. Because it will catch more than the cheap filter, it’s probably going to clog up with dirt more quickly and might need to be replaced more often. But even if you spend from $4-$15 a month to replace this type of filter, you should compare that to the hundreds of dollars it could cost to have your furnace serviced because too much dirt and debris got near the coil.
Some pleated filters are electrostatically charged to attract more dirt and debris. Some are HEPA filters designed to catch 99.97% of the tiniest particles. And some are marketed as permanent and washable furnace filters. Despite the marketing, these will need to be replaced, sometimes up to once a year. And in the meantime, you’ll have to vacuum and wash them and deal with all that dirt and dust you’re trying not to breathe. Disposable filters are much more convenient as you can pull them out and throw them away without having to stir up any of the things you’re trying to avoid in the first place.
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