Are Fiberglass Air Filters Any Good?

Fiberglass air filters are a popular choice for many homeowners due to their affordability and convenience. But when it comes to filtering out the smallest pollutants from the air, such as pollen, pet dander, and bacteria, they fall short compared to pleated filters. Not only do they not filter out these smaller particles, but they can also cause accumulation and weaken the HVAC system, leading to higher energy costs. If you're looking for long-term savings and high-quality filters that need to be changed frequently, pleated air filters are the best choice.

They are efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable, making them an excellent option for those with allergies or respiratory problems. MERV 8 filters are the standard for homes that care about air quality and the lifespan of their air conditioning system. Fiberglass air filters are a great option if you're looking for a traditional filter that provides basic protection at an affordable price. However, they need to be changed regularly in order to maintain their effectiveness.

The black cloth of the filter medium on a fiberglass creates a secondary filter that has decent filtration but a poor surface area. As dust begins to accumulate, the air flow decreases significantly. Pleated air filters used to be the cause of many HVAC breakdowns because the system's motor had to work harder than it could handle to extract the air it needed through the hermetically rolled filter. Pleated filters and their effective filtering help avoid this problem by minimizing the amount of contaminants that can adhere to evaporator coils, while fiberglass filters that let almost anything through leave you exposed to them.

Often, the biggest selling point of fiberglass filters is that they are inexpensive since the materials from which they are made are very affordable. When changed regularly, fiberglass filters allow greater airflow because they have less surface area than pleated filters and allow smaller particles to pass through. However, if you want long-term savings and high-quality filters that need to be changed frequently, pleated air filters are the best choice for you.