For most people, the choice of which air filter to use comes down to whichever model is cheapest at their local hardware store. For truly effective filtering, though, a little more research needs to be done. Among air filters, pleated filters stand out, which is why they’re one of the most popular types of air filters in use.
What makes a pleated filter so effective for your Las Vegas home? If you understand the science behind these filters, you will quickly realize why they’re the best option to use with your HVAC system.
The Old Standby: Fiberglass Filters
Before you can understand why pleated filters are so effective, it’s important to consider the alternative: fiberglass filters. These filters have been in use for a long time and were certainly effective in their day. However, if you’ve ever closely inspected a fiberglass filter, you may have noticed that between the fibers of the filter, you could see through to the other side.
If you can see through the fibers, imagine how easy it is for dust and dirt to find its way through. These large pores are the main attribute that makes a fiberglass filter ineffective. Unfortunately, due to constraints inherent in the materials, fiberglass filters can’t be made any better than they are currently, leaving a need for a more effective filter.
Tighter Weave
The polyester and cotton paper fibers that form the fabric in a pleated filter are able to be much more tightly wound than fiberglass fibers. This leads to a filter that, although translucent to allow light through, cannot be seen through. If you can’t see between the fibers, this means it is much harder for dust and dirt to make it through the fibers, as well.
It is important to be able to trap these smaller particles since that is what makes up a majority of the dust in your home. With these particles removed by your air filter, you and your family will be able to breathe easier.
Another unique attribute of these filter materials is that they can be arranged in various densities to create filters that can trap increasingly smaller particles. Known as the MERV rating, a filter can be made so as to capture even microscopic particles, which is excellent if someone in your family has a sensitive respiratory system. Keep in mind, though, that the more dense your filter is, the less efficient your HVAC system can operate.
More Surface Area
Another great feature of pleated filters is that the pleated design allows for more surface area to capture dust as it flows through the filter. Rather than one solid surface that is arranged at one angle, a pleated filter has multiple surfaces arranged at multiple angles, taking advantage of the space between the two sides of the filter to weave in and out. This increases the usable surface area of the filter by a considerable amount, meaning that more dust can be captured before the filter is saturated and needs to be replaced.
Plus, the pleats in the filter help to disturb the air as it flows through, meaning that fewer dust particles will make it through the small pores that do exist, even when using a filter with a lower MERV rating.
Irresistible Attraction
As mentioned, some types of pleated filters are made using a cotton paper filter material. In addition to allowing for extremely small gaps between the fibers, this material has another advantage: static charge. As with other items made out of cotton, a cotton filter can hold a small electrostatic charge that attracts dust particles of all shapes and sizes. This makes your filter even more effective at trapping and holding onto the contaminants in your air.
We’ll Help You Maintain It
At BEST Air Conditioning Plumbing Repair, we want to help you properly maintain your HVAC system. That’s why we seek to educate you about the best type of air filter to use for your air conditioner. We can also repair your air conditioner and install a new system if the need arises. Of course, we can take care of all your furnace service needs, as well, for those cold desert Las Vegas nights when you need a little extra warmth.
In addition, we offer a full line-up of plumbing services, including drain cleaning, drain repair, water heater repair, water heater installation, water line repairs and garbage disposal installation. Plus, we can help improve your home’s air quality by installing a whole-home air purifier that will capture even more contaminants than a standard air filter.
We are proud to serve this community utilizing professional technicians and offering diagnostic and estimate services. Our accreditation with the Better Business Bureau, not to mention our A+ rating, gives our customers the confidence to know that we’ll stand behind what we say. This has led to countless five-star reviews from customers just like you who would gladly use our services again. Contact BEST Air Conditioning Plumbing Repair for service in Las Vegas today.
