To Pleat or Not to Pleat? That Is the Question

Tower Heating and Air on March 25, 2021

Not all air filters are created equal and at Tower Heating & Air, we recommend pleated filters to all of our clients. Yes, they do come with a higher price tag—around $7, compared to $2—but they are worth it! Buy the pleated filter now to avoid more costs in the long run… like a $200 cleaning fee for dirty coals.

Before we dive into the difference between pleated and non-pleated filters, let’s talk about how to change your filter and how often you should be doing it. If you can see ANYTHING on your filter, you need to change it. Pleated filters should be changed around every three months while non-pleated filters should be changed every 30 days.

Air filters remove the dust and debris from your home that would otherwise clog the air conditioning and heating system and potentially affect your respiratory health. It is important that you change them. Keep reading for tips on deciding which type of filter is right for your home and then follow our guide on how to replace your filter.

Non-Pleated Filters Versus Pleated Filters

If you suffer from allergies, you need pleated air filters. Pleated air filters offer a much higher level of filtration and are much more efficient than non-pleated filters at capturing microscopic airborne particles. Both types of filters can filter out lint, dust, and insects but pleated filters can also filter pollen, mold, dust mites, bacteria, and pet dander. Pleated filters cover a wider space so they take longer to clog which means you are able to change them less often. When you change your filters, you end up breathing in all the materials that are caught in them so the less often you have to change them, the better. The non-pleated filters are capable of holding fewer pollutants and dirt than pleated filters, and when they become full, the dirty air flows back into the air you are breathing. Yuck! Lastly, we mentioned the $200 cleaning fee above because when there is an excess of build-up on your filter—dirt, dust, lint, etc. passes through the filter and it piles up on your HVAC system. If your coils, blower, ducts, and motor get too dirty, they cannot work the way they are supposed to. This leads to higher energy, cleaning, and repair bills.

We are always around to answer any questions that you have. Find affordable, effective filters at your local Lowe’s or Home Depot, and follow these simple steps to keep breathing easy!