Fiberglass vs Pleated Air Filters

When it comes to choosing an air filter, it can sometimes feel overwhelming if you have too many options. After a bit of research, many consumers find themselves at a crossroads: should they go with fiberglass air filters or pleated air filters?

Key Takeaways:

Fiberglass vs. Pleated Filters: Consumers often face a choice between inexpensive fiberglass air filters and slightly pricier pleated air filters, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages.
Cost Considerations: While fiberglass filters are initially cheaper, their short lifespan and limited filtering capacity can make them more costly in the long run, as they require frequent replacements.
Air Quality: Pleated air filters are more effective in improving air quality. They capture a broader range of pollutants, including smaller particles like pollen and pet dander, making them a better choice for those with allergies or respiratory issues.
Environmental Impact: Pleated air filters are more eco-friendly, as they can be recycled, whereas fiberglass filters cannot be recycled and are not biodegradable.
Long-Term Value: Pleated filters not only provide superior air filtration but also offer better long-term financial value due to their durability and efficiency.
Buying Recommendation: For optimal air quality and cost-efficiency, it's advisable to choose pleated air filters from Filterbuy, particularly in bulk, to meet various needs with MERV 8, MERV 11, and MERV 13 ratings.

About Fiberglass Air Filters

Fiberglass filters are made with spun glass that is encased in a cardboard frame. Often, the biggest selling point of fiberglass filters is that they are inexpensive, since the materials that they are made with are highly affordable.

About Pleated Air Filters

Pleated air filters are made from sheets of cotton, paper or polyester that are folded into pleats, thus increasing their surface area. They tend to cost a bit more money—on the front end—than fiberglass air filters.

The Two Most Important Factors to Consider

Above all else, the most important factors to consider are the cost of your air filters and the air quality they can provide.

For many people, they’ll want to have their air effectively controlled while not breaking the bank. Initially, fiberglass filters are the less expensive option, but choosing your filters based solely on the initial price does not guarantee quality air for your home.

a picture of merv 13 air filters from Filterbuy

Which is Better for My Budget?

You can get fiberglass air filters for as low as $1. But—to put it bluntly—you get what you pay for. Fiberglass filters need to be replaced more often. The surface area for these filters is small and cannot hold as many particles as pleated filters and need to be replaced every month. Because of this, fiberglass filters can actually be more expensive in the long run as you are buying more filters.

What are the Environmental Concerns?

Unfortunately, the materials used to make fiberglass filters cannot be recycled and are not biodegradable. Pleated air filters, on the other hand, can be recycled upon their disposal, therefore making them the eco-friendlier choice.

The Verdict: So Which Air Filter is Better?

We say: Pleated air filters, all the way. Fiberglass filters do not trap nearly as many particles as pleated air filters do. Instead, they only pick up larger pollutants that are common in the air of a home, such as lint or dust. This means that material like animal dander, smoke and bacteria are not filtered as effectively. On a 1-16 MERV rating scale, fiberglass air filters typically have a rating of 2-3.

Pleated air filters don’t need to be replaced as often (they typically last 90 days). Pleated air filters provide better overall air quality, with MERV ratings ranging from 7-13. Their increased surface area picks up more debris and pollutants than fiberglass filters, such as pollen and pet dander. And of course, they’ll still pick up dirt and dust and other larger allergen debris. This makes pleated filters perfect for those with allergies or respiratory problems.

All of this is to say that not only do pleated air filters work better, they are the smarter financial choice for those looking to the future.

One More Suggestion…

When it comes to stocking up on Filterbuy’s air filters, it’s a great idea to buy in bulk. We highly recommend pleated air filters over fiberglass filters for use in homes or businesses. We offer pleated air filters in various sizes with MERV 8, MERV 11 and MERV 13 ratings—available in any quantity.