Pleated and non-pleated air filters: Learn the difference between these two filters and which one is best for your application.
The air filter must always be suitable for your HVAC system. However, the quality of air filtration, maintenance and costs are factors that we must check before deciding which filter to use.
In this article we will present pleated filters and their main differences from non-pleated filters, known as flat filters. We will present the main factors you need to consider when defining which filter to use.
1) Quality of air filtration
The quality of air filters helps to determine the purity of the air and which filtration is most suitable. However, the quality of filters entails costs and other factors that must be taken into account.
Generally, pleated filters provide superior quality air over non-pleated filters. Pleated air filters are able to retain smaller contaminants due to their increased surface area. Flat filters are not as effective (compared to pleated filters) due to the smaller surface area.
As pleated air filters are used, more particles are trapped. The effectiveness of these filters increases with continued use. However, a non-pleated air filter reduces considerably with prolonged use, considerably shortening its useful life.
Some pleated filters have an aluminum screen that guarantees uniformity in the pleats, providing full use of the filtering area, lower load loss and greater operational mechanical resistance.
2) Air filter ratings
The air filtration ratings are defined according to the Brazilian standard for air conditioning and indoor air quality ABNT NBR 16101 – 2012, which is based on the EN 779:2012 Standard on the effectiveness of an air filter according to the table below:
Flat filters are generally in the G3 and G4 coarse filter rating range, while pleated filters have an M5 and M6 medium rating.
The filtering rating does not always determine the best solution for your application. Some air systems are designed to work with filters suitable for a certain rating. Coarse filters don't block as much air, but they do allow your system to run more easily ("breathe more"). This means a number of advantages, including lower energy costs. The downside, however, is that the filter is not as effective in purifying the air.
The use of filters with medium, fine or absolute ratings (Hepa Filter), is only necessary for those applications that need more intense filtration – locations with high concentrations of health-sensitive contaminants or controlled environments such as: clean rooms, hospitals, pharmaceutical, food, laboratories, etc.
It is important to note that a system cannot be designed to work with just one high-rank filter. Filters with higher performance will contribute to higher static pressures. Generally speaking, a strong filter will make it harder for your HVAC system to move air throughout your room. The ideal is to verify that the fan / system is prepared for the use of these filters.
3) Pleated air filter prices versus flat filters
Non-pleated air filters have lower costs than pleated ones.
The downside is that flat filters need to be replaced frequently due to their short lifespan. They usually need to be replaced every month.
Pleated filters, on the other hand, can be used for about three months (depending on your application). However, pleated filters usually cost more.
4) Air filter maintenance and ease of use
Since changing air filters is something you will do frequently, it is good to consider the ease of use of different types of filters. To help you keep things clean during maintenance, pleated air filters are excellent at capturing dust and particles. When handling a dirty pleated filter, dust gets trapped in the filter material and will not come off easily.
On the other hand, flat filters are not very good at incorporating particles. This means that dirty non-pleated air filters need to be handled more carefully.
Pleated air filters also tend to be stiffer than flat filters. The rigidity of pleated air filters is beneficial because you don't want your air filter to bend while your system is running.
5) Conclusion
The choice of air filter must be appropriate for your system. We must consider several factors before defining the type of air filter that meets this requirement.
Some of the main aspects that affect the choice of air filter include cost, filtration quality e ease of use. It is often best to find the balance of all these factors before choosing the most appropriate filter.
If you need a high quality filter that lasts longer, a pleated air filter is your best choice.
However, if you want to save money, you need a filter with maximum airflow, the no-ruffle air filter will be best for your business.
Linter Filters manufactures ES-E pleated filters, ES-EB, fine filters F7, F8, F9, Hepa H13 and H14 filters, Flat filters FGP (polyester fiber) e FGV (fiberglass).
If you have any questions or want to compare the filters presented in this article, we suggest you contact Linter Filters. Our engineers will go into more detail and indicate the best option for your filtration system.
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