When it comes to air filters, there are many different types available. Some oven filters are made of fiberglass, but not all. Fiberglass filters for ovens are very popular, but they are not the only type. An oven filter can also be made of cotton, polyester and other synthetic fibers.
There are also carbon filters that use carbon to improve air quality.In general, fiberglass filters are safe to use. However, they are not as effective as pleated filters when it comes to filtering out the smallest contaminants from the air, such as pollen, pet dander, and bacteria. Additionally, since they don't have much surface area and don't filter out smaller particles, they can eventually cause accumulation and weaken the HVAC system and lower its efficiency, leading to higher energy costs. Fiberglass air filters are commonly referred to as “traprocas” because of their poor ability to filter out particles. These types filter less than 25% of particles in the range of 3 to 10 microns from the air.
Particles in that range include things like pollen, dander, and some bacteria. These are the main pollutants that reduce indoor air quality, and fiberglass does not remove three-quarters of them. For reference, a pleated filter with only a MERV 8 rating filters at least 75% of particles between 3 and 10 microns. The primary function of an air cleaner is to remove air contaminants from inside your home as they are introduced into the HVAC system. If you're looking for a traditional and sensible filter that provides basic protection at an affordable price, then fiberglass air filters may be a good option for you.
However, they are located at the farthest end of the spectrum when it comes to filtration efficiency and offer almost maximum airflow with almost zero filtering efficiency. MERV 11 air filters can remove even finer particles, including bacteria-sized particles, along with mold spores and car fumes. It's important to note that fiberglass filters become better air filters the more they get loaded with debris. This was true years ago when pleated filters were made of cotton and HVAC motors were nothing special. Pleated air filters are made of cotton, paper or polyester sheets that fold into folds, increasing their surface area. With a MERV rating of 1 to 4, fiberglass air filters can generally remove larger particles from the air, such as pet hair, dust bunnies, and cheerleaders.
However, they are terrible at preventing harmful particles from infiltrating the oven and lungs. Buying filters based solely on the starting price does not guarantee quality air for your home. Reducing the lifespan of an air conditioning system as a result of using such a useless filter will end up costing you much more in the long run than the additional six dollars every three months to buy a pleated filter. When it comes to choosing an air filter for your home or business, it's important to consider all your options carefully. Fiberglass filters may be an economical option but they do not provide adequate protection against harmful particles in the air. Pleated air filters offer superior filtration efficiency and can help improve indoor air quality while also protecting your HVAC system from damage.
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