Pleated Air Filters
Poor indoor air quality is a persistent challenge for facility managers, building operators, and homeowners alike. Dust, pollen, mold spores, pet dander, and other airborne contaminants circulate through HVAC systems, compromising occupants' health, damaging sensitive equipment, and shortening the lifespan of heating and cooling units. Without proper filtration, these particles accumulate quickly, causing costly problems.
A high-quality pleated air filter solves this problem at the source. Air Filters Inc. manufactures pleated air filters with MERV 10, MERV 11, or MERV 13 rated synthetic media that effectively capture and trap contaminants before they recirculate through your facility or home. Whether you're maintaining a clean manufacturing environment, managing air quality in a commercial office building, or protecting a residential HVAC system, Air Filters Inc. has the right pleated air filter for the job.
Why Choose a Pleated Air Filter?
A pleated air filter offers significantly more surface area than a flat-panel or disposable poly filter, which translates to higher dust-holding capacity and improved filtration efficiency. The pleated design allows your HVAC system to capture more particles while maintaining consistent airflow and minimizing pressure drop. This means longer filter life, reduced maintenance costs, and less strain on your heating and cooling equipment.
For facilities that demand higher MERV-rated filtration, such as hospitals, laboratories, food processing plants, and data centers, a pleated air filter rated at MERV 11 or MERV 13 provides the particle capture efficiency needed to meet strict indoor air quality standards.
Using a quality pleated air filter also helps alleviate allergies and sinus irritation caused by airborne contaminants, reducing symptoms like watery eyes, coughing, and sneezing for building occupants and residents alike. If your application requires even higher efficiency filtration, explore our HEPA filters or mini pleat filters for specialized environments.
Product Size.
Starting Price Per Filter
Product Details
Construction & Quality
Air Filters Inc. pleated air filters are manufactured in the USA using premium materials and proven construction methods:
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Premium Synthetic Fiber Media. Engineered for a high dust-holding capacity and superior filtering efficiency across three essential MERV ratings (10, 11, and 13).
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Expanded Metal Backing. The synthetic filter media is reinforced with expanded metal support to prevent sagging or media collapse during use, even in demanding commercial and industrial environments.
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Heavy-Duty Beverage Board Frame. Each pleated air filter uses a precision die-cut frame made from heavy-duty beverage board, ensuring structural integrity in high-moisture applications.
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Internal Media-to-Frame Bond. The filter media is glued to the inside of the frame to prevent contaminants from bypassing the media and recirculating into the airstream.
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Electrostatic Charge. The media is electrostatically charged to enhance its ability to capture and hold fine particulates, including dust, dirt, pollen, and other common airborne contaminants.
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Anti-Microbial Option. Also available with anti-microbial-treated media that inhibits the growth of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and mold spores. Ideal for healthcare, pharmaceutical, and food processing applications.
Looking for a reusable option instead? Air Filters Inc. also offers washable electrostatic filters for applications where a permanent, cleanable filter is preferred.
Applications
Air Filters Inc. pleated air filters serve a wide range of environments and industries, including:
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Industrial & Manufacturing Facilities. Maintain clean operating conditions and protect sensitive equipment.
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Commercial Office Buildings. Improve indoor air quality and occupant comfort in large-scale HVAC systems.
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Hospitals & Healthcare. Meet stringent air quality requirements with MERV 11 and MERV 13 filtration.
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Schools & Universities. Protect students and staff from common allergens and airborne particles.
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Food Processing & Pharmaceutical. Support compliance with regulatory standards for clean air.
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Shooting Ranges. Effectively filter lead dust and other airborne hazards.
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Data Centers. Safeguard sensitive electronic equipment from particulate contamination.
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Residential Homes & Apartments. Reduce allergens and extend the life of home HVAC systems.
Stock & Custom Sizes Available
Air Filters Inc. carries pleated air filters in standard sizes ranging from 1", 2", and 4" depths, available to order online or by phone.
Not sure whether to order by nominal or actual measurements? Check out our guide on nominal vs. actual air filter sizes to ensure you get the right fit.
Don't see the size you need? We specialize in custom air filters built to your exact specifications. Call us at 1-800-667-8563 or visit our Contact Us page to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a pleated air filter?
A pleated air filter is a type of HVAC filter constructed from synthetic fiber media that is folded into pleats, creating a larger surface area than flat-panel filters. This increased surface area allows a pleated air filter to capture more airborne particles, such as dust, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander, while maintaining steady airflow through the system.
Air Filters Inc. pleated air filters are available in MERV 10, MERV 11, and MERV 13 ratings to suit different application requirements.
What MERV rating should I choose for my pleated air filter?
The right MERV rating depends on your application. MERV 10 is suited for general commercial and residential HVAC systems where standard particle filtration is sufficient. MERV 11 provides enhanced efficiency and is commonly used in commercial buildings, schools, and light industrial settings. MERV 13 offers the highest level of filtration in the pleated air filter category and is ideal for environments with strict air quality requirements, such as hospitals, pharmaceutical facilities, and food processing plants.
If you need guidance selecting the right MERV rating, call Air Filters Inc. at 1-800-667-8563.
How often should I replace a pleated air filter?
Replacement frequency depends on several factors, including the MERV rating, the environment, and the level of airborne contaminants present.
As a general guideline, 1" pleated air filters should be inspected monthly and replaced every 60 to 90 days. 2" and 4" pleated air filters can often last 6 to 12 months. In high-dust industrial settings or facilities with heavy foot traffic, filters may need to be replaced more frequently.
Monitoring pressure drop across the filter is the most reliable way to determine when a replacement is needed.
What is the difference between a pleated air filter and a fiberglass filter?
A pleated air filter uses synthetic media folded into pleats, which provides substantially more filtration surface area and higher particle capture efficiency than a flat fiberglass panel filter. Fiberglass filters are typically rated at MERV 1 through 4 and are designed primarily to protect HVAC equipment rather than improve indoor air quality.
Pleated air filters from Air Filters Inc., rated at MERV 10, 11, or 13, are engineered to trap much smaller particles. This makes them the better choice for commercial, industrial, and residential applications where air quality matters.
Can I get a custom-sized pleated air filter?
Yes. Air Filters Inc. specializes in custom air filters manufactured to your exact dimensions. If your HVAC system requires a non-standard size, our team can build a pleated air filter that fits precisely.
To learn more about how sizing works, visit our guide on nominal vs. actual filter sizes, or call us at 1-800-667-8563 to place a custom order.
Are pleated air filters available with anti-microbial media?
Yes. Air Filters Inc. offers pleated air filters with an optional anti-microbial treatment applied to the synthetic fiber media. This treatment inhibits the growth of bacteria, fungi, and mold spores on the filter surface.
This makes it an excellent option for sensitive environments such as hospitals, laboratories, pharmaceutical plants, and food processing facilities.
Get High-Quality Pleated Air Filters from Air Filters Inc.
Air Filters Inc. carries pleated air filters in standard sizes ranging from 1", 2", and 4" depths, available to order online or by phone.
Not sure whether to order by nominal or actual measurements? Check out our guide on nominal vs. actual air filter sizes to ensure you get the right fit.
Don't see the size you need? We specialize in custom air filters built to your exact specifications. Call us at 1-800-667-8563 or visit our Contact Us page to get started.