The short answer is yes–although air purifiers, including those with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, can only reduce the amount of aggravating particles in your home but not eliminate them altogether as they can also sit on your bedding, carpeting, and furniture. 

Previous studies have shown that air purifiers can reduce environmental allergen exposure, providing relief to people with asthma and allergies. However, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology says the use of HVAC systems and regular maintenance remains the best choice. 

Simply put, air purifiers act as a complement to HVAC system and regular home cleaning to eliminate allergens such as mold, smoke, indoor toxins, pet dander, pollen, and dust mites.

Sharpline Mechanical, a heating, cooling, and purification expert in Northern California, says that a whole-house filtration system may negate the need for portable air purifiers. However, the problem is that most homeowners skip regular HVAC maintenance, use cheap thin filters that barely filter the air, or forget to change filters as often as they should, they add. 

How Air Purifiers Work 

Unlike filters that only remove particles, air purifiers can also sanitize the air by eliminating allergens, toxins, and pollutants. However, their exact mechanism differs from their design, as some can neutralize particles in the air without filtering them first, while others can filter them as the air runs through them.

Meanwhile, some air purifiers release negative ions into the air to attract positive ion particles to get rid of allergens and pollutants.

Mold 

If you have asthma and other lung conditions or have compromised immunity, indoor mold particles are dangerous. While air purifiers can help get rid of molds, a whole-house filtration system remains the best option.

To further eliminate mold and mildew that flourish in excess moisture, reduce the humidity level in your home by using exhaust fans and air conditioning, replacing furnace and AC filters regularly, opening your windows and doors, and taking shorter showers.

Allergens 

Air purifiers can help eliminate the most common airborne allergens such as pet dander, dust mites, and pollen that cause adverse immune responses in the form of asthma and allergies. Nevertheless, they work best when used in conjunction with HEPA filters.

Indoor Toxins 

Air purifiers can reduce the level of indoor toxins such as asbestos, lead from batteries and personal care products, formaldehyde from pressed wood products, carbon monoxide from tobacco smoke and gas stove), etc.

Remember, air purifiers can trap indoor toxins in the air, but the best way to get rid of them is to avoid or at least reduce their usage in the first place.

Smoke 

Smoke from landscape fires and other human activities has a detrimental effect on your indoor air quality. The use of air purifiers can remove the smoke provided that they come with HEPA filters.

Word of Caution on Air Purifiers

Air purifiers are not the end all be all when it comes to improving the indoor air quality. While they help, you still need to take other steps to further eliminate the aggravating particles in your home.

• Change HVAC air filters every 30-90 days.
• Use HEPA filter vacuum to clean rugs, soft furnishing, and carpets at least once a week.
• Wash bedding once a week.
• Maintain the right humidity level (not more than 60%) in your home to prevent mold and dust mites.
• Hire a trained professional to inspect your HVAC system for issues such as moldy standing water, unsealed ducts, and dirt.