Are Air Purifiers Worth The Investment?

Are air purifiers worth it? What they capture, what they miss like VOCs and radon, and what to look for before you buy one for your home.

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Are Air Purifiers Worth The Investment?

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Originally published May 23, 2024. Updated September 2026 with a summary, next steps and answers to common questions.

There are a lot of things you can buy for your home. Some give you instant gratification, like a new chair or fresh landscaping. But others, well, it’s sometimes difficult to know if they’re really worth the investment. One of the most discussed of those “should-I-or-shouldn’t-I” products is air purifiers.

Do they really work?

And why do I need one in the first place?

Unlike an essential oil diffuser, which immediately lets you know if it’s working to freshen your home or not, an air purifier is more subtle. And it leaves a lot of homeowners wondering, “Is it actually working?” — especially after making a (sometimes hefty) investment.

So before you decide to purchase — or write them off completely — here are some things you should know about air purifiers for your home…

1. Air purifiers are designed to make the quality of the air in your home better. Things like pollution, including other impurities like pollen and pet dander, affect the air you and your family breathe inside your home. Some air purifiers also help to remove unwanted odors, which is just another perk for homeowners looking to invest in an air purifier.

2. Air purifiers work by capturing particles (pollen, dust, smoke, pollutants, etc.) and, therefore, improving the quality of air you breathe in your home. But, be warned, they DO NOT work on capturing gasses (such as VOCs) or radon, which means you should still be careful with the products (including cleaning products) you use in your home even if you have an air purifier working.

3. Because the air inside your home recirculates until it is released out from windows and doors, it can have five times the pollutants as outdoor air. However, not all air purifiers are actually that effective at cleaning the air, which is why it’s important to do your research and understand the technology behind each product. Even the best air purifiers can’t get all the pollutants out of the air in your home, which is why it’s still important that you’re cautious about what you’re bringing in — and how you’re getting it out.

4. The best air purifiers don’t require a lot of maintenance. So when you’re shopping for an air purifier, make sure it’s not requiring you to wash and reuse filters on a regular basis. Another thing to keep in mind when shopping for air purifiers is how big your home is — some large homes will require multiple air purifiers in order to process all of the pollutants effectively.

5. If you’re looking for the most effective way to purify the air in your home, look at adding bi-polar ionization tubes to your HVAC system, in addition to running air purifiers. These tubes play a critical role in stopping the spread of mold, germs, airborne viruses, and volatile organic compounds. They are often recommended for homes with families who are looking to solve serious allergy issues.

Keeping the air in your home clean is a great way to stay on top of your family’s health and well-being. There’s a lot that goes on in your home unnoticed that can impact how you and your family feel.

In addition to considering an air purifier, be sure to ask our teams at Sandia Green Clean to add our Breezy Blue service to your next clean. Not only can Breezy Blue completely sanitize and deodorize every inch of your home, but it can do it with ZERO chemicals.

To learn more about Breezy Blue and how it works, click here.

Questions about air purifiers

Do air purifiers remove VOCs from cleaning products?
No. Air purifiers work by capturing particles like pollen, dust and smoke. They do not capture gases such as VOCs or radon. That is why it still matters which cleaning products you use at home, even if you run an air purifier. Choosing products without harsh chemicals is a simple place to start.
What should I look for when buying an air purifier?
Research the technology behind each product, since not all air purifiers are equally effective. Look for one that does not require a lot of maintenance, such as regularly washing and reusing filters. Also consider the size of your home, because larger homes may need more than one unit to work well.
What is Breezy Blue?
Breezy Blue is a bleach-free, hospital-grade disinfection made in Albuquerque. You can add it to a clean with Sandia Green Clean. It pairs with the green products our teams already use, which have no harsh chemicals and no off-gassing and are safe for kids and pets.