A cleaner with no filter or one filter will need a lot more maintenance and filter replacement than one that has multiple filters. These filters are excellent at trapping fairly large particles you can see (like hair and dust), and prevent the filters for minute particles from getting clogged unnecessarily quickly. With the proper combination of filters, your cleaner should be able to last at least 5 years without needing a replacement filter. So absolutely, the more filters a cleaner has the more effective it will be. Notice whether it contains pre-filters. Being able to airborne pollutants out of your air is what an air purifier should do. Choosing one that has high ratings in each of these categories will insure that you bring home one that will work well for you. High efficiency particle arresting (abbreviated as HEPA) filters are the most effective at particle removal. A filter that is carbon-based with additives that target things such as chemicals in nail salons, or urine odor in kennels can really clear the air of these noxious odors. The ideal purifier has a combination of filters that can effectively scrub the air and still not need to be replaced for years.