8 Reasons Why Your Air Purifier Isn’t Working As It Should

An air purifier won’t work if it has a damaged or loose fan, a clogged filter or a frozen motor. A dirty filter housing area or damaged power cord can also stop it from working, but are less common. Your air purifier will need to be reset after you fix the problem for it to start working again.

An estimated 81 million of us use air purifiers to improve our air quality. So it’s really frustrating when they stop working properly, especially when we’re relying on them to remove allergens and pollutants from the air.

This troubleshooting guide will take you through all the reasons why your air purifier isn’t working properly, with step-by-step solutions for each problem.

8 reasons why your air purifier is not working

Here are all the reasons why your air purifier isn’t working, there are useful steps to help you check each problem, and to fix it.

1. Clogged filter

A clogged filter is the most common reason for an air purifier to stop working, or at least to work less efficiently. Dirt, pet dander, dust, and other contaminants block up the filter over time.

This is completely normal, and you’ll probably have noticed the purifier gradually work less efficiently over time before stopping almost altogether.

How much a blocked filter will affect your air purifier will depend on the filter type that it has. The most common filters are:

• HEPA filters.
• Medical-grade H13 and H14 HEPA filters
• Activated carbon filters.

A clogged HEPA filter will have a greater impact on your air purifier than an activated carbon.

But a blocked H13 or H14 HEPA will have a greater impact than a clogged general True HEPA filter.

This has to do with the weave or thickness of the filters.

Either way, an air purifier will stop working if these filters are not cleaned or replaced.

Some air purifiers also come with a pre-filter, which you should clean (or replace) after 4-8 months, but it will depend on your use and your specific model in the user manual. For example:

1. Levoit air purifiers – 4 to 6 months.
2. Medify air purifiers – 4 to 5 months
3. GermGuardian air purifiers – 6 months.
4. Coway air purifiers – 8 to12 months.

However, clogged HEPA filters must be replaced rather than cleaned.

If you don’t, the filter can pollute your home by recirculating germs, mold, and particles, and ultimately damage the air purifier, causing it to stop working completely.

How to know your air purifier’s filter is clogged:

• Check your pre-filter and activated carbon filter for any discoloration, black patches or build-up of dust and debris.
• Check if the HEPA filter to see if it has become gray or black.

Solutions:

The only way to deal with a clogged filter is to clean or replace the filter. To do so:

• Turn off and unplug the air purifier from the power source.
• Depending on the air purifier’s model, remove the cover and unlock it to access the filter.
• Remove the pre-filter and have a look at it to determine if you will replace or clean it.
• Look for any discoloration or black spots on the pre-filter and clean it.
• Vacuum the HEPA filter then check if it is still discolored.
• Replace the HEPA filter with a new one if it’s grey or black.
• Re-install the pre-filter and close the cover.
• Reset your air purifier as usual when through.

Note: Instead of using water to clean the filter, use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust particles. You can also clean your pre-filters, but first, make sure they are washable and refer to your User Manual for specific washing recommendations. Most filters are not washable.

2. Dislodged filter

An air purifier can create noise and not work properly if a filter has become dislodged or is not installed properly. If you hear noises coming from your air purifier, it’s a sign that something isn’t right.

Some air purifiers have a red light feature that will let you know if the air purifier’s filter is malfunctioning.

For example, if you install your filter backwards, air will have a difficult time passing through the material, and your air purifier will have to work overtime to compensate for this lack of airflow, which ultimately leads to it not working.

Solutions:

• Turn off and unplug your air purifier from the power source.
• Disassemble it by detaching the device’s cover.
• Remove the air filter from the system by pulling it off the air purifier.
• If your filter has an arrow, confirm if it was initially improperly installed by looking at the arrow on the filter and re-install it correctly. The arrows should point towards the air purifier as indicated.
• If it does not have an arrow, consult your user manual to know how to correctly install the filter.
• Replace the cover and tighten it up.
• Reset your air purifier as usual.

3. Frozen motor

A frozen motor is a surprisingly common reason for an air purifier to not work properly. Air purifiers mostly use DC brushless motors, which can become dry and stop operating if exposed to dust particles for a long period of time.

Solutions:

• Disassemble your air purifier.
• Locate the motor bearings.
• Lubricate the blades and motor bearings (with the help of a professional if you can’t do it yourself).
• Adjust the fan’s position on the motor shaft.
• Remove any obstacles such as dirt that may be in the way of the blades.
• Inspect it and replace it if it is damaged so that your air purifier can function properly.
• If you are unsure of any of these steps, consult your user manual or call your customer care support.

4. Reset required

Sometimes a malfunctioning air purifier simply needs to be reset. An air purifier needs to be reset after a filter change or even after simply opening the unit.

The air purifier will not function until it’s reset.

How to reset an air purifier:

• Turn on the air purifier by pressing the power button to reset the air purifier filter.
• Some air purifiers (e.g, Elechomes Air Purifier) may have a blinking red light. Once the reset light starts blinking, the purifier will start making noise.
• If your air purifier has a HEPA filter, it should display “HEPA reset.”
• Press and hold the power button until the light stops blinking.
• Depending on the air purifier’s model, it may have a small button that you can use a paperclip to press it into and hold for 3-5 seconds.
• Your filter will be reset.
• Turn the power off and then back on.

5. Loose or damaged fan

A loose or damaged fan could be the cause of your air purifier’s failure.

If the air purifier has been bumped or dropped, or the fan has been used for an extended period of time, a fan can become loose causing the fan’s position to change,

A damaged fan will stop your air purifier from working at all, as it will not function even if it’s just slightly damaged.

Solutions to a damaged fan:

• Turn off and unplug your air purifier.
• Detach the cover of your air purifier.
• Remove the intake grilles with any foam pre-filters, then the filters.
• Remove any screws that are securing the filter housing.
• Remove the long screws keeping the main housing together and separate the pieces to access the fan.
• Examine the fan to check whether it is damaged or broken.
• If it is damaged or broken, contact your device’s customer care for a replacement fan.

Solutions to a loose fan:

• Turn off and unplug your air purifier.
• Disassemble the air purifier by detaching the device’s cover.
• Inspect the fan for any loose screws.
• Tighten the screws with a screwdriver.
• Reassemble and replace cover and tighten.
• Reset your air purifier when through.

6. Unresponsive controls

All air purifiers have buttons so that you can adjust its settings. Depending on the model, air purifiers have touch controls or push buttons, and over time it’s possible that the controls will not respond or become stuck.

Over time, the filter cover may no longer correctly attach, which also prevents the controls from working.

This mostly happens because of a stuck button or because the button has been pushed too hard, causing it to become jammed or damaged.

Solutions:

• Confirm the air purifier is turned on.
• Check if the power button (or any other button) is stuck or damaged.
• Replace your device’s filter cover according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• If you are having trouble completing the task on your own, contact customer service or consult the user manual.

7. Power cord failure

It probably seems obvious, but one of the reasons air purifiers stop working is a faulty power cord.

If there is an issue with the power cord, no household appliance will work, and it’s the same with air purifiers. If the air purifier’s components are also burnt, it won’t work.

If your air purifier suddenly stops operating and you have replaced or cleaned the filters, reset it after each filter change, and formed a regular maintenance plan, check the power cables and outlet as they could be the culprit.

Solutions:

• Check the power supply first.
• Plug another appliance into the outlet to see whether it works.
• Try a different outlet.
• Replace the power cord.

8. Generic filters

A generic or non-filter could easily be the cause of your air purifier’s malfunctioning. This is why many manufacturers specifically state that you should only use their brand of filter.

Make certain that you

1. Use the correct brand of filter
2. Use the correct type of filter. Installing a carbon filter where a combination filter should be is not a good idea.
3. Use the correct size filter. If you buy a filter that is too big, it will not fit into the slot properly. Whereas if it is too small, it will not cover the full space, and dust and dirt will pass through.

Solutions:

• Consult your user manual to be sure of the kind of filter that is compatible with your air purifier.
• Check to know the type of filter you need, i.e. is it a combination, HEPA or carbon filter?.
• Know the size of the filter to get before buying one.
• Buy an extra filter for future replacement during an air purifier purchase.               

How to keep your air purifier working

Regular maintenance

Without maintenance, an air purifier cannot function properly or for a long time. Like any other household appliance, regular use of an air purifier without regular maintenance can lead to the fan or motor becoming damaged.

Whether your air purifier is functioning perfectly, or its malfunctioning, it’s time to do a complete clean and maintenance check on your unit:

How to maintain an air purifier:

• Check your air filter, and replace it if necessary, depending on the air quality in your home.
• Reset your air purifier (and after opening it, changing, or cleaning a filter).
• When replacing filters, make sure you use only those recommended by your manufacturer.
• Remove dust and dirt from the carbon filter with a vacuum cleaner.
• For those that use UV light, check that the UV light on the air purifier is on. It kills disease-causing germs, making the air you and your family breathe healthier.
• Combination filters should not be washed or reused, instead, they should be replaced.
• Gently wipe out the filter housing area with a soft, dry cloth.

Note: On no account should an air purifier be used outdoors.

Reset your air purifier

Reset your air purifier after opening it, changing, or cleaning a filter.

To reset an air purifier press and hold the power button for 3-5. Some air purifiers have a specific reset button, so check your user manual for the location of your reset button.

Some air purifiers may begin to blink red and make a noise before displaying “HEPA reset.” Hold down the power button (or reset button) until the light turns off.

Some purifiers have a small button that will require you to press and hold for three seconds with a paperclip or pin.

The best place for your purifier

The best place to put an air purifier is on the ground or 3-5 feet above it. It should be placed in a well ventilated location with nothing blocking it, near the worst contaminants in the air and areas with the most airflow. Do not place an air purifier in the bathroom or kitchen.

Avoid placing your air purifier in a corner due to limited airflow or in places with high humidity, such as the bathroom. Keep your air purifier away from other electronic equipment such as the TV or microwave.

Always refer to your user manual recommends to determine the best place for your air purifier.