10 Reasons Why Your GermGuardian Air Purifier Is Not Working

A GermGuardian air purifier is usually not working or turning on because of a damaged or loose fan, or a clogged filter. A frozen motor, improperly installed filter or unresponsive controls can also cause it to stop working. Once the problem is fixed the air purifier will need to be reset for it to begin working again.

Like any other purifier (or home appliance for that matter) your GermGuardian air purifier can stop working and it will need some maintenance to get going again.

Check out our comprehensive list of all the possible reasons your GermGuardian air purifier has stopped working. We’ve included how to figure out which particular problem you have and provided a step-by-step guide on how to fix it.

10 Reasons why your GermGuardian isn’t working

There are 10 reasons why GermGuardians usually stop working, the most common ones are listed first, but go through each one step-by-step to figure out which problem you have, so that you can fix it quickly and have it working again.

1. Damaged fan

A damaged fan is the most common cause of GermGuardian air purifiers not working. In fact, the purifier will not function if the fan is even mildly damaged.

Solution:

• Turn off and unplug your air purifier.
• Detach the back cover of your GermGuardian by using the lock and release button.
• Remove the intake grilles with foam pre-filters by pressing the release buttons, 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 Guardian technologies customer support on 1 866 603 5900 for a replacement fan.

2. Clogged filter

The simplest problem that your GermGuardian can be suffering from is a clogged filter.

Filters almost always become clogged with pet dander, dust etc, after being used for a long time. This slowly reduces the air purifier’s effectiveness, until it stops working entirely.

In fact, the bending and breaking of ionizer plates are frequently caused by dust particles clogging the system. When exposed to dust particles for an extended time, the precipitating cell and motor can dry and stop working.

Clogged filters should be cleaned or replaced. However, clogged HEPA filters must be replaced and not cleaned. Although the pre-filter can be removed and washed, make sure to sweep the front surface of the purifier with a gentle vacuum brush once a month as well.

HEPA filters should also be replaced when they turn from white to grey or black, as continuing to use one in this condition can pollute your home by blowing bacteria, mold, and particulates back into it.

Solution:

• Turn off and unplug the air purifier.
• Remove the back cover and unlock it.
• Remove the pre-filter.
• Look for any discoloration or black spots.
• Replace the HEPA filter if it is grey or black.
• Re-install the pre-filter and close the back cover.
• Reset your GermGuardian as usual.

3. Power cord Failure

Power cable failure is one of the reasons your GermGuardian air purifier may not be working. The air purifier will not operate if the power cable breaks or its components are burnt.

Solution:

• First, check the power supply.
• Confirm the outlet works by plugging another appliance in.
• Replace the power cord.

Burnt circuit boards or internal wiring are also possible, but are unusual. You can check each component by disassembling your purifier and contacting Guardian Technologies if anything looks burnt.

4. Air purifier needs resetting

A malfunctioning GermGuardian air purifier may need to simply be reset.

For instance, a GermGuardian should be reset if the:

• Speed button is not working
• HEPA reset beeps
• UV light is not working

You should also reset the purifier after changing the filter or even opening it to properly install it or to check if the filter is clogged.

How to reset GermGuardian air purifier:

• Turn on the air purifier by pressing the power button to reset the GermGuardian filter.
• Once the red light starts blinking, the purifier will start making noise.
• It should display “HEPA reset.”
• Press and hold the power button until the red light stops blinking.
• Depending on the model number of the GermGuardian air filter you have, you can also use a paperclip to press it into the small button and hold it for 5 seconds.
• Your filter will be reset.
• Turn the power off and then back on.

Note: Before approaching the ionizer during the GermGuardian reset, ensure all flammable gases and oxygen equipment are turned off.

5. Improperly installed filter.

When a filter is installed incorrectly, the air purifier makes noises or may not work at all. If you hear any strange noises coming from your GermGuardian air purifier, it’s a warning that something is wrong.

Fortunately, the red light on your GermGuardian air purifier will alert you to the fact that your air purifier’s filter isn’t working.

If it continues to flash after replacing the air filter, double-check that the filter is installed correctly before resetting it.

Solution:

• Turn off and unplug your GermGuardian air purifier.
• Disassemble it by detaching the device’s back cover using the lock and release button.
• Remove the air filter from the system by pulling it off the air purifier.
• Check to see 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.
• Replace the back cover and tighten it up.
• Reset your air purifier.

6. Filter needs replacing

A GermGuardian filter should be replaced every six months.

If your GermGuardian air purifier uses a combination filter, keep in mind that cleaning and reusing the filter will improve the efficiency of your air purifier. Always use the filter that the manufacturer has recommended. Some models also give notifications such as a blinking light to remind you to change your filter.

Cleaning your GermGuardian air filter is critical to extending its life and ensuring that it continues to function correctly.

To clean the filter, do not use water; instead, use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust particles. You can also clean your pre-filters, but make sure to verify whether or not they are washable first. If yours is washable, you will need to follow particular washing instructions, available in your User Manual.

Note: Before relocating the complete air cleansing system (CACS), opening the grill, changing filters, cleaning, or whenever the air purifier is not in use, make sure it is unplugged. Make sure you are pulling on the plug rather than the cord.

How to change a GermGuardian filter:

• Turn off and unplug your GermGuardian air purifier.
• Detach the back cover of your device using the lock and release button.
• Remove the old air filter by pulling it off the air purifier.
• Install a new filter by sticking it onto the GermGuardian.
• To ensure proper installation, look at the arrow on the filter. The arrows should point towards the air purifier.
• Replace the back cover and tighten it up.
• Reset the filter change indicator.

7. Frozen motor

The air purifier will not function properly if the motor is frozen. When exposed to dust particles over a lengthy period of time, the motor can become dry and stop working.

Solution:

• Disassemble the air purifier.
• Lubricate the blades and motor bearings with the help of a professional or do it yourself.
• Adjust the fan’s position on the motor shaft.
• Remove any obstacles 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.
• If you are unsure of any of these steps, contact Guardian Technologies customer support.

8. Loose fan

Although less common, a loose fan can be the reason your GermGuardian isn’t working. The fan usually becomes loose after the purifier is moved, bumped or dropped.

This fan’s placement can also slowly shift after being used for an extended period of time (but this is over a period of years, not months).

Solution

• Turn off and unplug your GermGuardian air purifier.
• Disassemble the fan by detaching the device’s back cover using the lock and release button.
• Inspect the fan for any loose screws.
• Tighten the screws with a screwdriver.
• Put everything back together.
• Replace the back cover and tighten.
• Reset your air purifier.

9. Regular use without maintenance

Using your GermGuardian air purifier constantly without proper maintenance can cause the motor to stop working, just like any other household appliance.

This is because the dust, debris and other contaminants that enter the purifier with the air flow slowly coat and clog up all the internal components over time.

Maintaining it properly and regularly will ensure that it functions properly.

How to maintain GermGuardian

• GermGuardian reset should be more of a routine maintenance exercise for your air purifier.
• Check your air filter regularly, and replace it if necessary, depending on the air quality in your home.
• Remove dust and dirt from the carbon filter with a vacuum cleaner.
• Check that the UV light in the GermGuardian is on. It kills disease-causing germs, making the air you and your family breathe healthier.
• Combination filters should not be washed or reused.
• When replacing filters, make sure you use only Guardian Technologies filters.

Note: Do not use it outdoors.

10. Unresponsive controls

When the controls of your purifier aren’t working, the filter cover or power supply may malfunction, causing your air purifier to stop working.

Touch controls or push buttons are available on GermGuardian air purifiers. The controls may fail to respond at times, but this happens more often due to the filter cover not being properly installed.

Solution:

• Confirm the air purifier is plugged in.
• Replace the filter cover following your user manual recommendations. (The instructions vary between models, if you no longer have your user manual you can access a digital copy here)
• If you are unable to complete the task on your own, contact guardian technologies at Lasko.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why your GermGuardian isn’t turning on

There is a distinction between your GermGuardian air purifier not turning on and your GermGuardian not working. You’ll need to check the electrical connections to ensure it is getting enough power if this happens.

You can also inspect the appliance’s electrical components.

A GermGuardian is not turning on because:

1. It needs resetting after a filter replacement.
2. An incorrectly installed filter.
3. The back cover is incorrectly placed or not tightened sufficiently.
4. A generic or non-GermGuardian filter has been installed.
5. The GermGuardian speed button is not working or is stuck.

Why your GermGuardian is beeping

A GermGuardian air purifier beeps because the filter needs to be replaced. A red light may also be blinking. Once the filter is replaced, a GermGuardian air purifier will continue to beep until the device is reset.

The red light on your GermGuardian air purifier means your filter isn’t working properly or it’s due for replacement. If it continues to flash after replacing the air filter, double-check that the filter is installed correctly before resetting the purifier.

How to change the filter:

• Turn off and unplug your air purifier.
• Detach the back cover of your device using the lock and release button.
• Replace the worn-out Combination air filter(if your filter has one) with a new one.
• The HEPA filter does not need to be replaced if it is still white; however, it can be cleaned using a vacuum cleaner. However, if it is grey or black then replace the HEPA filter immediately.
• To ensure proper installation, look at the arrow on the filter. It should point towards the air purifier.
• Replace the back cover and tighten it up.
• Reset the filter change indicator.

How to turn on your GermGuardian air purifier

To turn on a GermGuardian air purifier, turn the power knob clockwise; it should be green if it is on LOW mode. Turn the power knob further in the clockwise direction to set it to the medium or high mode. Push the UV button to turn the UV-C Bulb on and press it again to turn it off. To turn the purifier off, turn the power knob counter clockwise.

Before using your GermGuardian air purifier for the first time determine the best location for it in your room. Place the unit at least 1 foot away from any wall or furniture to ensure optimal airflow and the grills are not blocked, ensuring you have access to a power outlet.

How to turn it on:        

• Rotate the power knob clockwise to turn on the air purifier. (For the GermGuardian AC4900CA, both filter replacement and UV bulb replacement indicators are on the front part of the air purifier, The GermGuardian AC4825 and AC5000 power button and UV bulb replacement filters are at the top of the air purifier.).

• When you turn on the air purifier, the power indicator turns green, indicating that the unit is in LOW mode.
• To put the air purifier to MEDIUM mode, turn the power knob more into the clockwise direction.
• To put the air purifier to HIGH mode, keep turning the power knob clockwise.
• Press the UV button to turn on the UV-C Bulb.
• To switch off the UV-C Bulb, press the UV-C button.
• Rotate the power knob counter-clockwise to OFF mode to turn the machine off.