Alen Breathesmart Filters – Cleaning, Replacing And Troubleshooting


To replace an Alen Breathesmart filter, turn off the purifier, remove the cover and old filter by pulling it away. Remove the packaging from the new filter and install it with arrows pointing outward. Replace the front cover by lowering the hooks, followed by the upper half of the cover until it snaps into place.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), many of us use air purifiers to clean our indoor air, with Alen Breathesmart air purifiers one of the most popular brands. Over time, Alen Breathesmart filters need to be replaced to continue effectively improving your air quality.

This guide will take you through step-by-step how to replace and clean an Alen Breathesmart filter on different models. It also explaisn all the reasons why an Alen Breathesmart air purifier may not be working properly, and provide clear instructions on how to fix each problem.

How to replace an Alen Air Purifier filter

There are different models of Alen Breathesmart air purifiers in the market. All of them come with a prefilter and a True HEPA filter that will require replacement after a certain period of time. This guide will give you instructions on how to replace filters on the following Alen Breathesmart modes such as;

  1. Alen Breathesmart 45i
  2. Alen Breathesmart 75i
  3. Alen Breathesmart classic.
  4. FIT50.
  5. Alen Breathesmart flex.
  6. T500.
  7. T300.
  8. T375 and T350.

Also read about how to reset the filter light and set up Alen air purifiers here.

Alen Breathesmart model 45i, 75i, classic, FIT50, and flex.

To complete these steps you will need one of the following filters:

Alen Replacement Air Filter for BreatheSmart 45i or Flex

Alen 75i BreatheSmart Air Purifier Replacement Filter

Alen Replacement Air Filter for BreatheSmart Classic

Alen FF50-Silver-Carbon Replacement Air Filter for FIT50

Replace your filter as follows:

  • Confirm your air purifier is turned off. Always turn it off before replacing filters.
  • To open the cover, make a distinction between the front and rear sides of the filter. A mesh Pre-filter is fastened to the front side with Velcro-like strips.
  • To remove the cover, pull firmly on it with both hands around the top of the intake vents to release the magnets.
  • Lift the cover away from the unit after drawing it out.
  • Pull out on the ribbon loop to remove the used filter. To prevent dust from re-entering the air, place the used filter in a plastic bag.
  • Remove the new filter from its packaging and place it in the Alen Breathesmart air purifier with, tabs pointing outward.
  • The lower hooks on the front cover should be inserted first, followed by the upper half of the cover snapping into place.
  • Reset the filter light indicator when through.
  • If you are unsure about any of these directions, follow the instructions in your user manual.

Alen Air Purifier models T500 and T300

To complete these steps you will need one of the following filters:

Alen T500 True HEPA Particle Removal Replacement Filter

Alen HEPA-Fresh Replacement Filter for T300 Air Purifiers

Replace your filter as follows:

  • Make sure the device is turned off.
  • Lift the filter cover off by pressing down on the filter cover tab.
  • Remove the previously used filter by pulling it away. To prevent dust from re-entering the air, place the used filter in a plastic bag before disposing of it.
  • Remove the new filter from its plastic bag and determine the front and back sides of the filter. The pre-filter, which is black foam, is always on the front side, and should be inserted into the air purifier with the arrow tabs pointing inward.
  • The bottom of the filter cover should be inserted first, followed by the upper half of the grill until it clicks into place.
  • When through, RESET the filter indication by pressing and holding the RESET button while the unit is turned on until the red filter light indicator fades away.
  • More complete instructions are available in the user manual.

Alen Air Purifier models A375 and  A350

To complete these steps you will need one of the following filters:

Alen BF25A True HEPA Fresh for A350 and A375 models

Alen BF25A-Silver Filter for A350 and A375 models

Replace your filter as follows:

  • Turn off the Alen air purifier.
  • Pull up on the bottom left or right corner of the front inlet air intake grill with the unit’s front pointing up.
  • Push the grill towards the top of the unit’s display panel after pushing it up.
  • Lift the pull string to remove the used filter.
  • Remove the new filter from the plastic bag and place it in the air purifier, with the arrow facing inward.
  • The top of the inlet grille should be inserted first, followed by the lower half of the grill.
  • Hold down TIMER while the machine is turned on until the clean indication light goes out to RESET the filter indicator.
  • Consult your user manual if you are unsure about any of these instructions.

How long do Alen filters last?

In general, Alen Breathesmart filters last up to 12 months, except for the T300, which lasts 6 months. However, the lifespan of Alen filters is determined by the model of the air purifier, its use, and the amount of dirt or pollutants present in the home.

However, the filters will need to be replaced sooner if used frequently or in air that has high concentrations of contaminants.

Filters become clogged or saturated with particles over time, reducing their filtration efficiency. Fortunately, the Alen Breathesmart has LED indicators built in to notify you if the quality of your air purifier’s filter. If you want to extend the life of your air purifier and improve its efficiency, replace the filters as advised.

The Alen filter life indicators has 3 lights: Green, Yellow, and Red.

  • The green light will turn on for the duration of the filter’s life.
  • The yellow light will glow shortly before your filter needs to be replaced.
  • The red light will illuminate when it is time to replace the filters.

There are various models of Alen Air purifier and each has its own filter life. The following table represents each of the air purifiers’ models with their filter life.

Alen Breathesmart modelFilter life
75i12 plus months.
45i10 to 12 months.
Flex9 to 12 months.
Classic10 to 12 months.
T5006 to 9 months.
FIT509 to 12 months.
T300Every 6 months.

How to clean an Alen air purifier filter

The Alen Breathesmart air purifier comes with two filters, the pre-filter, and a True HEPA filter. The prefilter should be cleaned every 2 to 3 months by gently vacuuming it.

Do not use water or detergents to clean your Alen filter. The true HEPA filter is not designed to be washed, cleaned, or otherwise reused.

How to clean the pre-filter on Alen Breathesmart air purifier(all models).

The best way to clean the pre-filter is to vacuum it. Do not use water to clean your Alen filter. To clean it:

  • Turn off your Alen air purifier.
  • Remove the front panel.
  • Access the pre-filter.
  • Using a handheld vacuum, vacuum the pre-filter in place to clean it.
  • When through, replace the purifier’s front panel and turn the power back on.

Reasons why your Alen air purifier isn’t working

1. Filters need replacing.

An Alen Breathesmart air purifier may not work because the filter needs to be replaced.

Like any other air purifier, when the filter becomes clogged, it needs replacing. An Alen air purifier may stop working until a new filter is installed, fortunately, the filter light will illuminate red to indicate a filter change is required.

How to know Alen needs a filter replacement:

  • Turn off the power and unplug the air purifier.
  • Access the filter.
  • Unplug the air purifier and turn off the power.
  • Access the filter by removing the cover, pulling firmly on it with both hands around the top of the intake vents to release the magnets.
  • It’s time to replace the filter if it’s clogged, has visible dust, or is discolored in any way.
  • It’s time to replace the filter if it hasn’t been replaced in the last 10 months.
  • Increased electrical bill.
  • A warning is displayed on the LED screen.

2. Sensor blockage issues.

Alen Breathesmart air purifiers contain air quality sensors.

The Smart Sensor detects airborne particles using infrared light. Dust can build up on the glass lens after a lengthy period of use, reducing the sensor’s sensitivity. This build-up can prevent an Alen air purifier from working.

How to troubleshoot sensor blockage issues:

Clean the sensor.

  • Turn off your device.
  • Wipe the lens with the end of a cotton swab that has been dampened with water.
  • With the cotton swab’s opposite end, dry the lens.

3. The power cord is faulty.

One of the most common reasons why an Alen Breathesmart air purifier isn’t working is that the power source it relies on isn’t working. An air purifier, like any other home device, will not function if the power cord or electrical system is damaged.

How to troubleshoot it:

  • Try plugging in another electric item, such as a kitchen appliance, to see whether it works.
  • Test whether your power supply is at fault by plugging a different appliance rather than your Alen Breathesmart to check that the unit is receiving enough power.
  • Replace your power cord.

4. Lack of maintenance.

All air purifiers require regular maintenance and the Breathesmart is no exception. When you use your Alen without maintenance, you shorten its life span. This means that it may malfunction and stop working at any moment.

How to maintain your Alen Breathesmart:

  • Monitoring filters and changing them as required.
  • Resetting the device after replacing filters and as required.
  • Only using filters recommended by the manufacturer in your user manual.
  • Using the device only indoors.
  • Cleaning it routinely.
  • Vacuuming the prefilter routinely.

5. It needs to be reset.

One incredibly common reason for an Alen Breathesmart not working is that it needs to be reset. This usually occurs immediately after replacing filters or any repairs.

How to fix it:

  • Reset your Alen air purifier every time you change filters, clean the prefilter or after repairs.
  • To reset, turn on the Alen Breathesmart air purifier, press and hold the RESET button for around 5 seconds until the red filter light indicator fades away.

6. Issues with the power outlet.

One possible reason your Alen Breathesmart may not be working could be because of issues to do with the power outlet. If the power outlet is faulty, your Alen air purifier will not work.

The common power outlet issues include the outlet not delivering sufficient electricity, the plug falling out of the outlet, burn marks/melting, or the circuit breaker tripping.

How to troubleshoot it:

  • If your Alen Breathesmart isn’t working, try plugging it into a different outlet in your home.
  • Depending on the source of the problem, you may need to replace your plug or outlet.

7. Replacement filters incorrectly installed.

An Alen air purifier may stop working if the filter is not properly fitted.

This is why all user manuals state that when replacing filters, the new filter arrows must face a specific way: Some models manufacturer specify that the arrows face outside i.e Alen Breathesmart model 45i, 75i, classic, FIT50, and flex while other models like Alen Breathesmart model T500 and T300 require that the arrows face inside.

Also, ensure that the lid clicks back into place. You may have inserted the replacement filter incorrectly if the filter life indicator light continues to flash, even after resetting. Remove the filter and re-install it.

How to troubleshoot it:

  • Power off the air purifier.
  • Disassemble it.
  • Confirm if the filter was initially installed correctly.
  • If it was not installed correctly, remove it and install again correctly.
  • Reassemble it and power it on.

8. Fan problems.

It is possible that your Alen is not working because of fan problems. The fan could be broken, on low-speed mode, or malfunctioning.

How to troubleshoot it:

  • Switch the power off and disassemble the device.
  • Access the fan and examine it to determine if it is spinning or not.
  • Alen has three fan speeds; if it appears to be operating too slowly, you may need to adjust the fan speed.
  • Check for any obstructions in or near where the air blasts out of your gadget after unplugging it.

9. Power cord is not connected.

One of the most common reasons why an Alen air purifier may not be working is that the power cord is not connected. Because the air purifier depends on power to work, it simply won’t work if not connected to a source of power.

How to troubleshoot it:

  • Ensure that you are using the correct power adapter.
  • Make sure the power cord is firmly seated in the wall outlet.
  • Double-check that you have plugged your Alen air purifier.
  • Make sure it is correctly plugged in.
  • Ensure the power source is securely plugged into the air purifier’s back socket.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Alen air purifier beeping?

Alen air purifiers beep when they need to be reset, the air filter needs to be replaced or the air purifier is malfunctioning. The filter change indicator need to be reset on Alen air purifiers after every filter change.

To reset the filter change indicator:

  • Turn the Alen air purifier on.
  • Press and hold down the FILTER button for five seconds. 
  • The light above the FILTER button should change from red to green to indicate that it has been reset.

Why is my Alen Breathesmart not turning on?

An Alen air purifier will not turn on if the filter is not pushed in all the way and evenly seated in the unit. Improper power rating, and power cord and outlet issues can also prevent them from turning on.

It’s possible that an improper power rating is preventing your Alen Breathesmart air purifier from turning on. The power rating of your wall socket should match that of your air purifier. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to find a higher-power outlet.

Why is my Alen Breathesmart fan not working?

An Alen air purifier fan will not work if the fan is loose or damaged. A blown motor or fuse will also prevent the fan from functioning.

1. Problem with the motor or blades.

When the air purifier detects a problem with the motor or blades, it may stop working or even turn on.

For complete instructions on how to fix a loose or damaged fan read section 5 of this detailed post.

2. Blown fuse.

Your Alen air purifier fan not working could be due to a blown fuse. There are various reasons that may lead a fuse to be blown. They include an overloaded circuit, a short circuit, circuit breaker issues, a ground fault, an arc fault, broken electrical outlets, or damaged wiring.

How to fix a blown fuse:

  • Disconnect your Alen air purifier.
  • Turn off the electricity.
  • Look for the fuse box.
  • Locate the blown fuse.
  • Test to see if its working.
  • Replace the fuse. You can buy it at a local hardware store or order it online.

How to replace a fuse.

  • Remove the blown fuse by unscrewing it.
  • Take the old fuse to your local hardware store and ask for an exact replacement because it’s critical to get one with the same amperage rating.
  • Replace the old one.
  • Connect the air purifier to ensure that it is now operational.

Why is my Alen air quality sensor not working?

If your air quality monitor isn’t working, it’s possible that there is something obstructing the sensor.

How to troubleshoot:

  • Check to determine whether the sensor is obstructed in any way.
  • Remove any dust or dirt from the area.
  • If that does not help, contact customer service for assistance.

Conclusion.

It is very simple to replace the Alen Breathesmart air purifiers filter. It will take you a few minutes to replace the filters if you follow the above instructions. Your Alen air purifier may experience a variety of problems. However, there are always solutions, and it is usually preferable to hire a professional rather than attempting to address the problem yourself if you are unsure about how to handle it.

Each Alen Breathesmart model comes with a user’s handbook, always follow the instructions on the user manual before doing anything with your air purifier. If you lost or misplaced the manual, call the customer care service or visit Alen’s online site to download a copy.

Russell Singleton

Russell holds a Bachelor of Science (Environmental and Marine Geoscience) with Class I Honors. He is currently completing his doctorate in science and is passionate about all earth processes, especially isotope geochemistry and paleohydrology.

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