Honeywell are a trusted brand of air purifiers. However, a Honeywell air purifier LED can illuminate or flash red, indicating an issue.
The same reset process applies to all Honeywell air purifiers. After cleaning or changing the filters, turn the unit on. To reset, press the PREFILTER button twice within one second and/or press and hold the CHECK FILTER for two seconds, until the red light turns off. The red light on a Honeywell air purifier indicates clogged filters, improperly placed filters, or poor AQI (Air Quality Index).
In this article, we give you a step-by-step guide on how to reset the red light on a Honeywell air purifier. We explain how Honeywell air purifiers work and what a red light on the LED indicates. There are also some FAQ about Honeywell air purifiers at the end of the article.
- What Is The Red Light On A Honeywell Air Purifier?
- How To Reset The Red Light On Honeywell Air Purifiers
- How Do Honeywell Air Purifiers Work?
- FAQ
What Is The Red Light On A Honeywell Air Purifier?
Honeywell air purifiers light up red for two main reasons:
- Clogged filters that need to be cleaned or replaced
- Detection of high levels of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds – or gases)
Clogged Filters
The primary reason why Honeywell air purifiers show a red light is clogged filters.
Each filter in air purifiers has a certain capacity beyond which it fails to perform effectively. Air contains various impurities, which can be high in concentration depending on the pollution levels.
Over time, pollutants saturate the filter pores. The increase in filter media compromises the efficiency of air purification because the filters become incapable of holding any more infiltrates.
Honeywell air purifiers come with a built-in feature that alerts the owner whenever a filter needs cleaning or replacement.
The pre-filter and HEPA filter have different lifetimes, and therefore, there are two separate buttons for them, usually “Pre-filter” and “Check Filter.”
Pre-filter
The “pre-filter ” button illuminates red whenever the two pre-filters are dirty.
The ifD filter particle is permanent, and you only need to adequately clean it to ensure its maximum optimal lifespan. Here’s how to clean an ifD pre-filter:
- Turn the unit off
- Remove the ifD particle filter
- In a sink, fill lukewarm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap to it
- Wash the filter in the sink water gently
- Swish the filter in for a few seconds and then let it soak for 2-3 minutes
- Rinse it with tap water
- Shake it to remove access water and allow it to dry overnight
- Place it back in the air purifier
Do not use strong detergents, bleach, vinegar, etc., to clean the filter. Also, DO NOT leave the filter in soap water for more than five minutes.
Strictly refrain from washing the odor and VOC reducing pre-filter as water can damage the filter material, rendering it inefficient.
Every three months, the ifD particle filter and VOC reducing filter should be cleaned and replaced, respectively. How often they need to be replaced can vary and be more frequent for both the pre-filters in case of poor air quality index (AQI).
Other than AQI, several factors indirectly cause early filter deterioration by impairing the air purifier’s normal functioning.
HEPA Filters
HEPA filters should not be washed as water, soap, or even volatile cleaning agents like alcohol and benzene can damage the filter media. Honeywell recommends replacing the HEPA filter every 12 months.
It is important to mention that if the filter is not properly secured after replacing, the filter light does not turn off even after resetting.
Poor AQI
Honeywell air purifiers have smart VOC sensors that detect AQI. The air quality is then visually displayed on the screen using colored lights:
- Greenlight implies excellent AQI
- Yellow/Orange/Amber light denotes moderate AQI
- The red light shows poor AQI
VOCs are major determinants of AQI and are present in high concentrations when AQI is poor.
These lights keep changing as the air purifier improves the air quality and does not require a reset.
How To Reset The Red Light On Honeywell Air Purifiers
The red light on Honeywell air purifiers does not turn off until you reset the unit.
Although the air purifiers in Honeywell’s range do not come with an exclusive reset button, you can reset the red light using the filter buttons.
Here’s how to reset the red filter light:
- After cleaning/replacing the filter, make sure it is tightly secured in the housing
- Plug the air purifier into the electrical outlet and switch it on.
- Locate the “Check Filter” or “Check Pre-filter” button on the control panel.
- If the ‘Pre-filter” button is illuminated, press it twice within one second to reset the light.
- When the “Check Filter” button is lit, press it and hold it for up to two seconds until the light turns off.
- In both the cases, the light will blink twice before turning off, indicating a successful reset process.
The two main filters in Honeywell air purifiers, i.e., pre-filter and HEPA filter, work differently. Therefore, there are two LEDs in the units, each signaling the clogging/saturation in a specific filter.
As for UV air purifiers, a cleaning reminder schedule is given to the user at the time of purchase; so there is no UV filter light as an additional reminder.
How Do Honeywell Air Purifiers Work?
Honeywell air purifiers have a series of filters that ensure efficient sanitization and maximum removal of contaminants from the air. The general working mechanism is simple and involves a fan to draw in air which is then filtered before being dispersed.
The filters play a defining role in the quality of an air purifier. There are a range of different filters, such as HEPA filters, activated carbon filters, pre-filters, activated carbon potassium permanganate filters, UV light, ionizers, etc., that are installed in a unit to filter various contaminants.
The following filters are present in Honeywell air purifiers:
Odor Reducing Pre-filter
Pre-filter is the first in line for air purification. In general, pre-filters are used to prevent the successive, more expensive, and better filters like HEPA from saturating too fast.
All Honeywell air purifiers (except UV air purifiers) come with a pre-filter that primarily removes odors. It absorbs/adsorbs the gasses and volatile molecules to eliminate their smell.
The pre-filters in the Honeywell range are also capable of trapping contaminants that enter through the grille.
There are two kinds of pre-filters:
- Particle filter that removes dust and debris
- Odor and VOC reducing pre-filter
HEPA Filter
Ever since ozone generators have gone obsolete because of the associated health risk, HEPA air purifiers have become mainstream.
HEPA filters have microscopic pores and can easily trap particles that are larger than 0.3 microns in size.
It is important to mention that HEPA filters have various subcategories and are found in different types of the Honeywell air purifiers; for example, the HPA200 series uses 2 Certified HEPA, whereas the HPA090, and HPA100 use 1 Certified HEPA, etc.
The difference between subtypes of HEPA filters (e.g. H13, H14) is their efficiency.
UV Light Bulb
In some Honeywell air purifiers such as HPA180B, a UV bulb is installed for advanced sanitization. While the preceding two filters can only remove contaminants present in the air, a UV light can also function as a cleaner for the interior of the air purifier.
The bulb emits UV light of a germicidal wavelength that kills airborne germs circulating through the system. Placing the bulb next to the cooling coils allows proper UV light exposure to ducts, coils, drain pans, etc. This helps minimize or prevent mold growth.
Since humidity largely favors mold growth, getting Ultraviolet Honeywell Air Purifiers are best for people residing in hot, humid areas.
Ionizer
Some Honeywell air purifiers also come with an ionizer that enhances air purification.
It gives a static charge to airborne particles. The consequent electrostatic attraction removes contaminants.
Where Is The Reset Button On My Honeywell Air Purifier?
Honeywell air purifiers do not have a specific reset button. Instead the unit is reset by pressing the PREFILTER or CHANGE FILTER buttons, depending on which is illuminated. These buttons are located on the top on the control panel on the top of the Honeywell air purifier unit.
How To Change The Filter On a Honeywell Air Purifier
To change the filter on the Honeywell air purifier, first, turn the unit off and unplug it. Then remove the air grille and carefully detach the filter. Replace it with a compatible filter for your model, replace the grille, and turn the unit on.
There are two filters in Honeywell air purifiers that can be changed, follow these detailed instructions to replace each filter:
Odor and VOC Reducing Filter
To change this filter you will need one of the following filters – depending on your model (more are available via Amazon.com if yours is not listed here)
Honeywell HRF-A200 Air Purifier Filters – Includes 4 A Pre-Filters
Compatible with Honeywell HEPA Air Purifier models HPA200, HPA201-TGT, HPA204, HPA250 & HPA5200.
Honeywell HEPA Air Purifier Filter Kit – Includes 4 A Carbon Pre–Cut Pre-Filters and 3 HEPA R Replacement Filters
Compatible with Honeywell HEPA Air Purifier models HPA094, HPA100, HPA101, HPA104, HPA105, HPA106, HPA3100 and HPA5100
To replace the prefilter:
- Locate the rear grille and detach it
- Remove the filter by unticking it from the plastic clips
- Place a new pre-filter under the clips
- Press on the clips to tightly secure them in place
- Put the grille back
HEPA Filter
To change this filter you will need one of the following filters – depending on your model (more are available via Amazon.com if yours is not listed here)
Honeywell HEPA Air Purifier Filter – Includes 3 HEPA R Replacement Filters
Compatible with Honeywell HEPA Air Purifier models HPA090, HPA100, HPA200, HPA250, HPA300, HPA5200, HPA5220, HPA5250, HPA5300, HPA5350, HPA8350 Series.
Honeywell HEPA Air Purifier Filter Kit – Includes 3 HEPA R Replacement Filters and 4 A Carbon Pre–Cut Pre-Filters
Compatible with Honeywell HEPA Air Purifier models HPA094, HPA100, HPA101, HPA104, HPA105, HPA106, HPA3100 and HPA5100
Honeywell HRF-H1 HEPA Air Purifier Filter – Includes 1 H HEPA filter
Compatible with Honeywell HEPA Air Purifier models HPA050/150, HPA060 & HPA160 Series.
Honeywell HEPA-Type Replacement Air Purifiers – Includes 2 HEPA filters – type C
Compatible with Honeywell HEPA Air Purifier Tower models 16200, HHT011, HHT080, HHT081, HHT090, HHT145, HHT149 and HHT085.
To replace the HEPA filter(s):
- Remove the grille
- Take the pre-filters out to access the HEPA filter
- Carefully remove the filter and replace it with a new, compatible HEPA filter
- Place the pre-filters and the grille back in place
What Does The Orange Light Mean In The Honeywell Air Purifier?
The orange light on Honeywell air purifiers implies medium-level air quality. It appears on the digital sensor screen and indicates that moderate amounts of VOCs are present in the air. In some models, yellow or amber colors are also found instead of orange light.
A Honeywell air purifier can also indicate poor air quality (red light) or excellent air quality (green light).
