Why Your Air Purifier Is Making Noise – And How To Fix It


An air purifier will make noise because dust has built up on the ionizer pins, or the filter is clogged, incorrectly installed, or needs to be replaced. Dirt and debris becoming lodged in the filter housing area, a poorly placed air purifier or high running speeds can also make an air purifier noisy.

More than 30 million of us own an air purifier, and while it’s normal for an air purifier to make background noise there are several types of noises that usually mean it’s not working properly. Really noisy air purifiers also need to be fixed to make sure they continue to work and filter your air effectively.

This guide is for anyone who has an air purifier that is making strange or loud noises. It covers the different noises an air purifier produces, all the reasons why your air purifier is making noise, and a step-by-step solution for each problem.

The different noises an air purifier can make

The noise levels of air purifiers range from quite loud when using a HEPA air purifier on high, to extremely quiet when using an ionic air purifier with the fan turned off.

An air purifier’s noise level is measured in decibels, and each air purifier model will have its own decibel level.

Normally, the noise produced by an air purifier is classified as background noise, typically less than 60 decibels (or the same as a conversation). The volume of noise produced by an air purifier is also different between models and operation or fan speed.

Below is a list of noises an air purifier can make that you should have a quick read through before jumping into the list of causes and solutions for your noisy air purifier – it always helps to know which noise you are dealing with!

Beeping

A beep sounds like a short tone, typically high-pitched, and usually indicates that the filter needs to be replaced.

Fortunately, most air purifiers now have a Smart Filter Change Reminder that will also alert you when it is time to replace your filter.

A beeping noise while the air purifier is turned on can also indicate that the device needs to be reset.

Clicking or rattling

A click is a brief, sharp normal motor noise that occurs during calibration.

Crackling

An air purifier can spark, crackle, or burst during operation. A crackle usually means the air purifier trapped a large air particle. The crackling sounds like a quick series of brief, sharp noises.

Excessive crackling can mean the system needs to be cleaned or repaired.

Whispering

An air purifier generally makes a whispering sound when set at a low-speed fan mode, and is considered a normal operating sound.

Hissing

An air purifier can make or emit a harsh hissing sound from the sensor when running or when it is slowing down when the air purifier has been turned off. It usually happens as a result of the fan turning off.

Whistling noise

A whistling noise in your air filter is generated by a damaged or defective air filter. This is usually the cause if the whistling started right after installation or before the filter had a chance to get dirty.

If your air filter started whistling after it got dirty, it was probably clogged in a way that made it whistle.

8 reasons why your air purifier is making noise

1. Debris in the unit

Debris (or foreign objects) is generally made up of fragments from something that’s been destroyed. So it’s things floating in the air that other than dust or pet dander.

Your air purifier will make more noise than usual when the debris becomes lodged inside. The debris is often too large for the filters and it clogs up the housing area instead.

Solution:

  • Turn off and unplug your air purifier
  • Open the air purifier.
  • Check for any debris, dust or other foreign objects.
  • Remove the filter and gently wipe out the housing area with a clean dry cloth.
  • Replace the filter and close the purifier.
  • Reset the purifier.

2. Incorrectly installed filter

An incorrectly installed filter can cause an air purifier to make excessive noises, or even stop working all together.

The red light on your air purifier will, fortunately, alert you to the fact that the filter on your air purifier isn’t working properly.

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

Solution:

  • Turn off and unplug your air purifier to diagnose the problem.
  • Disconnect the device’s back cover and disassemble it.
  • Remove the air filter from the housing area.
  • Examine if the filter is installed correctly. Some air purifiers like GermGuardian have arrows to confirm that while others do not.
  • If you did not install it correctly the first time, place the filter in the way it is supposed to be.
  • Replace and secure the back cover.
  • Reset the air purifier.

3. Filter needs replacing

If you hear unusual noises, such as coughing, popping, or spitting, it means your air filter is clogged and needs to be replaced. The noises come from the engine as it’s not getting enough airflow to work properly.

The air filter has likely become clogged or dirty. This is probably the most common cause of a noisy air purifier, because it can happen over time with every filter.

When you don’t change the filters regularly enough, the air quality degrades, your air purifier makes noise, the air in your home becomes stale and stagnant. Your air purifier also becomes a breeding ground for germs and mold.

Solution:

  • Turn off and unplug your air purifier.
  • Remove the rear cover of your air purifier using the lock and release button.
  • Remove the old air filter from the system.
  • Examine the filter to check if it has gone gray or black.
  • Replace the filter with a new one.
  • If your air purifier has an arrow, examine the arrow on the filter to ensure proper installation. If not, use the readers manual to ensure correct installation.
  • Replace and fasten the back cover.
  • Reset the filter change indicator.

4. Dust build-up on ionizer pins

Dust buildup on the ionizer pins is usually the cause of any ticking noises you are hearing in the air purifier. Static electricity causes the ionizer pins to make a clicking/ticking sound when they collect too much dust.

Note: this problem only applies to air purifiers that have an ionizer component.

Solution:

  • Remove the filter and clean it according to your user’s manual’s instructions.
  • Look down into the vent where the filter was, and you will notice a white piece of plastic with holes the size of a silver dollar.
  • There will be something that looks like a needle in the center of each hole; these are the ionizer pins, and they will most likely have dust on them.
  • Clean the ionizer pins with compressed air after blowing out the air purifier.
  • Reassemble the air purifier, and reset it.

5. Location of the air purifier 

The location of your air purifier affects its performance as well as the amount of noise it makes.

Always make sure your air purifier is in a well-ventilated area and that nothing is blocking it.  Compared to an empty room with high ceilings and wood floors, an air purifier in a room with carpet and other furniture will help absorb any noise created by the device.

But make sure your purifier is well away from furniture and walls, otherwise it can impact the air intake.

Solution:

  • Locate your air purifier near the worst pollutants in the air, i.e., smoke, odor, mold source areas.
  • Place the air purifier on the ground or at the height of 3-5 feet above the ground depending on your specific user manual recommendations.
  • Place it in areas with the most airflow, like the doorways, walls, or near the Window.
  • Avoid putting an air purifier in a corner due to low airflow.
  • Remove any obstacles from the vicinity of your air purifier to optimize airflow.
  • Avoid placing your air purifier in high humidity areas, e.g, the bathroom or cooking area.
  • Keep your air purifier away from other electronic devices such as the TV or Microwave.

6. High fan speed.

When an air purifier is set on a high speed, it increases the volume noise. Air purifiers that work harder produce more noise because they function at faster rates.

This is a normal noise and not actually a problem.

However, if you notice that your purifier makes more noise when set on a high speed, but that it didn’t use to it means the fan has become loose – this is a problem that can be fixed!

Solution:

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

7. Your air purifier is simply a loud model

Some air purifiers are simply louder than others. Take, for example, the Vornado AC. This is because even when set at a low or middle fan speed, it is still louder than other air purifiers, and at the highest speed, it’s loudest.

HEPA air purifiers are often the most prevalent air cleaners on the market, and they can be rather noisy. One of the quietest air purifiers users have confirmed is Levoit Vital 100 Air Purifier.

Solution:

  • Look for the noise decibel label on an air purifier before you buy it.
  • If you are worried about the noise level of a new air purifier, double-check the features and specs and make an informed decision.

Are air purifiers supposed to make noise?

The noise made by an air purifier is the equivalent of a normal conversation. The volume of noise made by an air purifier depends on the model and operation speed.  However, an air purifier set to the highest fan speed will be noisier than one set to a low speed. 

The type of air purifier, its size, and whether it’s set on high, low, or anywhere in between determines how noisy it will be.

Air purifiers can make different sounds. For example, if you move the air purifier while it is running, it will simply make excessive noise. Or, when the air purifier is turned off, the fan may create a hissing sound as it slows down and turns off. This is why you are advised to turn the power off before relocating the air purifier.          

Air purifiers that make crackling, whistling, hissing or rattling noises generally need some maintenance or repairs. Whereas beeping, humming and whispering are normal operational noises produced by air purifiers.

If your air purifier is naturally noisier than what you want, or it’s broken, Plentiful Air has a guide to the quietest air purifiers available here.

Theresa Orr

Theresa Orr holds a PhD in Earth Science and specializes in determining past climates from rocks using geochemistry. Her passion for clean water, soil and air drives her to provide easy to understand information for everyone to read.

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