Air purifiers are important indoor tools that remove airborne pollutants and provide clean air quality for large spaces and buildings. In the event an air purifier stops working, air quality may be compromised and pollutant particles could invade homes almost immediately.
Air purifier problems may feel sudden—but most of the time the troubles are temporary and can be solved through easy changes to the device or system placement. Here are six common reasons air purifiers may stop working and how to troubleshoot each scenario.
Reason 1: Air purifier filter is dirty, clogged, or doesn’t properly fit
One of the most common scenarios at-home users run into is that the filters within their air purifiers are dirty or clogged due to prolonged utilization (1). Air purifier filters have lifespans printed on product packaging, detailing to users when the filter should be changed to a new one. Air purifier filters should never be reused and lifespans of the filters could degrade much quicker based on daily utilization.
Another reason why air purifiers don’t work is because the filter doesn’t properly fit. This can be because replacement instructions are not followed or most likely because it’s the wrong filter. Be sure to check the filter model is the correct fit for the air purifier device. Also ensure and that all plastic packaging is removed. Incorrect filter models and wrapped product packaging could lead to an improper fit, causing an air purifier to not filter the air properly.
Reason 2: Air purifier is not fit for the room dimensions
An air purifier could be functioning properly, but the room size the device is placed in impacts an air purifier’s ability to perform. If a small air purifier is placed in a large room, the device may be ineffective in removing all airborne pollutants and wouldn’t be able to filtrate the entire indoor air space.
To ensure maximum pollutant protection and proper filtration, check the suggested room size for your air purifier on the product’s packaging. Generally, small tabletop air purifiers should be placed in desk areas or smaller rooms, while floor-standing air purifiers are best fit for larger family-style rooms. Measure room dimensions to ensure air purifiers are a proper fit for the spaces they are housed in.
Reason 3: Fan speed is too low
While low fan speeds save electrical energy, some spaces may require higher fan settings to effectively remove the maximum number of airborne pollutants. Large spaces or rooms with high activity can produce greater amounts of pollutant particles that low fan speeds may not be equipped to handle.
If an air purifier doesn’t improve a room’s air quality, employ medium-to-high power fan settings to increase filtration speed and suction. Set the air purifier to a continuous fan mode to maximize airflow intake throughout the day.
Reason 4: Power-saving modes or timers could be inefficient
Energy-efficient modes and timers are beneficial in reducing electrical usage, but the settings could impact air purifier performance and suction power. Airborne pollutants never stop invading homes, even at night. Constant usage of sleep mode timers and energy-efficient settings prohibits air purifiers from running consistent filtration cycles.
If air quality doesn’t seem to improve with an air purifier, try running the device on high-powered filtration settings throughout the day and night. Allowing an air purifier system to run for longer at higher fan settings may help improve air quality levels and reduce particulate matter.
Reason 5: Air purifier placement is blocking airflow
The placement of an air purifier is important—if placed incorrectly, airflow could be blocked and the air purifier wouldn’t be able to properly filtrate airborne pollutants (2). Place air purifiers away from walls, furniture, and open windows that could obstruct or interfere with direct airflow.
Routinely cleaning an air purifier and brushing through filter holes can help prevent airflow blockages as well. Large particle matter, such as dust clumps and hair, can easily get stuck between filter holes, blocking airflow and other pollutants from getting filtered.
Reason 6: Electrical connectivity is poor
The source of the issue may not have to come from the air purifier itself, but rather the electrical outlets and cords the device is connected to. Try plugging the air purifier into various different outlets or power cord extensions to see if it could be an electrical plug issue. Check to ensure the air purifier has an appropriate voltage and doesn’t overload the electrical outlets.
If multiple outlets are not working, try examining the air purifier to see if there may be any loose wiring or snapped cords that are causing the issue. Make sure the air purifier device is switched on when plugged into an electrical outlet.
Methods for proper air purifier utilization
Air purifier troubles can be frustrating, especially when problems arise unannounced. However, daily practices and routine cleaning can help reduce any risks of your air purifier running into an issue. From a ventilation and filtration practices to a troubleshoot checklist, helpful air purifier questions and maintenance tasks include:
Routine practices:
- Daily cleaning: Clean air purifier filter holes from large debris, routinely change out filters, and upkeep electrical cords to ensure proper connectivity.
- Positioned ventilation: Be aware of blockages to the air purifier filter holes, avoid placing devices near open windows, and double check room dimensions are fit for the air purifier.
- Air filtration settings: Install an air quality monitor to examine clean air results, employ high powered fan speeds, and run air cleaning devices for prolonged periods of time.
Troubleshooting checklist:
- Is the filter clean and properly installed?
- Is the purifier sized correctly for the room?
- Is it positioned away from walls and obstructions?
- Is the fan speed set appropriately for current conditions?
- Is the power connection secure?
- Have you tried unplugging and resetting the unit?
To avoid compromised indoor air quality, routine practices and running through a troubleshoot checklist are key in isolating air purifier issues and obstacles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
I tried everything, what do I do if my air purifier is still not working?
If you have tried multiple troubleshooting methods and the air purifier is still not functioning properly, the issue could be internal and may require in-depth assistance or device replacement.
For IQAir air purifier assistance, please submit an online inquiry or schedule a call with an IQAir expert through the “Contact Us” section on our website.
How long do air purifier filters last?
Air purifier filters can last from 1-4 years, depending on filter model, daily utilization, and environment.
Where should I put an air purifier?
The most optimal spaces for an air purifier are environments with abundant particulate matter, high daily activity levels, and various exposures to allergens.
To avoid performance difficulties, place the air purifier away from walls, furniture, and obstructive household items that could block airflow intake. Open windows directly next to air purifiers may also interfere with the system’s ability to effectively filtrate indoor pollutants.
How do I know my air purifier is working?
Air purifiers are quiet, yet effective tools in removing particulate matter and airborne pollutants indoors.
To verify if an air purifier is working properly, place your hand near the system’s filtration holes and feel to see if the device is suctioning air. Compare and contrast personal allergen symptoms before employing an air purifier and after. To scientifically verify clean air production, employ an air quality monitor and examine if Air Quality Index (AQI) levels improve when using an air purifier.
Conclusion
Faulty air purifier setup and placement can’t stop clean air quality to be achieved within indoor spaces. To prohibit or solve common connectivity issues for air purifiers, utilize troubleshooting methods to quickly address the problem and continue clean air filtration.
Daily practices and proper utilization methods help ensure air purifiers are capturing the maximum amount of pollutant particles and achieving clean air status indoors without any obstacles.
