8 Reasons Air Purifiers Don’t Work: How To Fix It

Air purifiers are devices designed to enhance indoor air quality by removing various pollutants and contaminants from the air we breathe. These devices have gained increasing popularity as people become more conscious of the importance of clean and healthy air within their living spaces. But what if your air purifiers don’t work as it should be?

Identifying the underlying issue or finding a solution to fix it could be a challenging task. These concerns are undoubtedly relatable for anyone who has an air purifier. In the following article, we will delve into popular reasons why your air purifiers don’t work and provide solutions for resolving them.

Understanding Air Purifiers

The fundamental purpose of an air purifier is to improve indoor air quality. The unit uses an internal filter and a fan to draw in harmful particles, allergens, and impurities from the air and eliminate them. The purified air is then reintroduced back into the room. This filtration procedure is repeated multiple times each hour, thereby enhancing the quality of indoor air.

This is particularly crucial for those suffering from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions, as cleaner air can relieve symptoms and reduce the frequency of attacks. Moreover, air purifiers come with various benefits, including neutralizing odors from cooking, pets, and smoke or eliminating volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from building materials or home products.

Why Air Purifiers Don’t Work: The Most Common Causes

1. Clogged or dirty filters

If you are wondering why your air purifiers don’t work as expected, the answer might involve checking the air filter. When there is a problem with the filters, the device may not be able to operate properly or even stop working. A common issue affecting air filters is clogging. During the process of capturing and preventing particles from your indoor environment, your air purifier’s filter may become clogged and will require routine maintenance or replacement.

Take a moment to check the filters and clean any buildup accordingly. You can remove the old filters and clean them or replace them with new ones. Neglecting this task could significantly influence the performance of your purifier. Besides preventing your purifier from functioning, a dirty filter can also become a pollutant source, dispersing mold spores and bacteria throughout your home.

2. Power cord damage

Many homeowners may encounter issues with a damaged power cord. In such a situation, there is no need to search for other causes if your air purifier stops working. When the power cord fails to facilitate power transmission, the air purifier won’t be able to power on. If you start suspecting this, take a moment to inspect the power cord thoroughly. Ensure that there are no sharp edges or entanglements in the cable. If you happen to discover any problems, it might be necessary to replace a new power cord for your device.

3. Insufficient flow of air

Air purifiers generally require a specific level of airflow to operate effectively. Occasionally, an air purifier may release an unpleasant smell if there is a blockage in the air intake or exhaust. One primary source of air blockage is not removing the packaging of the new air filter during replacement. If the packaging remains intact, the air won’t be able to pass through the filter.

If there are no evident blockages, you can also check the fan speed of your device. If the setting is at a low level, consider increasing it to a higher setting, as this could be the reason why your air purifiers don’t work. However, this is just a temporary solution and may indicate an underlying issue. Therefore, it is advisable to contact a professional to schedule a maintenance appointment.

4. Power socket issues

Issues with power sockets can lead to improper functioning or failure to turn on your air purifier. When using faulty sockets, the air purifier may not receive enough amount of electricity for optimal operation.

If you’re having issues with your air purifier, make sure to check the condition of the power sockets. To avoid electric shocks, you should take extra precautions and handle the testing process when your hands are completely dry. Moreover, ensure that the power socket is free of dirt or any sharp edges. Evaluate both the power cable and the pins within the socket. In some cases, you may need to replace the power cable or the socket itself to restore proper functionality.

5. Overheating

Your air purifier’s performance can be negatively affected by overheating. Overheating can also cause permanent damage to your purifier. The overheating within your air purifier is often due to several factors, such as a defective power source, faulty internal components, and obstructed filters. Nevertheless, this scenario doesn’t apply to every purifier model, as many are equipped with a built-in security measure. This protective feature activates when the purifier operates too long or is too hot.

If air purifiers don’t work due to overheating, you should immediately arrange a maintenance appointment. It is best to solve this quickly, as the cause might stem from power problems that can escalate into more serious issues.

Each air purifier may require different approaches for troubleshooting. Below are some general guidelines to find out why your air purifiers don’t work.

6. Inadequate maintenance

Using your air purifier regularly without proper maintenance will likely lead to operational issues. When an air purifier is not properly maintained, its filters can become dirty or clogged, its motors may start malfunctioning, and other problems can arise that hinder its overall performance. To prevent these issues, it is best to schedule maintenance by a professional at least twice a year to avoid any potential problems from improper handling of the device.

7. Insensitive controls

Another reason why your air purifier is not working is unresponsive controls. Modern air purifiers typically come with push buttons or touch controls, which can occasionally fail to respond. Some of the reasons for this problem include an unplugged power cord or an incorrectly placed filter cover. Consequently, if you notice the controls of your air purifier are not responding, start by checking the connection of the power cord. If that doesn’t work, you can also check the filter cover and ensure it is correctly placed.

In other cases, unresponsive controls may be caused by malfunctioning controls. These controls can negatively impact the operation of your air purifier. If this situation arises, disconnect the air purifier from the power outlet and contact a qualified technician for resolution.

8. A defective motor

If the motor of your air purifier lacks sufficient power, it will take longer to clean the air. The increased particulate matter in the air may cause the filter to clog. To prevent this, make sure you use the appropriate filters for your air purifier and the filter is kept clean. A motor replacement may be necessary if no objects are obstructing the air vent.

Bottom Line

Like any other household appliance, there will be times when air purifiers don’t work. When they fail to operate properly, they can be harmful to your health in the long run. By applying the above steps for troubleshooting air purifiers, you can maintain their optimal performance and ensure the purity of your indoor air. In case you encounter more complicated problems, it is advisable to seek assistance from experts to ensure an appropriate solution.