Do Air Purifiers Make Noise? [4 Sounds That Raise Concern]

An air purifier has become an integral part of our lives for quite a while. In our quest for healthier indoor air, we turned to these devices that promised to free the air in our homes from pollutants and allergens, create a fresher environment, and even solve some health problems. And they did.

However, we all know that very few devices work silently, and folks are worried that an air purifier may disturb the quiet sanctuary of their home with an annoying noise.

I’ve had an air purifier for a few years now and know all about the noises it makes. I am going to walk you through the whole range of noises an air purifier produces and explain what each of them means. I will also tell you how a well-functioning air purifier should sound.

First, let me outline the basics. Air purifiers come in various shapes, sizes, and designs, but the basic principle of operation is almost always the same. They draw in air from the room, pass it through filters to absorb pollutants, and then release clean airflow back into the room. During this process, they also make some noise.

This noise can be different. Let’s explore the sounds an air purifier can make because it can show us if the air purifier is functioning properly or if something has gone wrong, and we need to troubleshoot.

Normal noise

I want to start with the standard noise that a normally functioning air purifier typically emits. It’s a gentle, low-level sound that I can describe as a soft hum or whirr. If I had to find an analogy, I’d compare the sound of an air purifier to background white noise. I find it unobtrusive. I stopped noticing it very quickly after installing an air purifier in my house.

Different air purifier noises: reasons and troubleshooting

Now, it’s time to talk about potential problems that variations in the air purifier’s noise can indicate. They can signal that there is an issue with your air purifier and that you should take action.

Before we dive in, I want to note that if you are not sure that you can solve the issue yourself, don’t do it. Instead, I suggest calling a specialist when you hear one of the noises I will describe below. They will resolve the issue.

#1. High-pitched noise

As I’ve already mentioned, most air purifiers operate quietly. So if you hear a high-pitched noise from their air purifier, it can be concerning. This high-pitched noise can range from a subtle whine to an annoying squeal. What are the possible reasons?

Reasons

1. Fan speed: if it spins faster to draw in more air, it can create a high-pitched noise. This is the case if you have an air purifier with the fan speed adjustment function, where selecting a higher setting can result in more noise.
2. Fan motor issues: over time, the motor may accumulate dust or debris and start making noise. Also, wear and tear on the motor components can lead to high-pitched noise as it rotates.
3. New filter installation: if you installed a filter in your air purifier, you can get more noise because the filter allows airflow to pass through more easily.

Troubleshooting

1. Clean or replace an air filter: if you notice a high-pitched noise after installing a new filter, make sure the filter is properly installed. With an older filter, try cleaning it from dust and dirt or replacing the filter.
2. Inspect fan blades: check the blades carefully for any buildup and clean them with a soft brush.
3. Adjust fan speed: if the high-pitched noise appears at higher fan speeds, reduce the fan speed. The noise will decrease.

#2. Rattling noise

When your air purifier starts making a rattling noise, there is usually a reason to be concerned.

Reasons

1. Loose components: over time, vibrations from the air purifier operation can cause screws, bolts, or other internal components of the air purifier to loosen.
2. Fan issues: if the fan blades become loose or unbalanced, they may produce a rattling noise as they spin.
3. Housing damage: this includes cracks, dents, or other structural damage. Such faults affect the stability of the air purifier.

Troubleshooting

1. Inspect and tighten screws: check the exterior and interior of the air purifier for any loose screws, bolts, or other fasteners. Use a screwdriver or other tools to tighten any components that may be the reason for a loud rattling noise.
2. Clean fan blades: if after you’ve tightened the screws, the rattling noise won’t stop, fan blades may be the issue. Remove any dust, pet hair, or other debris from the fan blades with a soft brush or cloth.
3. Check for housing damage: if you’ve found signs of damage to the housing of the air purifier, make sure that is the reason for the rattling noise. In some cases, minor damage can be repaired with adhesive or sealant. That will reduce vibrations from the airflow.
4. Balance fan blades: if the fan blades of the air purifier are unbalanced, gently adjust them. Then make sure that the fan blades are evenly spaced and attached to the motor shaft properly.

#3. Squeaking noise

I find the squeaking noise from the air purifier especially bothersome. Let’s see what can cause it.

Reasons

1. Worn bearings: the bearings that support the rotation of the fan blades can wear off or get damaged. That leads to friction and squeaking noise from the air purifier.
2. Lack of lubrication: if the moving parts inside the motor are not lubricated properly, they will rub against each other with friction and squeaking noise.
3. Belt tension: some purifiers use belts to drive the fan motor. If the belt gets loose, it can slip or rub against other components with a loud squeaking noise.

Troubleshooting

1. Inspect and lubricate bearings: if the bearings of the air purifier seem worn or dry, lubricate them with a suitable lubricant.
2. Check belt tension: if your air purifier has a belt-driven fan motor, check it for proper tension. It must be neither too loose nor too tight. Adjust the tension of the belt as the manufacturer’s guidelines recommend.
3. Clean and maintain components: regular cleaning and maintenance of the internal components are key. Pay special attention to the fan motor, bearings, and belts. From my experience, these areas of the air purifier are the most vulnerable. I use a soft brush or cloth to get rid of any dust and buildup.
4. Replace worn components: if during the checkup you see that the fan motor bearings, belts, an air filter, or other components of the air purifier are worn or even damaged, replace them and the loud squeaking noise will be gone.

#4. Hissing noise

What can cause the hissing noise from your air purifier? Let’s explore.

Reasons

1. Air leakage: it happens when air escapes from gaps, cracks, or seals within the unit housing or components. Airflow rushes through these openings with a loud hissing sound.
2. Pressure differential: when the fan draws in air at a high velocity, it can create turbulent airflow. The airflow moves through the unit’s ducts or filter with a loud hissing noise.
3. Faulty seals or gaskets: these components may wear out or get displaced. The air escapes and makes a hissing sound.

Troubleshooting

1. Inspect seals and gaskets: try to find any signs of damage, wear, or displacement that may cause air leakage. Replace damaged seals or reinstall displaced gaskets.
2. Check for air leaks: check the exterior and interior of the air purifier for any gaps, cracks, or openings where air may escape. Seal any leaks with sealant or adhesive.
3. Inspect filters: every air filter must always be secured within the compartment designated for this air filter, and there must be no gaps around the edges. Check that out.

Conclusion

As you can see from the article, air purifiers can produce all kinds of noises, but most of them will indicate that there is an issue with your device that you need to address.

When your air purifier is functioning properly, the noise it makes is quiet and unobtrusive for most of us.

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Sandra Wells

Greetings, readers! I’m Sandra Wells, an air purification expert dedicated to helping you achieve a cleaner and fresher living space. Stay tuned for practical tips and insights to enhance your air quality. Click here to read more about our team.