4 Common Causes of Air Purifier Noises

Air purifiers have become an essential part of HVAC systems for nearly half a decade now. Ideally, air purifiers should be barely noticeable when running — just quietly humming along while keeping your home safe from allergens and pollutants. If yours is making a racket every time it’s turned on, read on as Perfect Degree HVAC shares the most common causes of noise in air purifiers.

1. Fan motor ramping up. Like your HVAC system’s air handler, air purifiers use fans to create airflow when in operation. As described above, your air purifier should make a soft humming noise that’s no louder than normal conversation levels. Sometimes the fan motor may ramp up if a greater amount of airflow is needed, at which point a more noticeable hum may be heard. This part of the air purifier will require regular maintenance to avoid wear on the motors.
2. Small objects. Sometimes small objects make their way into the air purifier, and make ratting or clanging noises within the unit if caught in the fan blades. If the object is readily visible, turn off the air purifier, unplug it from power to avoid electric shock, and simply remove the item. If it requires taking the unit apart, consult the user guide first to see if the unit is user-serviceable. If not, call your HVAC technician for assistance.
3. Blocked airflow. Poor airflow within the air purifier can increase the workload on its motors and increase its noise levels. Often, the cause is air filters that are filled to capacity. Fortunately, most air purifiers are designed to let users replace the air filters on their own. Make it a point to check the air filter specifications — type of material, size, brand — before buying a replacement. Your user guide should also have an air filter buying guide, as well as replacement instructions.
4. Mechanical issues. Air purifier noises can also be caused by mechanical issues which, in turn, may be caused by damaged components, regular wear and tear, or even a factory defect. If your air purifier seems to be making a noise that doesn’t seem to be caused by small objects or poor airflow, follow the troubleshooting steps in its user guide. If it requires the attention of an HVAC technician, stop using it to prevent further damage to the system.

Perfect Degree HVAC offers air purifiers and other indoor air quality systems from Honeywell, Aprilaire and Luxaire. Learn more about these products by giving us a call at (610) 529-7372. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.