Is air purifier noisy?

With growing air pollution, allergy-inducing pollen, and toxic bacteria, you may want to run air purifiers all the time to ensure that you’re inhaling healthy air while you’re in your house.

However, people who enjoy quiet may doubt if their lives will be improved by a tranquil air-cleaning machine or disturbed by another loud device. Hence, “Is an air purifier noisy?” is the question that we would like to address today.

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Is air purifier noisy?

Whether an air purifier is noisy or not depends on two factors: the air purifier’s design itself and how much noise you consider noisy. Larger air purifiers are often noisier but more powerful, while smaller ones are quieter and can be used in smaller places. Built-in HVAC air purifiers are practically silent, making the least noise, while HEPA air purifiers often produce more sound as they use fans to draw air through filters to purify it.

The second and more important factor that helps determine if an air purifier is noisy is how much noise you can tolerate. Our ears are nonlinear, which implies that we can process quieter sounds better than louder ones. Most people, for example, accept or even appreciate the crunching sound that leaves create when stepped on, but they dislike the sound of a balloon exploding or a lawnmower running.

Many people who use air purifiers love the clear, ambient sound that resembles white noise. Some claim it helps them concentrate better when studying or working and fall asleep faster in the same way as sound machines do. However, others feel that the noise is distracting while they are watching television or need some peace and quiet.

How loud can an air purifier be?

The volume of sound is measured in decibels (dB). There are scales that list the decibel levels of various noises. There are several variations, but here are some common examples:

• 0 dB means perfectly quiet, which can be found almost nowhere in nature.
• The noise of rustling leaves is at 20 dB.
• The noise you can find in library is between 30 to 40 dB.
• A restaurant is 50 dB.
• A vacuum cleaner has a decibel rating of 80 dB.
• A blow dryer or chainsaw is 100 dB.
• The sound of firing is 130 dB.
• A rocket launch is 180 dB.

Air purifiers’ decibel levels can range from 15 to 75 dB, which is quite a big gap. Many manufacturers indicate the decibel level of their air purifier, so you can predict how loud it will be at its highest speed. On its highest speed, an air purifier’s decibel levels that exceed 60 dB will be considered “noisy.”

Is there any way to reduce air purifier noise?

If you are highly sensitive to noise, here are some tips to help you enjoy your clean air without compromising.

Select the right air purifier

When choosing an air purifier, always choose a product from a well-known manufacturer or a big brand. Some air purifiers are significantly noisier than others. Pay great attention to the dB level indicated. Those that are low on power also produce less noise than the others.

Choose the right size of air purifier for your room’s size. Larger areas require more powerful air purifiers. To get the same air-cleansing effect, the air purifier will need to operate at maximum speed for an extended period of time, and the noise will increase dramatically.

List of the best air purifiers

If you are afraid that air purifier noise can affect your sleep, remove it from your bedroom or choose an air purifier that is designed for bedroom. These air purifiers are compact and quiet, but still powerful enough to give you fresh and clean air.

Change the settings

After you’ve placed the air purifier in its position, spend some time experimenting with its settings. The highest setting may be too loud for your preferences, but the lower levels provide soothing ambient noise that you may actually enjoy. Feel free to switch off the air purifier when you need some peaceful and quiet time.

Clean your air purifier filters regularly

Filter-type air purifiers absorb pollutants in the air via filters. In time, this results in excessive dirt on the filter. When too much dirt accumulates on the filter screen, it increases wind resistance and noise. Hence, keep your filters clean by washing (if they are washable) or replacing them according to the manufacturer’s manual.

Check for blockage

During use, it is possible for objects to fall inside the air purifier, resulting in a blockage. Some of the most common things include papers, small children’s toys, and intruding bugs. To restore your air purifier, just open its back cover and remove these things.

Check for damaged components

One of the most typical problems is that your air filter becomes broken or clogged. Because the air filter is a key component of the air purifier, when it becomes broken or clogged, you may notice loud noises and a decline in efficiency. Other components, in addition to the air filter, can be examined, so you may need to do maintenance or repairs from time to time.

Overall, if you find your air purifier running louder than usual, contact the manufacturer for maintenance and repair as soon as possible. This may not only relieve you of the annoyance, but it may also save you money on replacement costs.