Honeywell Air Purifier Making Loud Noise (Solution Explained)

I’ve helped many people whose homes have become a breeding ground for pollutants like dander, mold, dust, and more.[1] The first thing I tell them to do is clean! The second thing I tell them to do is buy an air purifier.

A high-performance air purifier, like the purifiers offered by Honeywell, can work wonders on your indoor air. However, all machines have hiccups, and I’ve had people complain of loud noise from their Honeywell purifier.

Below I’ve compiled a list of reasons why a Honeywell air purifier might be making a loud noise and what you can do to fix it.

Honeywell Air Purifier Making Loud Noises – (Reasons & How To Fix)

Debris Inside The Unit

If debris accumulates in your Honeywell air purifier, it can cause more than just reduced effectiveness in cleaning the air; it can also lead to a loud rattling noise.

As air passes through the filters, dust and other debris can accumulate on the fan or other internal components of the air purifier. When this happens, the fan may struggle to rotate properly, causing it to wobble or vibrate, producing a rattling sound. Or, you could be hearing motor noise.

If you don’t address this issue right away, it could lead to further damage to the internal components of the air purifier. This is only one reason I tell everyone that regular cleaning and maintenance are essential for keeping your Honeywell air purifier working efficiently and quietly.

The specific steps for removing debris from an air purifier can vary depending on the model and type of air purifier. However, there are some general steps you can follow:

1. Turn off and unplug the air purifier. This keeps you from being electrocuted, so don’t skip it.
2. Open the air purifier’s cover or access panel to reveal the internal components. Depending on your air purifier model, you may need to remove a filter or unscrew some screws to access the interior.
3. Check the fan and other internal components for any visible debris or dust. Use a soft-bristled brush or a dry cloth to gently wipe away any debris you see.
4. Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove any additional debris or dust that you cannot reach by hand. Be sure to use a gentle setting to avoid damaging any internal components.
5. Reassemble the air purifier and turn it back on. Check for any unusual noise or vibrations to ensure the problem is fixed.

Filter Not Correctly Installed

A filter installed incorrectly on a Honeywell air purifier can also cause loud noise issues. I’ve seen this happen many times after someone has cleaned or replaced their filter.

An improperly installed filter can cause air leaks or disrupt the airflow within the air purifier, leading to vibrations, rattling, or other unwanted noises. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific air filter carefully when installing them to ensure proper placement and alignment.

Installing Honeywell replacement filters correctly and ensuring that they are properly positioned can help prevent any noise issues arising from incorrect installation. This will allow your Honeywell air purifier to operate smoothly and quietly, providing clean and fresh air to your home or office.

You Need A Replacement Filter

Several air purifiers from Honeywell I’ve dealt with have a filter change indicator light. This light lets users know when to replace their filters and the pre-filter. Using a dirty or clogged filter without cleaning or replacing it can cause several issues, including loud and odd noises.

A dirty or clogged filter can strain the air purifier’s internal components, including the fan. When the fan works harder to draw air through a dirty filter, it can produce loud and unusual sounds. Over time, the extra strain can cause the fan to malfunction or even overheat, potentially damaging the air purifier.

To prevent this, carefully clean a permanent filter or use replacement filters and pre-filters as soon as the indicator system signals the need. Regular maintenance of your Honeywell air purifier will keep it quiet and ensure it effectively removes harmful particles from the air.

Dust On Ioniser Pins

If dust accumulates on the ionizer pins of a Honeywell air purifier, it can cause the device to produce a loud ticking noise. Ionizer pins produce static electricity that can attract dust and other airborne particles. If dust accumulates on the ionizer pins, the pins could malfunction, making the ticking sound.

If you notice this ticking noise coming from your Honeywell air purifier, unplug it and open its cover to expose the ionizer pins. Once you can see the pins, use a can of compressed air to blow away any dust or debris that may have accumulated on them. This should restore the proper function of the ionizer pins and eliminate the ticking noise.

If the ticking noise persists, it may be a sign of a more serious issue, and professional servicing may be necessary.

Air Purifier Location

The location and positioning of your Honeywell air purifier in your home can also affect its noise level. Ensure your air purifier is well-ventilated and not blocked or covered by anything. This allows air to circulate freely and prevents the device from overheating, which can cause it to produce a loud noise.

You should put your air purifier on the ground, near the source of the worst pollutants (such as the kitchen or the cat litter box), or on a table. However, keeping it away from corners is essential, as this can cause the air purifier to vibrate and produce additional noise.

Lastly, position your air purifier facing into the room instead of towards the wall. This ensures that the air purifier can circulate clean air effectively throughout the room, reducing the need to operate at a high fan speed, which can cause additional noise.

High-Speed Fan Has Issues

Your Honeywell air purifier HPA200 uses a high-speed fan to draw air through its filters, which can create some noise. The noise level can vary, with higher fan speeds generally resulting in louder operation.

However, suppose your air purifier is making an unusually loud or rattling sound. In that case, it may be due to an issue with the high-speed fan. Over time, the fan blades can become unbalanced or dirty, causing the fan to vibrate or make a rattling noise.

To address this issue, reduce the fan speed to a lower setting, which can help reduce the noise level. Also, make sure your air purifier is placed on a flat and stable surface to prevent vibrations from causing the feet of the air purifier to rattle against the surface.

Air Purifier Model Has High Decibels

The decibel level of the air purifier can also cause loud noises. Decibels are the measurement unit used to express a sound’s loudness. So if your Honeywell air purifier has a high decibel rating, it will likely produce a loud noise.

If your Honeywell air purifier runs too loud, try changing the settings to a lower speed or using it in a different room where the noise may be less noticeable. You can also consider using noise-canceling headphones or listening to music or white noise to help drown out the sound.

Explaining Honeywell Air Purifier Types Of Noise

Beeping

Honeywell air purifiers can make beeping noises for various reasons. Some produce a beep when there is a change in the settings or program. This beep is usually a confirmation that the changes were successfully made.

If the air purifier produces a repeated beeping sound, it could indicate a problem that requires attention. One of the most common reasons for a repeated beeping sound is that the filter needs to be changed or cleaned.

If changing or cleaning the filter and resetting the system does not solve the problem, check the owner’s manual or contact customer service for further assistance.

Clicking/Rattling

Clicking noises in Honeywell air purifiers have different causes depending on the specific model and design of the device. For example, when the ionizer charges and releases ions into the air, it can sometimes create a clicking or popping noise, especially when capturing large particles or debris.

If the clicking noise is accompanied by any other unusual sounds or smells, it may be a sign of a mechanical issue or malfunction that requires professional attention.

Crackling

Crackling sounds are similar to clicking noises but usually indicate a different issue. A crackling sound often means HEPA filters have trapped a large piece of mold, dander, or other contaminants. As the air passes through the filter, it causes the trapped particles to crackle.

If you notice crackling sounds from your Honeywell air purifier, the filter likely needs cleaning or replacement. Regular cleaning and maintenance of the air purifier can help prevent the crackling noise from occurring.

Whispering

Whispering noises coming from your Honeywell are typically caused by the fan spinning at a low speed to circulate the air through the filters. This sound is usually perfectly normal and indicates that the air purifier is operating correctly.

However, if you notice any unusual accompanying sounds like grinding or squealing, it could be a sign of a mechanical issue that requires attention.

Hissing

In some Honeywell models, a hissing noise may indicate the air quality sensor is scanning or measuring the air quality. That’s a normal function of the air purifier. However, not all air purifiers have an air quality sensor, and not all hissing noises are normal or harmless.

A hissing noise is likely related to the internal components of the air purifier. In some cases, a hissing noise can be a sign of a more severe issue, like a clogged air filter or a malfunctioning motor.

Whistling Noise

A whistling noise typically indicates an issue with the Honeywell filters or the air flow in the air purifier. A pre-filter or HEPA filter clogged with dust or debris can sometimes cause a whistling noise. Cleaning or using replacement filters and resetting the filter indicator light can restore proper airflow and eliminate the whistling noise.

Another possible cause of a whistling noise in an air purifier is a blocked intake or exhaust grille. The grilles allow air to flow into and out of the air purifier, but they can become blocked by debris or smoke particles. Inspecting the grilles and removing blockages can restore proper airflow and eliminate the whistling noise.

Common Honeywell Air Purifier Frequently Asked Questions

Is an air purifier supposed to make some noise?

Even if an air purifier works as it should, it is supposed to make some noise. The noise level may vary depending on the model and design of the air purifier, but it’s typically within an acceptable range for indoor use.

What should be the noise level for an air purifier?

The noise level for an air purifier should be 50 decibels (dB) or lower. This is equivalent to a quiet conversation or a soft humming noise. Air purifiers with higher decibel levels may be louder and may cause distractions or disruptions in the environment where they are being used.

Which Honeywell air purifier is the quietest?

The Honeywell HPA160 is one of the quietest air purifiers available from Honeywell. It has a noise level of only 25 decibels on the lowest fan speed setting.

Can my Honeywell air purifier be on all the time?

Yes, your Honeywell air purifier can be on all the time to ensure continuous air purification. However, you should regularly clean or use replacement filters as the manufacturer recommends to ensure optimal performance and avoid potential damage to the unit.

Conclusion

Air cleaners can make your home feel comfortable and clean. However, I know firsthand that they can also make it a little noisy. Most Honeywell air purifiers work as they should, but some can be a little loud.

If your Honeywell air purifier makes some noise, it’s usually okay, but unusual sounds should be checked out. The tips I laid out above should eliminate most loud noises coming from your Honeywell purifier. However, if they persist, it might be time to call a service technician.

Sources:

1. https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/indoor-pollutants-and-sources

2. https://www.honeywellpluggedin.ca/air-purifiers/manuals

3. https://www.honeywell.com/us/en/contact