If someone asks me what brand of air purifier I recommend, I typically tell them Levoit. Levoit is known for quality, dependability, and functionality. Their mid-range air purifiers are some of my favorites and are widely available.
However, sometimes even the best machines don’t work as expected. For example, I’ve had reports of the Levoit 131 air purifier not turning on, and there are typically a few reasons for that.
The good news is this issue can be easily diagnosed and repaired with a bit of know-how. Below I’ll guide you through troubleshooting, diagnosing the problem, and restoring your machine to its full working order.
My Levoit 131 Air Purifier Won’t Turn On – Common Reasons & Solutions
The main power supply for your Levoit 131 air purifier encompasses various components, ranging from the external line connecting to your home to the safety shut-off switch located on the machine.
If your Levoit fails to turn on, the issue likely lies somewhere in the power supply. The good news is that many can be resolved swiftly and easily.
Power Cord Unplugged or Faulty
The power cord is made of heavy-duty copper, sheathed in plastic, and wrapped in durable, high-quality rubber.
However, I’ve seen these components break down over time, and the cord prongs can become loose and the copper can degrade.
These issues are rare, but it’s always where I start because they’re easy to check and rule out. Remove the cord from the outlet and the Levoit unit and inspect it from top to bottom.
Ensure the prongs are solid and secure and there aren’t any damaged areas along the cord. If you find issues with the cord, replace it with a new one, and your issue should be solved.
If you have to replace the cord, it’s a good idea to contact customer service to ensure you get the correct rated cord for your model.
The outlet is Not Working Correctly
The wall outlets in the wall can also wear out or lose connection from time to time. The plug from your device should fit into the outlet securely without drooping or wiggling. If it wiggles, the internal connection of the outlet may have worn down.
To test the outlet, plug your Levoit into another outlet that you know works. If it comes on, the issue is with the older outlet and it should be replaced.
If the Levoit air purifiers don’t turn on with a new outlet, keep reading.
Wrong Level Of Power Supply
Another factor to consider is the electrical panel or circuit breaker box. Each line in this box controls one or more powered outlets or sections of your home.
Typically, a single room is rated between 20 and 30 amps. If more power is drawn from that circuit, the breakers will trip as a safety precaution.
Inspect the breaker box to ensure all breakers are fully engaged and not tripped. If that checks out, you can remove the breaker associated with the outlet where your Levoit 131 air purifier is plugged in and check for any signs of damage.
If you have a faulty breaker, replace it with a new one, and that should resolve the issue. However, if it is tripped, further investigation is required to determine if it is adequately rated to handle the power requirements of the air purifier.
The Levoit 131 unit requires up to 15.5 watts, which can draw over 20 amps relatively quickly. If your breaker can’t handle a high load, try to relocate the Levoit air purifier to a different outlet on a circuit of its own or one with fewer devices plugged in.
Back Cover Displaced
Another super simple diagnostics check I always check is the back panel of the unit. Each Levoit 131 has a safety shut-off switch connected to the back panel.
This small push toggle prevents the unit from turning on unless the back panel is fully seated. Make sure the push prong on the back panel is not bent or broken, the back panel is securely in place, and the prong engages the safety switch.
Display Not Working
One of my favorite features of the Levoit 131 is how quiet it is, especially on lower settings. Since it is so quiet, it might be on and working, but the display panel is burnt out. This can happen due to a blown fuse or loose electrical connection leading to the display.
If you have set up your air scrubber to use the WiFi app, double-check the app and change the airspeed to see if you can feel the airflow or hear the fans to verify it is working.
The electrical wiring and display panel can void the warranty if they are tampered with, so you may want to reach out to your dealer or Levoit support before attempting repairs yourself.
Fan Not Working
If the fans of your Levoit air purifier stop running, the unit won’t work even if it has power. Your Levoit air purifier fan may automatically shut down or run at a low speed to prevent overheating and ensure safety.
There are several reasons why this may occur, including the age of the unit, higher power draws, orclogged filters. Regardless of the cause, the air in your home won’t be cleansed when the airflow stops.
To troubleshoot this issue:
- Turn off the unit and unplug it from the outlet.
- Let it cool down for approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
- Once it has cooled, plug the air purifier back in and turn it on to check if the fans resume their normal functioning.
If the fans still don’t work, consult the owner’s manual for instructions on replacing the air purifier filters.[1] Generally, the Levoit air purifier filters should be checked and replaced when the indicator light illuminates, typically every 5 to 7 months. However, in highly polluted environments, the filters may need to be replaced sooner, and the filter reset light may not always come on.
Once the fans are changed, ensure that the air purifier filter cover is securely in place and that the fan reaches its maximum speed without any issues.
All Lights On
When all the control panel lights are illuminated at the same time, it is an indication that the unit is malfunctioning. If this happens, you need to reset the unit manually and check if the issue persists.
To reset the unit, hold the power switch down for 3 seconds. Note: you can also reset by holding the filter reset button for 3 to 5 seconds.
When the reset completes, the panel will flash and then shut down. When it powers back up, the unit is reset and everything should be in working order.
Other Problems Of Levoit Air Purifier (+ Troubleshooting Tips)
Aside from the unit not powering on, there are other common air purifier issues to be aware of.
You can check the troubleshooting guide of your owner’s manual for more tips, but the most common troubleshooting issues are discussed right here.
Red Light Won’t Turn Off
The red light on your unit is the air quality indicator light.[2] It lets you know the current status of the air passing through the unit.
The red light means that the air quality is bad, and the machine will run on high until the quality is better. Sometimes, though, the red light will stay on and the fan speed will stay on high, even when air quality improves.
This is typically caused by too much dust collecting on the air quality sensor. You will need to clean the sensor and remove accumulated dust particles to return the unit to proper working order.
Changing filters is also another way to remove the red light. If you have clogged filters, it can cause dust to activate the sensor.
Beeping Or Making Unusual Sounds
If the unit is making unusual sounds or a rattling noise all of a sudden, it can be from foreign material or other objects inside, plastic still on the filters, or the fan blades may be damaged.
Inspect the filter screens and remove all of the filter packaging. Check the vents and intake pots for debris or blockage.
If this doesn’t resolve the issue, you need to contact customer service to get further instructions about a return for a damaged unit. As long as your unit is within warranty, this will be a simple process.
Unpleasant Smell Produced During Usage
You will need to replace the filter periodically on your new Levoit air purifier. Bad odors can be caused by clogged, dirty, or worn air filters.
Replace the activated carbon filter with a new one to collect odors and eliminate bad smells in the home. If you are replacing the carbon filter, though, you should go ahead and change the HEPA filters as well.[3]
The carbon filter is used to collect odors and some large particles, but the main particle and foreign object collection are done by the HEPA filter.
If either becomes too clogged with debris, the fan may only make light turns or not turn at all. To increase efficiency, you should replace the old filter with a new filter regularly.
You should also always be sure the purifier’s air inlet isn’t blocked so it can remove odors and clean the air effectively. Allow enough clearance around the purifier and remove objects that may block the inlet and outlet.
Air Purification is Not Working Properly/Reduced Air Flow
If the unit is not working properly, check the basic setup steps to ensure everything functions as expected.
- Check proper filter placement.
- Ensure the unit is on a flat, level surface.
- Double-check 15-inch clearance on all sides.
- Ensure the unit is plugged in and turned on.
- Double check app settings, auto mode (when the system will stop or start automatically), and sleep mode status.
- Check that the back panel is properly seated.
Air Purifier Isn’t Connecting to the App
Technology has made everything so much easier for me, as long as it works. Sometimes, though, it takes a little extra effort to get it to work.
Setup for the VeSync app is done through the app itself. Once the app is downloaded, you will be taken step by step through the initial setup process.
If the connection fails at any time, you need to ensure that your mobile device has not changed networks and that it is connected to the WiFi router.
How To Properly Set Up A Levoit 131
Setting up the Levoit air purifier is a quick and simple process. Once you open the packaging and remove the parts, you can be up and running in about 5 minutes.
To begin:
- Open the back cover and remove the filters and their packaging.
- Remove the filters from the plastic packaging to prevent airflow restriction.
- Place the black carbon filter into the Levoit air purifier, followed by the HEPA filter. Ensure the pull tabs are facing outward.
- Replace the back cover, ensuring the push prong engages the safety shut-off switch.
- Push the back cover until it is securely in place.
- Put the air purifier on a smooth, flat surface and ensure there is enough clearance on all sides (15 inches).
- Plug the unit in and turn it on to verify proper operation.
After completing the setup process, you should plan regular and scheduled cleaning of your entire system every few months. Most owners will schedule their cleanings on the filter change time frame, which works out well.
Keeping the vents and sensors clean with a dry cotton swab and a damp cloth will help prolong the life of your Levoit air purifiers. Make sure you avoid abrasive chemicals when cleaning, as this can lead to igniting flammable cleaning agents or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) being released into the air.
Resetting Levoit Air Purifiers
To reset your Levoit air purifier, you will need to locate the reset button or the filter indicator reset button. With the unit plugged in, turned on, and not in sleep mode, look for the small vent on the side of the unit. Inside you will see a small black button.
Use a pencil, pen, paper clip, or other small, firm object to reach between the vent louvers and depress the button. Hold the filter reset button down for 3 to 5 seconds until the unit resets. If the reset doesn’t work, you may need to contact Levoit’s warranty service for assistance.
The auto mode button and sleep mode button may or may not blink when the reset occurs, but once functionality is restored, you can engage either mode once again.
Frequently Asked Levoit 131 Air Purifier Questions
How long does the Levoit air filter last?
The filters in your Levoit machine last 5 to 7 months. The filter indicator light will turn on when it is time to check them. Maintain the 5 to 7-month schedule to ensure proper operation and better air quality.
How do I clean the pre-filter on my Levoit air purifier?
Unlike other models, the Levoit 131 doesn’t use a pre-filter. The only filters are the black carbon filters and the white true HEPA filters.
How do you connect a Levoit smart air purifier to WiFi?
You can connect a Levoit smart air purifier to WiFi with the VeSync app, which can be downloaded from your device app store.
Once installed, you can run through the step-by-step setup on your smart device to find and connect to your wireless network and to the unit itself. If you experience any further issues, you will need to contact customer support.
Conclusion
The Levoit 131 air purifier is an excellent option if you’re looking for a mid-range, affordable, and functional model. Whenever I need to clean the air in a space, it’s one of my go-to purifiers.
But hey, sometimes even the trusty Levoit air purifiers can give us a bit of trouble by not turning on. It’s happened to me a few times, so I wanted to share some helpful troubleshooting tips.
In my review, I walked you through what to do when your Levoit 131 won’t power on, and I shared a few other common issues you can resolve. Now you can always be sure your Levoit 131 is up and running, so you can have clean air without any interruptions.
Sources:
- https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1686410/Levoit-Lv-Pur131s.html
- https://www.airnow.gov/aqi/aqi-basics/
- https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7027e1.htm
