10 common Blueair air purifier problems (and how to fix them)

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The Blueair company is one of the best in manufacturing high-performance air purifiers. Based in Sweden, they have 19 models of purifiers in their arsenal, like the Blue Pure 211+. Each one is designed to suit various budgets and different room sizes.

Air purifiers are designed to run continuously, so their components will undergo a certain amount of wear and tear. Eventually, something will inevitably become a problem. 

The unit doesn’t work as expected, or it won’t switch on. It may be power related or, as is most common, clogged or dirty filters cause units to malfunction. 

However, following a few simple steps can solve most issues easily and quickly. We have listed below the most common complaints, operational issues and possible solutions for each.

Problem 1: Your Blueair air purifier won’t turn on

It can be annoying and frustrating when your air purifier just won’t turn on, but there could be a simple explanation.

Is the unit plugged into the outlet?

Check that you have plugged the power cord into a wall outlet. It may have been dislodged or pulled out by accident. If the power cord is not connected to an outlet, plug it in.

Is the switch in the ON position?

Check the switch and make sure it is in the ON position. It is pretty easy to accidentally knock the switch OFF without realizing it.

Is the filter clogged?

Check to see if the filter is clogged. A clogged filter may cause problems and prevent the unit from turning on. To solve the problem, clean or replace it.

Could it be a tripped breaker?

Look at your breaker panel to see if any breakers have tripped. If one is not in the ON position, switch it to OFF and then back to ON.

Is the cover in place?

If you have previously removed the covers or grilles, check that they’re seated properly on the unit. Many cleaners will not run as a safety device if the covers or grilles are not securely seated.

❓ Is the power rating inaccurate? 

If the power rating is incorrect, your purifier won’t turn on. Check the outlet to make sure that the power rating is right.

Air purifier Power SupplyRated Power 
DustMagnet™ 5240i100-240VAC 50/60Hz5-22W 
DustMagnet™ 5440i100-240VAC 50/60Hz7-42W 
DustMagnet™ 5410i100-240VAC 50/60Hz7-42W 
DustMagnet™ 5210i100-240VAC 50/60Hz5-22W 
Blue Pure 211+ Auto100-240VAC 50/60Hz4-38W
Blue Pure 311 Auto100-240VAC 50/60Hz3-35W
Blue Pure 411 Auto100-240VAC 50/60Hz2-10W
Blue Pure 311100-240VAC 50/60Hz3-36W
Blue Pure 411100-240VAC 50/60Hz1.5-10W
Blue Pure 211+100-240VAC 50/60Hz30-61W
Blue Pure 121100-240VAC 50/60Hz31-61W
Classic 605100-240VAC 50/60Hz15-100W
Classic 480i100-240VAC 50/60Hz15-90W
Pro M100-240VAC 50/60Hz11-85W
Protect 7770i 100-240VAC 50/60Hz8-76W
Protect 7470i100-240VAC 50/60Hz8-48W

Problem 2: Your Blueair air purifier won’t draw air 

Are the filters dirty? 

One cause of this problem could be the filters. If the filters are dirty, they will restrict the airflow, so make sure they are clean. If not, then either clean them or replace them. 

Is there a blockage?

Make sure no obstructions are blocking the airflow into the unit. Something may have fallen in front of the intake grille, or something behind the grille inside the purifier is causing a blockage. 

Remove the grille and check it is clean and free from obstructions.

Problem 3: No air blowing out your Blueair air purifier 

❓ Are the filters clogged?

If the filter is clogged or severely dirty, then that will affect the airflow. Clean or replace the filters as needed.

❓ Is the exhaust grille blocked?

A blockage to the exhaust grille could be another cause, as air cannot get out without a clear pathway. Remove the exhaust grille to see if there is an obstruction. Make sure it is clean and put it back in place. 

Try running the purifier once you have done these two checks.

❓ Is there a lack of clearance?

Reduced airflow can occur if the air intake and outlet are placed too close to objects. Simply change your purifier’s location to leave more space around it.

Problem 4: No noise coming from your Blueair air purifier

There could be a few reasons for no noise coming from the cleaner.

Is it switched on?

If not, then that’s the problem. If it is plugged in and switched on, then it may be a problem with the filter.

❓ Is the filter dirty?

Dirty or clogged filters will limit the unit’s airflow and cause it not to make a noise, so clean or replace them.

Problem 5: Weird noises coming from your Blueair air purifier

If you hear weird noises coming from the purifier, there may be a couple of reasons.

❓ Are the filters clean? 

Check the filters to ensure they are clean and replace them.

❓ Are the intake or exhaust grilles blocked?

Remove both to see if anything is blocking them. Clean them as necessary.

❓ Are filters installed incorrectly?

If the filters haven’t been installed correctly, they can produce a noise when the unit is running. Check them for correct installation and rectify them if needed.

Problem 6: Your Blueair air purifier isn’t cleaning air

If you feel the air in your home isn’t being purified, then it could be a couple of things. 

❓ Is there dirt or debris inside the unit?

Any dirt or debris entering the purifier will get trapped in the filters. As a result, it won’t clean the air as efficiently as it should. If so, you must replace the filters as soon as possible.

❓ Are the grilles blocked?

Grilles that have become blocked will prevent the air from flowing through the purifier resulting in the air not being cleaned. Make sure both the intake and exhaust grilles are free from obstructions.

❓ Is the room coverage too large?

Be sure only to use your unit in the recommended room size.

Air purifier Ideal Room Size In Square FeetIdeal Room Size in Square Meters
DustMagnet™ 5240i212 ft² 19.6 m²
DustMagnet™ 5440i356 ft² 33 m²
DustMagnet™ 5410i356 ft² 33 m²
DustMagnet™ 5210i212 ft² 19.6 m²
Blue Pure 211+ Auto550 ft² 51 m²
Blue Pure 311 Auto388 ft² 36 m²
Blue Pure 411 Auto190 ft² 17.6 m²
Blue Pure 311340 ft² 31.5 m²
Blue Pure 411161 ft² 15 m²
Blue Pure 211+540 ft² 50 m²
Blue Pure 121620 ft² 57.5 m²
Classic 605775 ft² 72 m²
Classic 480i434 ft² 40.3 m²
Pro M390 ft² 36.2 m²
Protect 7770i 674 ft² 62.6 m²
Protect 7470i418 ft² 38.8 m²

Problem 7: There are no lights on your Blueair air purifier

If no lights are being displayed, the cause is usually to do with power or the lack of it.

❓ Is the power off?

Is it plugged in and switched on? If the answer to both questions is yes, it may be the fuse.

❓ Is there a blown fuse?

Look to see if the fuse has blown, and if necessary, replace it with an identical fuse and see if that solves the problem.

❓ Is the cover in place properly?

Double-check that the cover is back in place if you have opened the purifier to change the filter. A wrongly fitted cover will stop the unit from running and no lights will be displayed.

Problem 8: The sensor isn’t functioning on your Blueair air purifier

❓ Is the sensor blocked sensor?

If the sensor itself becomes blocked, it will not function correctly. Clean the sensor with a vacuum cleaner and see if that solves the problem.

❓ Are the filters dirty? 

If the filters are dirty, that can prevent or restrict the airflow, which can cause the sensor to malfunction. Ensure all the filters in the purifier are clean, or replace them if you’ve had them for a while. 

Problem 9: An orange/red light is showing on your Blueair air purifier

Does the filter need to be replaced?

If your Blueair model has a red or orange alert light, it is time to replace your air filter. This will usually happen after about six months of use. 

Problem 10: A strange smell coming from your Blueair air purifier

❓ Is the filter clogged? 

If you experience a strange smell coming from your air purifier, the first thing to check is the filter. If you haven’t cleaned or replaced the filter in some time, it may be clogged with dirt or debris, causing the smell.

Dirt or other pollutants could block the exhaust or intake grilles. Remove them, clean them and see if that solves the problem.

How to contact Blueair customer service

If you experience any issues with your Blueair air purifier and the solution cannot be found in the user manual or this guide, you should contact Blueair customer service. You can email them or submit an online contact form.

Finding the manual for your Blueair purifier

If you have misplaced the operating manual for your Blueair purifier, you can visit the Blueair website to track it down or just click on the relevant link below.

Air purifier Manual
DustMagnet™ 5240iDownload here
DustMagnet™ 5440iDownload here
DustMagnet™ 5410iDownload here
DustMagnet™ 5210iDownload here
Blue Pure 211+ AutoDownload here
Blue Pure 311 AutoDownload here
Blue Pure 411 AutoDownload here
Blue Pure 311Download here
Blue Pure 411Download here
Blue Pure 211+Download here
Classic 605Download here
Classic 480iDownload here
Pro MDownload here
Protect 7770i Download here
Protect 7470iDownload here

Final thoughts 

Air purifiers are pretty simple devices, and they can have a huge impact on your air quality. But, as with any electrical item, they can go wrong sometimes. Luckily there is usually a quick fix. If you have a problem with your Blueair purifier, follow the steps in this guide to get it up and running again. 

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About the author

Danny Ashton

Danny is the founder of HouseFresh and has been writing about air purifiers since 2010. He is our lead tester and reviewer, and is also the human in front of the camera in our YouTube channel.

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