Levoit is one of the biggest air purifier manufacturers on the market, having sold millions of devices around the world.
Lauded for their low-cost appliances, they nevertheless enjoy a reputation for high quality and high performance. As we’ve witnessed time and time again, with some of the best air purifiers we’ve tested, including the Core 300, Core 600S and their latest model, the premium EverestAir.
But, like any electrical appliance, issues can sometimes occur. In this article, we’ll look into the Levoit Red Light, unpacking what this means and how you can fix it.
What does the red light mean on my Levoit air purifier?
If the red light appears on your Levoit air purifier, you may as well throw it in the trash now.
Just kidding!
This warning light is not the end of the world. In fact, it’s one of the most common issues Levoit users face, and there is usually a super simple solution.
So, what does this red light mean?
The most common reason for it to appear is because your filter has reached the end of its lifespan. As Levoit uses mechanical filters, they will become saturated with particulate matter and, over time, lose efficiency.
You may also experience the red light if your filter is broken or incorrectly installed. We’ve also encountered the red light appearing after installing a new filter due to an internal glitch.
5 steps to fix the Levoit air purifier red light warning
Getting rid of the Levoit red light should be an easy fix. Follow these 5 top tips to find out how it’s done:
Step 1: Check to see if your filter is installed correctly
First things first, disconnect your device from the power source.
Once it is safe to proceed, open the filter compartment. The filter compartment will vary between models but is usually located inside the purifier chamber, which you access by twisting the casing or top/bottom of the device. Alternatively, it may be a simple hatch door located at the rear.
The filter should be securely in place and oriented toward the fan.
If this is the first time you’ve installed a filter, make sure you’ve removed the plastic wrapping first.
Step 2: Visually inspect your filter
Levoit filters usually need replacing every 6-8 months. If you can’t quite remember the last time you changed yours, then take a peek inside to check its condition.
Filters will display a deteriorated condition over time as they capture polluting particles such as hair, dust and smoke. If your filter resembles the one above, it’s time to change it to maintain efficiency.
Step 3: Carefully clean the filter
You can clean the filter by gently vacuuming the external pre-filter mesh or wiping it down with a dry cloth.
Do not try to insert the vacuum head into the filter’s pleats or use water or cleaning solutions, as this will ruin the filter entirely.
Step 4: Change your filter
Whether your filter is clogged with pollutants or has broken entirely, you will need to replace it to continue cleaning the air effectively.
Start by carefully removing the old filter and disposing of it appropriately. Next, remove the outer plastic wrapping on your new filter and slot it into place before reassembling the purifier.
Step 5: Hit reset
Some users may find that the red light is still illuminated after you’ve changed the filter. If this is the case, you’ll need to manually reset the filter change timer.
To do this, hold down the filter change button for 3-5 seconds, after which the light should disappear until it is time to replace the filter again.
For those using the Levoit PUR131, you will need to locate the reset button on the back of the unit and insert a small screwdriver for 5 seconds or until the unit beeps.
Common questions about the red light in Levoit units
If none of the solutions above worked for your Levoit red light issue, there may be an internal fault with the appliance. In this case, I recommend getting in touch with Levoit’s Help Center directly.
The recommended life span of a Levoit filter is between 6 and 8 months, or as long as 15 months for their premium models, such as the Everest Air.
This lifespan may differ between users, depending on how often you use your air purifier and the types of pollutants you commonly face. For example, cigarette smoke and construction dust will clog your filters much faster than everyday pollutants like pollen.
You can also slightly extend the working life of your filter by cleaning it from time to time. To do so, use a vacuum cleaner to gently remove debris from the outside of the filter. But, do not attempt to use water or cleaning solutions on the filter.
If the red light has appeared on your Levoit appliance as a routine filter change warning, there’s nothing stopping you from continuing to use your purifier while you wait for the replacement to arrive. However, you can expect to see decreased efficiency during this time.
If you are confident the filter doesn’t need to be replaced, reset the warning light and make a mental note to manually schedule future filter changes
Once filters become saturated with pollutants, they dramatically lose performance.
As dirty air enters the unit, it passes through the filter, where pollutants are removed. If the filter is full, it hampers airflow (meaning less power) and allows more pollutants to slip through and recirculate into your space.
This is why filters are advertised with a lifespan and why keeping on top of regular filter changes is so important.
Final thoughts
The Levoit red light is one of the most common issues users face and can cause confusion and frustration if you’re unsure what it means or how to fix it.
Fortunately, it’s straightforward to rectify.
As it serves as a filter quality warning, 9 times out of 10, all you have to do is replace the filter.
If it persists, run through the rest of our quick-fix tips and you’ll soon be enjoying clean and healthy air again.
