When you invest in an air purifier, you expect it to quietly do its job — removing airborne particles, improving air quality, and helping your household breathe better. But what happens when it’s no longer working as it should?
Just like any appliance, air purifiers need maintenance and attention to continue working effectively. If yours isn’t delivering results, it might be time for a check-up.
1. Your air still feels stale or dusty
If your home air feels heavy, stuffy, or dusty despite using an air purifier, something’s not right. A well-functioning unit should noticeably improve the air within hours, especially in a sealed room.
What to do:
- Check the filter for dust buildup or blockage.
- Ensure your unit is appropriate for the room size.
- Verify the fan speed and settings — it might be running on low mode.
2. You’re still experiencing allergy or asthma symptoms
Air purifiers help reduce triggers like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander. If allergy symptoms persist or worsen indoors, your purifier may not be filtering as expected.
What to do:
- Replace the filter if it’s nearing the end of its life.
- Make sure your purifier has a true HEPA filter (many cheap models don’t).
- Keep windows closed during high-pollen days to avoid overloading the purifier.
3. Bad smells linger in your home
Air purifiers equipped with activated carbon filters can neutralise odours. If smells like cooking, smoke, or mustiness are hanging around, your unit might not be filtering properly.
What to do:
- Replace the combined filter — Ionmax air purifiers use multi-stage filters that include activated carbon, which can become saturated with odours over time.
- Ensure the unit is placed in the source area (e.g., kitchen or pet area).
4. The unit is unusually loud — or too quiet
If your purifier suddenly starts making rattling or grinding noises, it may have a mechanical issue. On the other hand, if it’s running but barely pushing air, the fan or motor could be failing.
What to do:
- Clean the unit and fan blades.
- Check for blockages or objects inside the vents.
- Contact the manufacturer if it’s still under warranty.
Note: Do not attempt to dismantle the unit as this might affect warranty conditions of some brands if anything goes wrong.
5. You’re unsure if it’s doing anything at all
Sometimes, you just want to know for sure that your air purifier is working. That's where an air quality monitor can give you peace of mind.
Bonus tip: Pair it with the Ionmax Q10
The Ionmax Q10 air quality monitor measures PM2.5, temperature, humidity, and more in real-time — helping you see whether your air purifier is actually making a difference. It’s also a great tool to identify hidden issues in your home that could affect air quality.
Alternatively, if you’re in the market for a new air purifier, opt for a unit that has a built-in air quality indicator like the Ionmax+ AIRE or the Ionmax Breeze Plus.
6. The filter alert has been ignored
Some purifiers feature a filter change indicator. If this has been flashing or lit up for a while, your unit might be struggling to function properly — or at all.
What to do:
- Replace the filter immediately.
- Reset the indicator after changing the filter.
7. It’s just not suited to your space
One of the most common reasons a purifier “doesn’t work” is because it’s too small for the room. Coverage matters — a unit designed for 30 sqm won’t do much in an open-plan 80 sqm space.
What to do:
- Check the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) and room coverage of your model.
- Consider upgrading to a unit like the Ionmax+ AIRE X for large rooms or open areas.
Don’t guess — check your air quality
If you suspect your air purifier isn’t pulling its weight, don’t just hope it’s working. Check the filters, monitor the air, and ensure your unit matches the space it’s in.
Not sure where to start? Explore our range of air purifiers and filters, or learn more about your air quality with the Ionmax Q10.
Better air begins with better tools — and Ionmax is here to help.
