Did your air purifier used to be barely audible and is the noise suddenly much more noticeable to you? Usually, the problem isn't in the motor itself, but in what is in front of that motor: the filter and the air intake.
A full filter is the most common cause
As the filter fills with dust, hair, and fine particles, it becomes harder for the fan to pull air through it. The device then works harder to move the same amount of air, and you can hear it: a deeper humming sound, more air noise, or a tone that wasn't there before. This is the exact same reason why a saturated filter also reduces airflow and can cause the air quality indicator to stay red longer.
Dust and hair on the intake grille
Even if the filter itself is still fine, a layer of dust or pet hair on the outer grille can restrict air supply. This works the same way as a clogged filter: less air coming in, more work for the motor, more noise.
Something is loose or touching the housing
A ticking, rattling, or buzzing sound that wasn't there before often points to a mechanical issue rather than contamination. Check that the filter is seated properly and straight in its holder: a filter that is placed crookedly can vibrate against the housing. An air purifier placed on an uneven surface can also start to vibrate and amplify that noise. Place the unit on a sturdy, level surface and check that all panels are securely fastened.
A higher setting than you are used to
Some air purifiers, including the AirPure Plus PA244, automatically switch to a higher setting if the sensor detects poorer air quality. That feels like "suddenly more noise," while the device is simply working harder to clear new pollution, for example from cooking or household dust that just came in, more quickly. As soon as the air is clean again, the device automatically switches back to a quieter setting or night mode.
Checklist to find the cause
- Check the filter for dust buildup and replace it if necessary.
- Clean the intake grille with a soft brush or vacuum cleaner.
- Check if the filter is seated straight and fully in its holder.
- Place the device on a level, sturdy surface.
- Check if the device has switched to a higher speed due to the air quality sensor.
If the sound remains unusually loud, rattling, or abnormal after checking these points, it is no longer normal operation and it is advisable to have the device checked.
Our advice: always start with the filter; that is by far the most common cause of extra noise. For the AirPure Plus PA244, a HEPA13 replacement filter is easy to order, so the device can run quietly and at full capacity again.
A fixed reference point helps
It is difficult to properly judge "more noise" if you have no point of comparison. Therefore, especially with a new device, briefly record the sound with your phone on the settings you often use, for example the lowest and the night mode. This way, you can later objectively compare whether the noise has actually increased, instead of relying on a vague feeling. Devices with a separate sleep timer and night mode, such as the AirPure Plus PA244, are specifically designed to be barely audible on those low settings, so a clear difference compared to earlier use is usually worth investigating.