Levoit LV-PUR131 Review – Should You Buy It?

Full Review

After testing almost all of Levoit’s small air purifiers, it was time to try a model designed for medium-sized rooms. The first model we decided to test was the Levoit LV-PUR131. This device is slightly larger, square-shaped, medium in size, and packed with advanced features.

The Levoit LV-PUR131 is designed for medium-sized rooms, up to 152 sq. ft. (14 m²). It’s one of the first devices Levoit launched and uses the classic 3-stage filtration technology that we’ve already seen in other Levoit air purifiers.

The Levoit LV-PUR131 offers advanced features such as a smart sensor, air quality indicator, and an advanced auto mode.

In this article, you’ll find out how quiet it is, how it performed in our tests, and whether it’s worth buying. I will also compare its test results with those of other similar air purifiers.

How We Tested the Levoit LV-PUR131?

1. For the filter efficiency testing, we used the Temtop LKC-1000S laser particle meter, which measures PM2.5 (µg/m3), PM10 (µg/m3), Particles (per/L), and HCHO (mg/m3) in the air, and also calculates the AQI.

2. We placed the Levoit LV-PUR131 in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room. Then, we recorded the initial air quality values using the Temtop laser particle meter and let the Levoit LV-PUR131 run at maximum speed.

3. After 60 minutes, we measured the new values using the Temtop laser particle meter and saved the data.

4. Next, we placed the Levoit LV-PUR131 in a glass box, which we then filled with smoke. Then, we measured how much time was needed for the air purifier to remove all the smoke from the box.

5. Using a special noise measurement tool, we tested the air purifier’s noise level at all speeds. We measured the noise level on the dBA scale.

6. Finally, we measured the power usage at all speeds using an energy meter, after which we calculated how much it would cost to use the device at a particular fan speed for one month. For reference, we used an energy price of $0.12 per kWh.

According to the specifications, this device belongs to the same range as the Coway AP-1512HH and Afloia Mage air purifiers, which we have also tested.

The Levoit LV-PUR131 has a CADR of 98 CFM (167 m³/h) and covers rooms up to 152 sq. ft. (14 m²). Accordingly, we tested it in a room of nearly the same size, and I also used it in my home for some time (I try out almost every air purifier in my home to see how it performs under real-life conditions).

In addition to the tests I’ll detail below, I want to highlight that this air purifier performed quite well in odor neutralization and airborne dust capture.

Testing in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) Room – Max Speed

In the first test, we placed the Levoit LV-PUR131 in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room and let it run at maximum speed for 60 minutes.

It managed to reduce the PM2.5 particulate matter from 103.5 to 7.9 µg/m³, an air quality improvement of about 92%. A great result, I must say!

However, this isn’t the best result I’ve encountered; many air purifiers achieve similar results in this room size, and quite a few perform even better.

For example, the Winix 5500-2 and the Coway AP-1512HH improved air quality by 96% under the same conditions.

In conclusion, the Levoit LV-PUR131 can’t compete with top-tier air purifiers like the two mentioned above, but it is still a decent purifier with very good performance.

Testing in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) Room – Auto Mode

In addition to the main test, we also evaluated how this model would perform under similar conditions, but this time in auto mode.

One thing to keep in mind is that the air quality sensor doesn’t detect odors, so the auto mode feature may be less effective in kitchens or similar areas where there may be a high concentration of unpleasant odors.

In 60 minutes of use, the Levoit LV-PUR131 improved air quality by about 86%, reducing the PM2.5 from 93.3 to 12.7 µg/m³.

Performance – Smoke Removal Test

As with every air purifier we test, we put the Levoit LV-PUR131 to the smoke box test.

It managed to remove all the smoke from the glass box in just 26 seconds, which is impressive, especially considering that this Levoit model isn’t top-tier.

When compared to some competing air purifiers (see the chart), the Levoit Vital 100 took 33 seconds to remove the smoke, while the Coway AP-1512HH needed only 18 seconds.

Overall, the Levoit LV-PUR131 performed exceptionally well and demonstrated impressive capabilities in this test.

The Levoit LV-PUR131 features three fan speeds and a sleep mode, and it is generally very quiet, especially at the lowest speed, where it produces a sound level of 41.6 dBA.

Compared to similar air purifiers in its class, the Levoit LV-PUR131 is notably quiet at its lowest speed; I’d even go so far as to say it’s one of those devices I’d have no problem using in my bedroom.

What also pleasantly surprised me was the noise level at maximum speed, which is 59.3 dBA—significantly quieter than many competing devices.

This places the Levoit among the quietest air purifiers we’ve tested.

As you can see on the chart, the only air purifier quieter than the Levoit at maximum speed is the Hathaspace HSP001, but since that is one of the quietest air purifiers ever, this result wasn’t particularly surprising.

Overall, the Levoit LV-PUR131 is a relatively quiet air purifier with a well-optimized motor at all speeds.

The Levoit LV-PUR131 uses a 40W motor, which is quite reasonable considering its CADR of 98 CFM (167 m³/h). This gives the Levoit LV-PUR131 a good power-to-CADR ratio.

If you use it at maximum speed for 24 hours a day, every day for a month, your electric bill would increase by about $3.02. This is a very small cost, especially when compared to competitors.

In the chart above, I’ve included some similar air purifiers, and as you can see, this Levoit model is the lowest power consumer at maximum speed. For example, the Bissell air220 would cost you $5.52 under the same conditions, while the Levoit Core 400S would cost about the same as the LV-PUR131, at around $3.07.

In my opinion, Levoit has struck the right balance between air cleaning efficiency and motor power, optimizing performance across the board.

In addition to electricity costs, you would also need to regularly replace the filter, which generally needs to be changed twice a year. Fortunately, the price of the replacement filter for the LV-PUR131 is slightly lower than that of similar competing products.

When we combine the cost of replacement filters with power usage, the Levoit LV-PUR131 proves to be very affordable to maintain annually.

Filtration Technology

Levoit LV-PUR131 uses 3-stage filtration. The first and second stage of filtration is pre-filter combined with a true HEPA filter, the third stage is a carbon filter. The first two filters trap particles that are flying freely in the air. The last filter, the carbon filter is used to remove bad smells and other odors.

The filters on the Levoit LV-PUR131 are not washable and must not be washed under any circumstances.

Pre-filter

The pre-filter is the first stage of filtration. The primary purpose of a pre-filter is to capture large particles such as dust, lint, fibers, hair, and pet fur.

The pre-filter should be cleaned on average once a month. You can clean it with a vacuum cleaner or with a brush. This will protect other filters, extend their lives, and make the device easier to operate. My recommendation is to clean the pre-filter every two weeks if you have pets.

True HEPA Filter

The true HEPA filter is combined with a pre-filter. The True HEPA filter is actually the second stage of filtration. This filter removes at least 99.97% of airborne particles 0.3 micrometers in diameter. This fantastic filter removes small particles such as mold spores, tiny dust particles, part of the smoke, and allergens such as pollen, dander, and mites.

Never clean pre-filter because fine dust or bacteria may be released back into the air if cleaning is attempted. Just clean the side on which is a pre-filter.

Activated carbon filter

The carbon filter is made up of carbon pellets. It does not require cleaning. Carbon filters’ primary purpose is to reduce VOCs, cigarette fumes, harmful gas, pet odors, food odors, and odors.

How to Replace the Levoit LV-PUR131 Filter?

Levoit LV-PUR131 filters should be replaced on average between 6-8 months. The filter reset indicator will notify you when it is time to change the filter. You may need to change the filters earlier than the specified period if you notice: increased noise when the air purifier is on, decreased airflow, unusual odors, or visibly clogged filters.

Total time: 10 minutes.

Design

The build quality of the Levoit LV-PUR131 air purifier is exceptional. The plastic is hard and well done. Everything lies in its place and is sealed properly.

The device is white except for the control panel, which is black. In my opinion, the control panel may be too sensitive, so you will be able to notice small scratches after just a few days of use.

The device is square, with straight edges. The designers of the Levoit LV-PUR131 let themself put some elements that are not standard on the market. For example, the control panel is located behind the air outlet, which is not very common with air purifiers. But don’t worry, this at first sight weird position won’t make it difficult to operate the device.

Levoit LV-PUR131 is available in white color. The LV-PUR131 will fit into almost any environment because of its neutral design.

Control Panel

The control panel is located on the top of the device, just behind the air outlet. There are control buttons on the control panel and indicators located in the middle part of the panel. A beep is heard each time the button is pressed. The buttons are responsive to touch, respond well to touch, and are very precise.

There is also an air quality indicator on the control panel in addition to the buttons and button indicators. The control panel buttons are the power button, display off button, sleep mode button, auto mode, fan speed, and timer button.

Airflow

Levoit LV-PUR131 has an interesting way of drawing air. The product draws in air from the back and only through the sides’ openings.

The air is then filtered and exits at the top, vertically.

Size and Dimensions

Levoit LV-PUR131 is a portable device, medium in size for this air purifier class. It is light and easy to carry. The air purifier weighs 11.49 lb. At first glance, due to the square appearance, you may think that the device is much heavier. The dimensions of the device are 14.6 x 7.2 x 18.5 inches.

What’s in the box?

When you buy the device, you get 1x Levoit LV-PUR131 air purifier, 1x activated carbon filter, 1x true HEPA and preliminary filter combination, 1x user manual, and 1x warranty guide.

Features Overview

Smart Auto Mode

Levoit LV-PUR131 has an air quality sensor that measures the room’s air quality. The sensor reads PM 2.5 particles in the air and determines the current air quality.

A smart auto mode is an option that works following the air quality sensor. Precisely, when auto mode is active, Levoit adjusts the fan speed depending on the room’s air pollution.

I expected the PUR131 to also have a light sensor like the Winix C535 and Winix 5500-2 have. It could automatically switch to sleep mode with that sensor if the room is dark.

Unfortunately, Levoit LV-PUR131 does not have this feature. Regardless, auto mode is a great option that I recommend using whenever you can. Using auto mode, the air in the room will be cleaner, and you will save on electricity consumption.

Air Quality Indicator

The air quality indicator also works in combination with the air quality sensor. The air quality indicator lights up a specific color according to the room’s air quality. It is located in the middle of the control panel. It is inactive by default and only activated if the air purifier runs in auto mode.

In my opinion, the device in this price range should have the ability to read air quality in real-time regardless of whether the auto mode is on or not.

The air quality indicator can glow in four different colors. Red indicates that the air is terrible and immediately switches the motor to high fan speed. Yellow means that the air quality is moderate. In that case, the auto mode switches the fan speed to medium. If the light is green, the air quality is good, and the device will operate at low fan speed. When the indicator lights up blue, the air quality is excellent, and the motor will run in sleep mode.

Timer

The Levoit LV-PUR131 offers a timer option. The timer can be set to a time interval between 1h and 12h. The increment is 1h. With a timer, you can leave the room knowing that the air purifier will shut down on its own after its time is up. This feature can be useful if you want to limit the air purifier to work for a specific time.

Filter Check Indicator

The device has a filter reset indicator that will light up when it is time to replace the filter. The downside I would mention for the filter reset indicator is that the indicator reset button is awkwardly positioned. Some people will find it hard to find it and reset the filter.

Regardless, this is a great option that makes it much easier to use, as it solves worries about when a filter needs to be changed. You can find how to reset the filter reset indicator in this Levoit LV-PUR131 review below in the filter replacement procedure section.

Fan Speeds

Levoit LV-PUR131 has 3 fan speeds. However, I would also like to include sleep mode, which is far quieter than the first gear and can be described as fourth speed.

I always prefer air purifiers with as many fan speeds as possible because then each user can find the optimal speed that suits him.

It is also a big plus for me if the device has a sleep mode, which reduces the speed. I say this because many devices switch to sleep mode and just turn off the indicators and other lights, while fan speed changes to the first speed.

Display Off Button

Levoit thought of every user. Suppose you plan to use the device in the bedroom and you are too bothered by any light. In that case, you can turn off the indicators on the PUR131 model at any time by pressing the display off button.

Sleep Mode

When active, sleep mode will switch the fan speed to the device’s lowest speed. You will not even feel that the device is working at this speed, so you will fall asleep with the device on. You can also use it in rooms that require complete silence.

I really like that sleep mode is much quieter than the first speed.

When sleep mode is on, the Levoit PUR131 does not turn off the indicators, so if they bother you, you can turn them off at any time using the option described above (Display Off Button).

Room Coverage and CADR

Levoit LV-PUR131 is designed for rooms up to 152 sq. ft. (14 m²). It is ideal for rooms where people stay daily, such as the living room, kitchen, or office.

Due to the very quiet operation in sleep mode, you will be able to use the device in the bedroom without any problems. Levoit LV-PUR131 has a CADR rating of 98 CFM (167 m³/h).

Levoit Warranty and Customer Service

Since I have tested many Levoit devices, I have already had the need to contact their support several times and make sure they are professional and up-to-date.

Levoit offers the ability to contact you in several different ways. I mostly prefer email or Facebook as a way to make contact. When I need support very urgently in very extreme conditions, I decide to call the company’s customer service.

The email for Levoit support is support@levoit.com.
The US’s Levoit support phone number is (888) 726-8520.

Customer support is very kind, and I got very extensive answers to all the questions that interested me.

FAQ on Levoit LV-PUR131