Levoit LV-H132 – Is it the Best Budget Air Purifier?

Full Review

The Levoit LV-H132 is one of the smallest Levoit air purifiers and one of the first we tested. At the peak of its fame, it was one of the best-selling air purifiers.

Thanks to its clean and modern design, decent performance, and low maintenance cost, customers really love this Levoit air purifier.

What I like most about the LV-H132 are its night light feature and affordable maintenance. It uses three-stage filtration technology, doesn’t produce ozone, and is CARB-certified.

How We Tested the Levoit LV-H132?

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-H132 in two separate performance tests, one in a 120 sq. ft. (11 m²) room and the other in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) room. Then, we recorded the initial air quality values using the Temtop laser particle meter and let the Levoit LV-H132 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-H132 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.

The Levoit LV-H132 is a small air purifier intended for rooms up to 129 sq. ft. (12 m²). It can clean the air 4.8 times in one hour in such a room.

We tested it in two different rooms to determine how efficient it was in improving overall air quality.

Additionally, we conducted a test in a glass box (details below) and evaluated its performance in everyday use.

Testing in a 120 sq. ft. (11 m²) Room

We can say that the first test is the most relevant, primarily because we tested it in a room almost identical in size to the recommended one.

This room is 120 sq. ft. (11 m²). In just 60 minutes of operating at maximum speed, the Levoit LV-H132 improved the air quality by 88%, lowering the PM2.5 particulate matter from 48.7 to 6 µg/m³.

I expected it to perform better, but this is still a decent result.

Testing in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) Room

In the second test, conducted in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) room, it performed slightly worse.

While operating at maximum speed for 60 minutes, it improved the air quality by about 87%.

As you can see from the chart below, this result is much lower than that of some competitive air purifiers tested in the same room size. Even the smaller Levoit Core Mini performed better, improving the air quality by 89%.

Notably, the Xiaomi 4 Compact improved the air quality by 94%, and the Medify MA-15 achieved an improvement of about 92%.

Performance – Smoke Removal Test

The Levoit LV-H132 is one of the smallest Levoit air purifiers and is generally a very small device. It uses three-stage filtration technology and has a pellet-based carbon filter.

However, due to its low CADR, it doesn’t have enough power to produce very high airflow. I believe that’s why it took 50 seconds to remove all the smoke from the smoke box.

What I noticed is that much newer Levoit air purifiers have better-optimized motors but are housed in similarly sized casings. For example, the Levoit Core 300S removed all the smoke from the box in just 20 seconds, while the Core 200S did it in 32 seconds.

There are also many other similarly sized and better-performing air purifiers. For instance, the Xiaomi 4 Compact needed only 22 seconds to remove all the smoke from the box.

The Levoit LV-H132 is a relatively quiet air purifier. It has three fan speeds and doesn’t have a sleep mode, but even without it, it’s one of the quietest devices at the lowest speeds.

At the first speed, it produces a sound of 43.1 dBA, which is suitable for use in the bedroom. Additionally, it has a blue night light, which is a great feature for nighttime use.

However, what surprised me was its noise level at maximum speed. It produces only 57.7 dBA at max speed, which is very quiet. In comparison, the Levoit Core 300S produces a sound of 65.2 dBA, the Philips Series 800 produces a sound of 62.8 dBA, and many other competitors are louder than the LV-H132 at max speed.

All in all, I would say that the Levoit LV-H132 is a quiet air purifier that I would definitely use in my bedroom.

As I mentioned, the Levoit LV-H132 is one of the first Levoit air purifiers, so one might expect it to have a less optimized motor.

However, I must say that the Levoit LV-H132 has a much better-optimized motor than many competitors. It uses a motor of just 28W.

This means if you use this air purifier at max speed, 24 hours a day, for one month, your electric bill would increase by about $1.99, which is very low. Under the same conditions, the Honeywell HPA100 would cost you about $2.87, which is a significant difference.

There is also the cost of a replacement filter, which is below average, and you only need to replace it 1-2 times per year.

When we summarize all this, we can say that the Levoit LV-H132 is very affordable to maintain and is one of the cheapest air purifiers in its class.

Filtration Technology

The Levoit LV-H132 air purifier comes with a three-stage filtering system. The core of this system is the true HEPA filter. Levoit LV-H132 air purifier doesn’t emit ozone because it is not using UV light nor use of any anions to clean air.

The filter is made in a spherical shape and is a decent size and power comparing it to the size of the air purifier. However, the filter is not washable, and if you wash and reuse it, you can create moisture in the room.

How to Replace the Levoit LV-H132 Filter?

One of the most important things when talking about the Levoit LV-H132 air purifier is definitely the regular filter replacement. The filter needs to be replaced every six months. This device’s air filter is not washable, so you should always buy a new filter.

If you are not sure if it is time to replace the filter, you will notice a smaller airflow, a weird smell coming from an air purifier, or a louder working, which indicates the filter needs to be replaced soon. On the other side, LV-H132 has a filter replacement indicator that will light up when the time for replacing the filter is.

Below, I’ve explained and presented seven easy steps on how to replace the LV-H132 filter. Follow all the steps in order, and be sure that you will replace the filter correctly.

Total time: 10 minutes.

Design and Size

The LV-H132 base model comes in white color with black details. These black details give a unique premium look and overall make this air purifier attractive. The air purifier will not stand out from the rest of the furniture in your house.

The plastic used in construction is of high quality, which you can feel at first touch. Who would believe that the LV-H132 is so affordable air purifier and in the same time made of high-quality materials?

When considering design, I think the small air entrance and not too-powerful motor are making the airflow of the Levoit LV-H132 lower than expected. Anyway, that was not an obstacle that would prevent the air purifier from achieving great test results.

I did a review of the white Levoit LV-H132, but this Levoit air purifier comes in black color too. If you are one of those who enjoy black color more than white, no worries, this device comes in two different colors: Black and White. Below is the button where you can check the price of a black air purifier.

If you would like to see how the other air purifiers with bigger air entrances are working, check the Levoit Core 300 I have also tested. On the other hand, Levoit Vista 200 has a lower airflow even though it has a bigger air intake. In my opinion, the number one reason for higher airflow is motor performance.

Touch Buttons

On top of the Levoit LV-H132, there is a control panel, which is used to control the air purifier. Overall, the control panel is not so much different than we could see in other air purifiers.

Touch buttons are sensitive and respond to a light touch. Although this device has no advanced functions, you will have no confusion when setting it. I had no problems with the touch buttons. As they all responded accurately, I used the air purifier with ease.

This model of Levoit has an essential, standard control panel without many buttons to confuse you. Let’s take a look at the buttons you can press.

Before you hit the power button, you need to attach it to the power cord. As soon as you provide the power supply to the Levoit LV-H132 air purifier, you will hear a chime that indicates that the air purifier has power and is ready for work. By pressing the power button, the air purifier will start working. If you start this device for the first time, it will automatically start working at a second speed.

Levoit LV-H132 has memory and will remember your last settings before shutting down. This means that on the next run air purifier will start with the previously recorded settings.

Managing the night light on the Levoit LV-H132 is feasible with just one button. The night light button is incredibly helpful and allows you to control the emitting light. By pressing the button, the light will turn on. On the second press, the light will be brighter, and on the third press, you will shut down the light completely.

Aside, there are a few more buttons on the control panel, such as a filter reset indicator and a fan speed button that you will use to control the Levoit-H132.

The filter reset indicator will turn on when it’s time to replace the filter. I like this button mainly because I don’t have to pay attention to when I should change the filter.

To adjust the fan speed, you use the fan speed touch button; with every click, the speed level will change. Levoit-H132 will remember your last-used fan speed. If the third speed was the last used before you turned the air purifier off, when you start it again, it will start working on the third speed.

Dimensions

The LV-H132 belongs to the group of lightweight air purifiers, and it weighs around 6.45 pounds. It’s a small and compact air purifier that anyone can move from room to room. Thanks to the compact size (8.5 x 8.5 x 14.5 inches), you can easily place it in a small room, put it on a night table, or even use it on a desk in an office. There is no problem finding a place for this lovely air purifier.

Accessories and Parts

In the box, you will get a Levoit LV-H132 air purifier, a fine preliminary filter, an activated carbon filter attached to the true HEPA filter, and a user manual. Make sure you get all of this in an ordering box.

Features Overview

Levoit LV-H132 air purifier has many features, such as a three-stage filtration system, three fan speeds, night light, smart change filter indicator, certificates, and warranty. Let’s take a look at what you get for your money.

Three Stage Filtration

As mentioned earlier, the Levoit LV-H132 has three stages filtration system, which includes a Preliminary Filter, a true HEPA filter, and an Activated Carbon Filter.

The Preliminary Filter (Pre-Filter) is used to capture all heavy pollution and larger particles like dust and hair. It is black, and after some time of using the device, you will be able to easily see the layer of particles on the surface of the prefilter.

The true HEPA filter is a second layer of defense. It stands for a filter that is used to trap fine airborne particles. It is standard and is capable of removing 99.97% of airborne particles that are larger than 0.3 microns.

The Activated Carbon Filter that is attached to the HEPA filter is the third and final filter through which air passes during filtration. It’s used to remove all the bad odors from your room.

Three Fan Speed

LV-H132 has three different fan speeds you can choose from. The higher (third) speed, the air is cleaned faster, but also the greater the noise. The second speed is ideal for maintaining air quality and is quiet enough not to disturb you. Using the air purifier at the lowest speed is perfect if the AQI is not too bad or you are going to sleep; the noise will not bother you since it is almost undetectable by human ears.

Depending on the air quality, whether you go to sleep or do daily chores, but it also depends on how you handle the noise; you will decide what speed you will use.

I usually turn on the air purifier at a third speed to clear the air as soon as possible, and after some time, I reduce the speed. Approximately after 15-20 minutes of running the air purifier on the third speed, I change the speed to the lower. When I go to bed, I leave the LV-H132 turned on at the first speed. The first speed is truly quiet enough that I have never noticed the device is turned on.

Night light

Levoit LV-H132 has a night light that is a very useful feature, especially if you have kids who have a fear of the dark or you just don’t like to sleep in the complete dark.

By pressing the night light button on the control panel, you will turn on the light at its highest brightness. If you press it again, you will decrease the intensity of the light. The third press will turn off the light.

Change Filter Indicator

The Levoit LV-H132 has a helpful feature which is called Smart Filter Change Indicator. It indicates when the time for filter replacement is.

As soon as you see the filter indicator light, you should buy a new LV-H132 filter and replace it. Remember that the filter change indicator will light up approximately every six months, depending on how often you use the air purifier and how dirty the air is.

Certificates

As I mentioned at the beginning, Levoit LV-H132 is a certified product that has to pass all strict California rules to be sold and comes with precisely measured ratings.

This device is absolutely safe to use, and it doesn’t produce ozone. Certificates that can prove the fact that this Levoit air purifier is safe to use are its FCC, CARB, and ETL certificates.

Warranty

One more thing that is really great about Levoit LV-H132 is its two-year warranty. When you buy the device, you get a one-year warranty, and after you register on the Levoit website, you get a one-year warranty extension. For all warranty extension information and any additional questions, feel free to contact customer support.

However, you will have Levoit lifetime support in case anything happens to your product after the two years warranty expires.

Room Coverage & CADR

Levoit LV-H132 is a tiny air purifier that is intended for rooms up to 129 sq. ft. This air purifier will fit perfectly in a small bedroom, tiny office, or any other room in the suggested dimensions.

What I like about the LV-H132 is its night light feature, which suits my bedroom very well.

Condition	Required minimum Air Changes per Hour (ACH)	Suitable room size	The time it takes to clean the air in the room
Smoke or VOCs	8	78 sq. ft.	8 min
AHAM standard (recommended for many conditions)	4.8	129 sq. ft.	13 min
Normal conditions	2	319 sq. ft.	30 min

In the table above, you can read how well does the Levoit LV-H132 deal with different kinds of air pollution in different room sizes.

Levoit Customer Service

Levoit is a company that takes care of its customers by producing high-quality air purifiers, including the Levoit LV-H132.

If you have additional questions about the product, or you would like to extend your warranty for one additional year, feel free to contact technical support Monday-Friday. 

You can submit a message through Levoit’s official message form or via email: support@levoit.com. Also, there is a phone number you can use to contact Levoit technical support: (888) 726-8520. I contacted technical support via message form on the Levoit official website and via email too. I was surprised because I got the answer within a few hours. Technical support kindly answered all questions I had.

FAQs About Levoit LV-H132