Levoit LV-H132 Air Purifier – Review
Levoit LV-H132 is one of the most popular air purifiers that Levoit made. The fact that this device has been sold tens of thousands of times speaks in favor of this. Thanks to the clean and modern design, good performance tests, and many other specifications and features, customers really love this Levoit air purifier.
Many features contribute to make this device so popular, and one of them is definitely a night light. Otherwise, this product is not just about looks; it has a three-stage filtration system that guarantees the air will be clean.
Levoit LV-H132 is designed in California, which is known for its strict laws, however, this Levoit model passed all the strict California rules. Many other air purifiers can not be bought and used in California because of the laws, but Levoit made sure LV-H132 met all the standards. Briefly, this air purifier is perfectly safe to use.
If the noise is something that bothers you, have no worries. Thanks to the ultra-silent operation, the LV-H132 air purifier makes only 43.1 dBA on the lowest operating level. This silent work allows you to sleep and rest without distraction while your Levoit air purifier cleans the air in the room.
The three-stage filtration method uses the HEPA filter, which is capable of removing 99,97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns.
Levoit LV-H132 Specifications
To give you an insight into the main specifications and features of the Levoit LV-H132, I have organized them in the table for easier visibility. Check the table below and find out more about this air purifier:
Manufacturer | LEVOIT |
Model | LV-H132 |
Dimensions | 8.5 x 8.5 x 14.5 inch |
Filters | Pre-filter, True HEPA and High-Efficiency Activated Carbon Filter |
Filter Longevity | up to 6 months |
Coverage | 129 sq. ft. |
Power Consumption | 28W |
Warranty | 2 year |
User manual |
Levoit LV-H132 Design
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 on the first touch. Who would believe that the LV-H132 is so affordable and made of high-quality material?
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.
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 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 on 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 fan speed, you use the fan speed touch button; on 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.
Place the air purifier on a stable surface with touch buttons facing up. Make sure you installed the air filter correctly before you start the device.
Dimensions
LV-H132 is a small and compact air purifier that weighs 6.45 pounds. Anyone can move it 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.
Levoit LV-H132 Video Review
In the air purifier video review, you can see all the features and specifications this air purifier offers. You can also view all the tests I have done in more detail. Some comments and info which did not get into this article, you will find in the video too. Therefore, take a peek and enjoy the video review of Levoit LV-H132.
Review of Levoit LV-H132 Features
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 a 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.
Smart 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 to eight 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. However, you will have Levoit lifetime support in case anything happens to your product after the two years warranty expires. For contacting support, you will need to give an order ID, so make sure you don’t lose it.
Levoit LV-H132 Filters
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 the 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.
The three-stage HEPA filter is the most critical part of Levoit LV-H132. It can remove all kinds of allergens, pollen, dust, pet dander, pet hair, smoke, gas, and other unwanted airborne particles.
How to Replace 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, the 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 in seven easy steps on how to replace the LV-H132 filter most easily. Follow all the steps in order, and be sure that you will replace the filter correctly.
Total time: 5 minutes.
Step 1
Unplug the air purifier and flip it over, then remove the filter cover.
Step 2
Pull out old filters from the air purifier.
Step 3
Use a vacuum cleaner and clean the inside of the air purifier to remove dust and other particles inside the device.
Step 4
Remove the new filter from the plastic bag and place it into the air purifier with the pull tabs facing out.
Step 5
Place a preliminary filter (pre-filter) on the top like it’s presented on the image.
Step 6
Close back the filter cover by turning it clockwise to lock position. Make sure the arrows on the housing and filter cover align.
Step 7
Turn on the air purifier and press and hold the filter reset indicator for 3 seconds.
Resetting the filter reset indicator of the Levoit LV-H132 air purifier requires a press and hold of the filter reset button for three seconds.
Noise Test
Levoit LV-H132 is quiet as it gets. It has three speeds that mean three noise levels produced by each.
At first speed, the air purifier produces really low noise, and everyone should get to sleep without a problem when the air purifier is running at the first speed.
At the second speed, you will not be bothered when the air purifier is turned on, but if you are a light sleeper, then the first speed is a better option for you.
However, on the third speed, the LV-H132 produces much more noise than on the previous two speeds. At the third speed, the device will clean the air faster, but the noise is significant.
I have tested noise level with my equipment, which ranks noise by dBA, and the results may vary from the manufacturer’s. Check my findings on Levoit’s noise test in the table below.
Speed | Value (dBA) |
---|---|
Speed 1 | 43.1 dBA |
Speed 2 | 52.5 dBA |
Speed 3 | 57.7 dBA |
Performance Tests
I tested the Levoit LV-H132 in rooms of different sizes to see how powerful it is to clean the air in both smaller and larger rooms. The air purifier is intended for room up to 129 sq. ft.
The rooms in which I tested the device are 120 sq. ft., 194 sq. ft., and 230 sq. ft. The time I set when doing the test of the device also varied from room to room. All the results about Levoit’s performances can be found below, where I explained in detail how I tested the air purifier, how long I left it to work in all the rooms, and the speed the device was working.
Keep in mind that I did the test in real-life conditions, and there was no laboratory test on it.
120 sq. ft. Room Test
The first room I tested the air purifier was 120 sq. ft. That was the room almost the same dimension as it is the recommended size of the room for Levoit LV-H132 air purifier. In this room, LV-H132 improved the air quality by 88%, or the AQI was reduced from 67 to 8.
I supposed the air purifier would do the best result in a room of these dimensions because the room size was closest to recommended, and this little device has really great specifications.
# | Starting Baseline | After 60min |
---|---|---|
PM 2.5 | 48.7 | 6 |
PM 10 | 68.2 | 8.4 |
Particles | 70644 | 8734 |
AQI | 67 | 8 |
194 sq. ft. Room Test
The second room in which I tested the Levoit LV-H132 was 194 sq. ft., which is larger than the recommended room size. The air purifier achieved really good results in a room of these dimensions as well.
When doing a test in a room this big, I turned on the third speed and left the device running for 60 minutes. During this time, the air purifier improved the air quality by 87%, or the AQI dropped from 69 to 9. Considering the LV-H132 is meant for rooms up to 129 square feet, the result this device made is really fantastic.
If you put this Levoit LV-H132 air purifier in a larger room, it will clean the air but not as good as in a smaller room size. For best results, it is wise to run it for 15 to 20 minutes at the highest speed (third speed), and after that, you can set it on a lower speed. Once you switch it to a lower speed, the device will successfully maintain air quality.
# | Starting Baseline | After 60min |
---|---|---|
PM 2.5 | 50.7 | 6.9 |
PM 10 | 70.9 | 9.7 |
Particles | 73530 | 10704 |
AQI | 69 | 9 |
A more powerful air purifier that has excellent performance is Levoit LV-PUR131 Air Purifier. Take a look at the textual review and the video review as well, to see how great the device is.
230 sq. ft. Room Test
In a living room of 230 square feet, I tested the air purifier for seven days. I measured results periodically during that period. In a living room, people hang almost all the time where people can smoke. Results were not good as they were in smaller rooms, but overall the air purifier did solid work.
The biggest problem was cigarette smoke. When there was a lot of smoke in the room, the LV-H132 air purifier had small problems cleaning it. Thankfully when the smoker left the room, the air purifier cleaned the air in the room in one hour.
In my opinion, LV-H132 is not a very good option for smokers. It is better to go with some more powerful air purifiers such as Winix 5500-2 or Coway Mighty.
Best results are measured in small rooms up to 129 square feet.
Operating Costs
Operating costs to run Levoit LV-H132 are surprisingly small. It uses only 28W when working. If you run the air purifier at the third speed, for 24h for one month, you will pay 1.90$ if we use 0.12$, which is the average price of electricity in the US. When the device is on a stand by, it doesn’t use the power.
The only higher cost when talking about LV-H132 is filter replacement. HEPA filters are not cheap and need to be replaced every 6 to 8 months.
Overall the LV-H132 air purifier uses low power, and maintenance costs are not high even if you need to replace the HEPA filter every six months. Therefore this device is definitely worth the money.
See more real-life tests and in-depth air purifier reviews by checking our review page.
FAQ
Does Levoit LV-H132 give off radiation?
No! Levoit LV-H132 doesn’t produce ozone and radiation as well.
Are Levoit LV-H132 filters washable?
No, the LV-H132 filters aren’t washable. But, the pre-filter is cleanable with a vacuum cleaner or cloth.
Is it safe to leave the air purifier all day?
Yes, you can leave the air purifier turned on 24/7. Anyway, my suggestion is to turn it from time to time, e.g., when you aren’t at home.
Is it possible to buy Levoit in California?
How long the LV-H132 filter lasts?
The filters in the Levoit LV-H132 will last for up to 6 months. When it’s time to replace the filter, the smart filter change indicator will light up.
Pros and Cons
To revise, here are the advantages and disadvantages of LV-H132:
Pros
Cons
Final Thoughts
Update Log
November 20, 2020 – I have updated the Levoit LV-H132 review, with additional resources such as: changing filter explanation, device ratings and more.
September 25, 2020 – I improved the replacement filter section with more informative content and a few images. Besides that, I updated the specifications table with new information.