Levoit LV-H133 Review: A Deep Dive into Levoit’s Large Room Air Purifier

Air quality is a growing concern for many households, and finding the right air purifier can make a significant difference in your indoor environment. Levoit has established itself as a major player in the air purification market, offering a range of devices designed to tackle various air quality challenges. Today, we’re taking a closer look at the Levoit LV-H133, a model specifically designed for larger spaces.

First Impressions: Design and Build Quality

The Levoit LV-H133 stands out with its sleek, cylindrical design, a departure from the more traditional boxy purifiers or even Levoit’s own Core series. Its curvy aesthetic makes it a modern addition to any room, and despite its larger size (23.5 x 12.0 inches), it blends in comfortably, especially in corners. The unit is primarily constructed from plastic, with a matte white finish and black accents on the top and bottom. While the plastic near the top might creak slightly, the overall build feels sturdy, and its well-distributed weight (approximately 13.8 lbs) ensures stability.

User Interface and Controls

The control panel is intelligently placed on the top of the unit, sunken into the air outlet, making it easily accessible. This round, touchscreen LED display features six intuitive buttons, three fan speed indicators, a filter check light, a color-changing air quality monitor ring, and a numerical display for the timer. The buttons are responsive and well-spaced, preventing accidental presses.

Here’s a breakdown of the controls:

• On/Off: Powers the unit on or off.
• Timer: Allows you to set the operating time from 1 to 12 hours. Holding the button lets you quickly scroll through the hours.
• Display Lock: Press and hold for 3 seconds to lock or unlock the display, preventing unintended changes.
• Display Lights On/Off: Turns all display lights off, ideal for nighttime use or when you prefer a darker room.
• Auto Function: This intelligent mode adjusts the fan speed automatically based on the detected air quality.
• Fan Speed: Manually select from three fan speeds: Low, Medium, and High.
• Sleep Mode: Sets the fan to its lowest speed and turns off display lights for quiet operation during sleep.

The color-changing LED ring provides real-time feedback on your indoor air quality, making it easy to understand the current state of your air at a glance. This visual indicator works in conjunction with the Auto Mode, allowing the purifier to adapt its performance as needed.

Filtration System: The Heart of the Purifier

The Levoit LV-H133 employs a 360-degree, 3-stage filtration system, a design Levoit frequently uses in its high-performing models. This comprehensive system is designed to capture a wide range of airborne pollutants:

• Fine Pre-filter: This initial layer captures larger particles such as hair, dust, lint, and pet dander, extending the life of the subsequent filters.
• True HEPA Filter: This is the core of the filtration system. It’s designed to capture 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns. This includes common allergens like pollen, mold spores, dust mites, and even some bacteria and viruses. The

distinction between a ‘True HEPA’ filter and a generic ‘HEPA-type’ filter is crucial; True HEPA adheres to strict standards, guaranteeing its effectiveness. 3. Activated Carbon Filter: This layer is essential for absorbing odors, smoke, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other harmful gases. It effectively tackles cooking smells, pet odors, and cigarette smoke, leaving your air fresh.

Performance and Efficiency

The Levoit LV-H133 is designed for large rooms, with a recommended coverage of up to 538 sq. ft. (according to some sources) or 442 sq. ft. (according to HouseFresh testing). Its Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) is impressive:

In HouseFresh’s tests, the LV-H133 cleaned a 728 cubic feet test room in just 25 minutes, putting it on par with much more expensive units like the IQAir HealthPro Plus and the Coway Airmega AP-1512hh Mighty. This demonstrates its powerful air circulation and filtration capabilities.

Noise Levels and Energy Consumption

Air purifiers often run continuously, so noise levels and energy consumption are important considerations. The LV-H133 offers a range of fan speeds, each with corresponding noise levels:

At its lowest setting (Sleep Mode), the LV-H133 is remarkably quiet, making it suitable for bedrooms. Even at higher speeds, the noise is generally a consistent hum, not overly disruptive. In terms of energy consumption, it’s quite efficient:

This low power consumption translates to reasonable running costs, estimated at around $155.43 per year, including filter replacements.

Maintenance and Filter Replacement

Maintaining the Levoit LV-H133 is straightforward. The filter replacement process is simple: just remove the back panel and pull out the old filter. It’s crucial to remove the plastic wrapping from new filters before installation. The unit also has a filter reset button that needs to be pressed after a new filter is installed. Levoit recommends replacing the filter every 6-8 months, depending on usage and air quality.

It’s also important to periodically clean the dust sensor, located on the rear side of the air purifier. Dust accumulation can affect the accuracy of the air quality readings. A simple cleaning with cotton swabs will ensure optimal performance.

Pros and Cons

Like any product, the Levoit LV-H133 has its strengths and weaknesses:

Pros:

• Excellent Performance: Effectively cleans large rooms quickly.
• Stylish Design: Modern and aesthetically pleasing, blending well with home decor.
• Intuitive Controls: Easy-to-use touchscreen panel with clear indicators.
• Auto Mode: Automatically adjusts fan speed based on air quality.
• Quiet Operation: Especially in Sleep Mode, it’s very quiet.
• Energy Efficient: Low power consumption keeps running costs down.
• Affordable: Offers great value for its performance compared to competitors.

Cons:

• No Smart Features/App Connectivity: Unlike some newer models, it lacks smartphone control.
• No PM Level Display: The numeric display shows timer settings but not real-time PM2.5 levels.
• Lacks Handles: Can be a bit cumbersome to move due to the absence of handles.

Levoit LV-H133 vs. Competitors

When considering the LV-H133, it’s helpful to compare it to other popular models. While it might lack smart features found in some competitors, its core performance often rivals more expensive units. For example, it offers similar CADR to the Alen BreatheSmart 45i (which costs significantly more) and the Coway Airmega 300.

However, if app connectivity and advanced smart features are a priority, models like the Levoit Core 400S or 600S might be more suitable, though they may offer slightly less room coverage or a different design aesthetic.

Conclusion

The Levoit LV-H133 is a strong contender for anyone seeking an effective and stylish air purifier for large rooms. Its robust 3-stage filtration system, impressive CADR, and quiet operation make it a reliable choice for improving indoor air quality. While it may not boast the latest smart features, its focus on core performance and its competitive price point make it an excellent value. If you prioritize clean air and a sleek design over app control, the LV-H133 is definitely worth considering. It’s a testament to Levoit’s ability to deliver high-performing air purifiers without breaking the bank.