Levoit LV-H128: An Essential Oil Friendly Air Purifier

Full Review

Levoit is one of the manufacturers of air purifiers that offers a diverse variety of air purifiers. From devices for small rooms to devices for huge rooms. The Levoit LV-H128 is a new model from this company, which brings some new features and options.

LV-H128 is designed for rooms up to 161 sq. ft. This model differs from standard Levoit models because it uses two 3-in-1 filters positioned on the sides.

To completely freshen the air in your home, there is also the possibility of adding essential oils. Simply add them to the air purifier, and the essential oils will freshen the room. Modern, elegant, and refined design are some of the features of this small device.

In the following Levoit LV-H128 review, I will touch on all the details related to this device, and I will show all the tests I have performed. And at the end, I will report the final conclusion about the LV-H128 air purifier.

Design

This is one of the smallest devices from Levoit. The Levoit LV-H128 is covered with ivory white color, except for the upper part, which is covered with a mouse gray color.

The design of the Levoit LV-H128 is a bit specific and different from other air purifiers from Levoit’s offer. What’s innovative in this mode is that the device uses two filters and that it uses essential oils. So far, I haven’t noticed these features in other air purifiers.

Dimensionally, this is a tiny, portable device, which is intended for a small room, a small bedroom, or even a small office.

For control, the Levoit LV-H128 uses only one button, through which the complete control of the air purifier is performed. In addition to the control button, there are indicators that glow white, indicating the fan speed and mode: sleep, low, high. Also, an indicator extends around the button, which will light up when the device is turned on. However, this indicator will also serve as a filter reset indicator, and in that case, it will light up in red. The red color indicates that it is time to replace the filter.

The filters are located on the sides, while the air outlet is on the upper side.

Levoit LV-H128 is a beautiful and modern device that will fit on any shelf, random table, or similar location.

Control Button

As I already mentioned, the Levoit LV-H128 uses only one button for complete control.

In addition to the fact that you can turn the device on or off by pressing the button, you can also change the operating mode and reset the filter reset indicator.

Airflow

The Levoit LV-H128 uses two identical filters, which are arranged on each side of the device. This means that this air purifier draws in air from the sides.

The air is filtered through and then exits through the grilles on top.

Size and Dimensions

The LV-H128 air purifier weighs 3.3 lb. The device is mobile and easily portable. The dimensions of the device are 6.7 x 6.7 x 10.4 inches. In terms of sizes, this Levoit is identical to the TaoTronics TT-AP001 air purifier, which I recently had the opportunity to test.

What’s in the box?

When the package arrives, you should have 1x Levoit LV-H128, 2x 3-in-1 filter, 1x power Adapter, 1x User Manual, 1x Aroma Pad, and 1x Warranty Card.

Features Overview

The Levoit LV-H128 brings some novelties when it comes to Levoit air purifiers. One of the wonders that I would single out and that many people will like is the possibility of using essential oils and thus additional freshening of the air in the room.

This model can be easily compared to other models from Levoit. On one side, we have the Levoit LV-H126, which is a minimal device without any advanced features. In the middle, we have the Levoit LV-H128, which uses electronics and has some advanced options. Finally, we have the Levoit LV-H132, which stands out by the night light option.

Two Fan Speeds and Sleep Mode

The LV-H128 essentially features two fan speeds and a sleep mode.

When in sleep mode, the device uses the slowest fan speed it has. Besides, after switching to sleep mode, all indicators will turn off after 5s.

The low mode is slightly louder and stronger than the sleep mode, while the high mode is the strongest mode on the Levoit LV-H128 air purifier.

Filter Reset Indicator

The filter reset indicator is essentially an indicator that lights up around the control buttons.

When it is time to replace the filter, this indicator will glow red. By pressing the button for 3s, the filter reset indicator will reset.

Dual Filter

What sets the Levoit LV-H128 apart is the dual filter. This air purifier uses a 2x 3-in-1 True HEPA filter. How good this innovation is and how effective this type of filtration is will be explained below in this review’s filter replacement section. For now, it is important to mention that I did not notice this type of filtration with other Levoit models.

However, the Medifyair MA-15 that I also tested uses an identical filtration system as this model.

Aroma Pad

This is also a unique innovation that I have not noticed with other Levoit products and other air purifier manufacturers.

Basically, the idea is to add 2-3 drops of essential oil to the aroma pad located on the device’s top. After you turn on the device, the air will pass through the sponge that has soaked in the essential oil, and in that way, it will spread the smell through the room.

This innovation is very well thought out; however, I noticed that 2-3 drops are not quite enough to feel a significant change in the room. So, while I was using the device, I poured 2-3 drops but several times during the day, and in that way, I got a stronger effect and far fresher air.

Certified Device

To protect your loved ones, LV-H128 meets ETL, FCC, and CARB requirements.

This model, like all other models from Levoit that I have tested so far, is ozone-free.

Safe, light, and small enough, the LV-H128 will be an excellent solution for a child’s room.

Room Coverage and CADR

Levoit LV-H128 is designed for rooms up to 161 sq. ft. The device has a CADR of 70 cubic meters per hour.

However, in my opinion, a room of this size is perhaps too big for the LV-H128. I would recommend you take a look at the Levoit Core 300, which is designed for slightly larger rooms but has a much more powerful motor and higher airflow if you need to cover such a large room.

This model can be ideal for some smaller rooms, such as a small bedroom, office, pantry, or similar room.

Filtration Technology

What I like about the Levoit LV-H128 is that it uses a dual filter.

Filtration is classic as with other Levoit devices I tested. It’s 3 stage filtration, without ionizers, UV light, or some additional options.

Because of all this, the Levoit LV-H128 is very safe to use and definitely does not produce ozone.

Filters are located on the sides. The filters are not washable. You will need to change them about twice a year.

Pre-filter

The fine preliminary filter is the first stage of filtration. It captures large particles such as dust, lint, fibers, hair, and pet fur.

Besides, another purpose of the pre-filter is to extend the life of a true HEPA filter. Therefore, it is necessary to periodically clean the pre-filter to remove the accumulated dust.

True HEPA filter

Almost all Levoit air purifiers use a true HEPA filter, which is really commendable, especially due to the very affordable price of Levoit air purifiers.

True HEPA filter at Levoit LV-H128 removes at least 99.97% of airborne particles 0.3 micrometers in diameter. This means it removes small particles such as mold spores, tiny dust particles, parts of smoke, and allergens such as pollen, dander, and mites.

By using a true HEPA filter, you can eliminate most if not all allergens from the air.

Carbon filter

In my opinion, the carbon filter is too small and not as efficient as it could be. This is basically a fibrous filter coated with carbon; sadly, Levoit does not use carbon pellets which are an advanced version of the carbon filter.

The lack of a good carbon filter will definitely affect the performance of the device. I think Levoit should have done a better job here, and that way, the LV-H128 would have been a far more complete air purifier. The primary purpose of this filter is to physically absorb smoke, odors, and fumes.

How to Change Levoit LV-H128 Filters?

Although Levoit advises that the filters on this device be changed on average between 6-8 months, in my experience with the Levoit LV-H128, the filters should be changed on average every 6 months, not longer.

The filters are not washable, and you do not need to wash them under any circumstances. It is recommended to clean the pre-filter on average every 2-4 weeks.

The Levoit LV-H128 will notify you when it is time to replace the filter by making the indicator around the button illuminate red. Also, you should replace the filters if you notice that the device’s volume is suddenly increased, the airflow is drastically reduced, the device emits an unpleasant odor, or the filters are visibly dirty. I’ve noticed that some users complain that the filters last shorter than recommended, so follow these tips and check your filters often.

Total Time: 10 minutes.

Noise Test

The Levoit LV-H128 uses three fan speeds. Although the device is a bit louder on high mode, it’s generally very quiet. It is very likely you won’t even notice it while it’s running.

The motor is very well optimized, the sound is pleasant, without any unpleasant rattles. While testing the device, I used sleep mode, and very often, it happened to me to leave the device working like that for a few days because I didn’t notice it, nor did I hear it work. That is real proof of how quiet LV-H128 is in sleep mode.

In sleep mode, the Levoit LV-H128 produces 42.4 dBA.; however, in high mode, the device makes 49.3 dBA.

Check the results for other speeds in the table below.

Performance Tests

Levoit convincingly has the most popular and perhaps even the highest quality models of this type on the market. So I was very excited when I saw that they released a new model (LV-H128).

As for my performance expectations, despite the two filters, I didn’t expect much more than can be obtained with some other similar models from Levoit.

LV-H128 is a fascinating model, designed for rooms up to 161 sq. ft. I tested it in various rooms and conditions, and below I will present the test in two of the most interesting rooms.

All tests are performed in a real-life environment, no laboratory tests were performed. You can see the most exciting results below.

120 sq. ft. Room Test

I tested the Levoit LV-H128 in a 120 sq. ft. room. This room is slightly smaller than the recommended dimensions. However, Levoit did not do outstanding in this test but made a very good result.

I tested the device in the room for 60 minutes, the device worked at maximum speed all the time. During that time, the air quality was improved by about 88%, which is a solid result.

In the process, the AQI was lowered from 196 to 24.

As you can see, the room’s air was very dirty, but the LV-H128 drastically improved it and made it easier to breathe in the room.

194 sq. ft. Room Test

The second room is slightly larger than recommended. That’s why I expected a somewhat weaker result than in the first room. I left the Levoit LV-H128 running in high mode for 60 minutes. After that time, the air purifier lowered the AQI from 117 to 21, thus improving the air quality by about 82%.

This is also an outstanding result, especially if you consider that the device continued to improve the air quality in the room.

Operating Costs

Levoit LV-H128 uses only 6W. This is just amazing, and I have certainly not come across a device that consumes so little amount of electricity. It seems that Levoit is working on improving all the parameters of its devices, so this model has overtaken the Vista 200 air purifier, which uses only 12W.

The Levoit LV-H128 uses an AC adapter as an accessory to connect the device to electricity. In standby mode, the LV-H128 consumes about 0.6W, although I’m not sure why that is, because when in standby mode, no indicator is on or anything else that can consume electricity.

If you leave the Levoit LV-H128 running in high mode for a month, 24 hours a day, your electricity bill will increase by around $ 0.5. I took into account that the price of electricity in the US is about $ 0.12 kW / h.

In operating costs, I always include the price of the filter. When I saw that the Levoit LV-H128 uses two filters, my first thought was that replacing the filters is expensive. However, I was amazed to see that the price of replacement filters is not at all as expensive as I thought.

When we add up the price of filters with electricity consumption annually, the LV-H128 has a low maintenance cost.

Levoit Support and Warranty

The Levoit LV-H128 comes with a warranty card. With the purchased product, you get a 1-year warranty. However, on the warranty card, you have a detailed description of the procedure for extending the warranty to two years.

Basically, to extend the warranty to two years, all you need to do is register your product on Levoit’s Warranty Page.

I have tested Levoit support many times so far. I had no problems. People from support answered questions in record time. I always got extensive answers, with no circling or robotic answers.

Levoit offers many different options through which you can contact them. My favorite is via Facebook, but I also use email very often.

The email you can contact them at is support@levoit.com.

You can also find them on Facebook by clicking on this link.

FAQ on Levoit LV-H128