As we go about our daily activities, we face a variety of risks, indoors and outdoors. Whether you are working at home or just watching TV shows and movies, you’re exposed to environmental pollutants.
Study after study has shown that indoor air is seriously polluted than outdoor air. This is common in most industrialized cities around the world. Since most people spend more than 90% of the day indoors, we get exposed to these pollutants.
When exposed for the longest period, the risk of respiratory problems increases. If your family has both young, the elderly, and chronically ill, they are at a higher risk. The good news is, an excellent indoor air purifier can reduce air pollutants dramatically in a closed space.
In this Austin Air HealthMate Plus Air Purifier review, we look at the purifier’s features, pros, and cons. We also make a comparison between the Standard and the Junior model.
Jump to:
- Specs
- In-depth Review
- Suitable Room Size
- Operating Costs
- Pros & Cons
- Austin HealthMate vs. HealthMate Plus vs. HealthMate Junior
Austin Air HealthMate Plus Specifications:
Filtration: 3-in-1 filter cartridge: Pre-filter, Activated Carbon, and HEPA filter plus an extra pre-filter for large particles.
HEPA class: True HEPA
Filter life: 5 years
Maximum CADR: 250 cubic feet per minute (cfm)
Coverage: 375 square feet with 5 air exchange per hour (ACH)
Sensors: N/A
Number of manual fan speed: 3
Automatic mode: N/A
Size: 23″H x 14.5″W x 14.5″D
Device weight: 47 lbs
Noise level: 50 – 66 dB
Rated Power: 132 Watt
Voltage: 110 – 120 V AC 60 Hz
- Specializes in the reduction of harmful chemicals, noxious gases, VOC’s, formaldehyde, and sub micron particles for individuals in...
- Broad spectrum adsorption offers protection for people exposed to smoke from wildfires, those living close to busy highways, and people...
- True medical grade HEPA filter removes 99.97% of all particles larger than 0.3 microns; over 780 cubic inches of activated carbon...
- 3 speed settings for fan; 360 degree intake system draws air into all sides of unit, passing air through a 4 stage filter
- Eases headaches and reduces nausea related to chemical exposure; helps reduce coughing, wheezing and sneezing, dry mouth, runny nose;...
In-depth Review of Austin Air HealthMate Plus Air Purifier:
Austin Air Systems is a trusted brand that has been providing air systems for more than 30 years. With solid constructions, these systems have continued to ensure people breathe pure air, day and night.
One of the best solutions made by Austin Air Systems is the Austin Air HealthMate Plus Air Purifier.
Here is why.
Four-Stage Filtration System
We liked the Austin Air HealthMate Plus Air Purifier because it features a 4 stage mechanical-only filtration system. They include:
- Large particle pre-filter (primary filter protector)
- Medium particle pre-filter (for medium particles)
- Activated carbon (for VOCs, odors, and chemicals)
- True HEPA filter (for tiny particles)
Let’s start with the large particle pre-filter. As the first stage, it removes particles seen by the naked eye. These particles include pet dander, dust, and hair.
After the first stage, the air passes through to the second stage, notably the medium particulate pre-filter. This stage removes contaminants composed of small and medium-sized particles. Such pollutants include pollen and mold spores.
After the second filter, you have 15 pounds of deep bed activated carbon filter. What’s unique about this filter is that Austin Air Systems integrated it with potassium iodide and zeolite as oxidizing agents. As such, it’s useful in removing volatile organic compounds like benzene and formaldehyde.
It also removes chemical odors and gases. This filter is effective because the potassium iodide enhances the binding of chemical odors.
That is why it’s perfect for people suffering from multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS). The activated carbon filter has a volume of 780 cubic inches.
The last filter is the medical-grade true HEPA filter. With an area of more than 60 square feet, the pleated HEPA filter can efficiently remove 99.97% of particles no smaller than 0.3 microns. It also can remove 95% of 0.1 microns particles. The particles include airborne bacteria, smoke, and viruses.
The filtration system has a long life – 5 years to be exact. Besides that, the manufacturer offers a five-year pro-rated warranty on the filter media.
Check out our top picks >>> The 7 Best Air Purifier for VOCs.
Design
Austin HealthMate Plus comes in a box-shaped design that is purely constructed from steel, including the perforated grill. To ensure it can withstand years of use, Austin Air Systems powder coated the steel frame. As such, it’s safe to say that the air purifier can resist corrosion.
The air purifier has the following dimensions – 23 inches high by 14.5 inches wide by 14.5 inches deep. This means you can reach the top knob to set your favorite fan speed. You can choose the lowest speed, medium speed, or the highest speed.
It has a 360-degree air intake protected by a perforated steel grille. The air purifier sucks unfiltered air through the intake and passes it through the filtration system. After contaminants get trapped, it releases clean, fresh air back into the room via a side outlet on top.
At the base of the air purifier, you have the caster wheels. These wheels can roll across any terrain. That includes hardwood flooring, carpets, rugs, and tiled floor. The air purifier weighs 47 pounds, which means without the caster wheels, it will require two or more people to move it from one room to another.
There are four colors available – black, midnight blue, white, and sandstone.
Clean Air Delivery Rate and Noise Level
The air purifier has a three-speed centrifugal fan. Powered by a high-efficiency motor, it has an airflow rate of 400 cfm without the filter. Including the filter, the CADR is 250 cfm. As such, it can clean 625 square feet of room three times in an hour. Check out the recommended room size for Austin HealthMate Plus.
The permanent split capacitor motor is mounted on shock absorbers. This helps to reduce the noise level. At the lowest speed setting, the air purifier produces 50 decibels. This is below a normal conversation, which has a noise level rating of 60 dB.
When you switch to the highest speed setting, the Austin Air HealthMate Plus Air Purifier produces 66 decibels. This is a bit louder; however, you don’t have to run the air purifier on top speed most of the time.
Suitable Room Size for Austin Air HealthMate Plus:
If you have higher ceilings, use our Air Changes per Hour Calculator to calculate the suitable room size.
Austin Air HealthMate Plus Operating Costs:
Annual Filter Replacement: ~ $72 per year based on 5 years usage ($360, check the current filter price on Amazon, Sylvane).
Monthly Energy Consumption: ~ $5.7 (based on 12 cents per kWh and 12 hours use on the top speed per day). Use our Energy Usage Calculator to find out the bill based on your usage and the local energy rate.
Pros & Cons:
Earth mineral-based (don’t off-gas) purifier for VOCs and odor control >>> EnviroKlenz Air Purifier
Austin HealthMate vs. HealthMate Plus vs. HealthMate Junior:
Both Austin HealthMate and Austin HealthMate Plus are identical air purifiers, both in size and specs. The only difference is, the Plus version has extra zeolite and potassium iodide with activated carbon materials for odor and VOCs control.
On the other hand, the Austin HealthMate Junior is smaller in size and has a less clean air delivery rate than Austin HealthMate.
Questions and Answers
Q. Does the air purifier emit any ozone?
A. No, Austin HealthMate series air purifiers are complete ozone-free.
Q. Can I vacuum the outer housing?
A. Yes, you can vacuum the steel outer housing. This will remove any particles stuck in the perforated grill. You can take it a step farther by giving the outer casing a good wipe down.
Q. Does it come with a filter change indicator?
A. No, this model does not have a filter change indicator. The manufacturer recommends that you change your filters after 60 months of regular use.
Final Thoughts
The Austin Air HealthMate Plus is a few air purifier that comes with such odor controllability. It also features a true HEPA filter for removing fine particles. While it does not have a remote control or timers feature, it has easy to use controls. All you have to do is turn the dial to select the best fan speed.
Overall, this air purifier will protect you for years as it is a basic low maintenance and high performing air purifier.
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