Review of Austin Air Purifier Models

Austin air purifier review: Summaries and Detailed Reviews.

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Austin Air Purifier Summaries


Model: HealthMate HM-400/
HealthMate Jr. HM-200
- Very Good Rating/
- Excellent Rating
Up to 500/250 sqft (6 AC/hr)
MSRP $449.99/$299.99
Conclusion: Good filters for basic air cleaning.
Detailed Review Below

Austin Air Purifier Detailed Reviews

Summary: I like the quality of this Austin Air purifier. Simple to use, good basic looks. Solid engineering and quality materials used throughout. Maintenance is minimal and because of the good filter design, filter life is long and reasonably priced. Both sizes are good with the value of the smaller pushing its score a bit higher. For a smaller room, the Junior size is best. The "plus" version is their top purifier, but this is also a good value.

Basic Specifications: The HealthMate HM-400 is designed for spaces up to 500 sqft (6 air changes per hour). The HealthMate Jr. HM-200 is designed for spaces up to 250 sqft (6 air changes per hour). This purifier is "passive technology" as the air must travel through the purifier to be cleaned. Both models use a 4-stage filter process: Stage-1 large particle pre filter (dust, hair, pet dander), stage-2 medium particle pre filter (mold, spores, pollen), stage-3 15lb or 6.5lb activated carbon and zeolite blend filter (gases, odors, chemicals), and stage-4 60ft or 30ft medical grade HEPA filter (some bacteria and viruses). Both sizes offer a 3-speed fan and a 5 year mechanical and pro-rated filter warranty. One filter to change every 3-5 years ($180/$135). The purifier has non-outgasing surfaces.

Rating Factors:

1) Value: 16/24 or 16/24 points - The MSRPs are $449.99/$299.99. The square footages cleaned are 500/250 sqft. The Value equations are as follows: 100 * (1 - ((($449.99 initial + $111.74/year)/500 sqft)/10 removal points)) = 88.77. 88.77 = 16 points - good value. 100 * (1 - ((($299.99 initial + $78.77/year)/250 sqft)/10 removal points)) = 84.85. 84.85 = 16 points - good value.

2) What is Removed: 10/16 points - Removal of Larger Particles >0.3 microns - Very Good Removal, 3-points. Removal of Smaller Particles <0.3 microns - Good Removal, 2-points. Removal of Odors and Gases - Good Removal, 2-points, Removal of VOCs - Fair Removal, 1-point, Removal of Basic Microorganisms - Good Removal, 2-points, Removal of Advanced Microorganisms - Poor Removal, 0-points.

3) Yearly Operating Costs: 9/15 or 12/15 points - Replacement filters last 3-5 years at $180/$135. Estimate 4 years and $45/year or $33.75/year. You may want to replace pre filter at the same time as main filter (not included in yearly estimate, but under $20). Electricity ranges from 56 to 115 watts and 50 to 66 watts. I'll estimate 86 watts and 58 watts. 86 watts/1000 X $.0886/kwh x 24 hours/day X 365 days/year = $66.74/year. 58 watts/1000 X $.0886/kwh x 24 hours/day X 365 days/year = $45.02/year. Total cost $111.74/year or $78.77/year. Average and Inexpensive to operate.

4) Quality: 11/12 points - Made in USA with top quality. Fit, Finish, and Workmanship - Excellent Quality, 5-points. Cleaning Technologies - Very Good Quality, 4-points. Support Material - Very Good Quality, 2-points.

5) Warranty: 8/8 points - A solid 5-year mechanical warranty and 5-year pro-rated filter warranty. Excellent Warranty.

6) Maintenance and Cleaning: 6/6 points - The only routine maintenance is a filter change every 3-5 years. Changing filters is relatively easy, but requires removal of 4 screws on bottom of unit. Should take you 15-30 minutes. Easy Maintenance, 3-points. Only light dusting or vacuuming of the outside as needed. Easy Cleaning 3-points.

7) Look and Feel: 5/6 points - Basic and functional looking. Available in 4 colors: Sandstone, Black, White, and Silver. Looks Good, 2-points. The fan speed control is simple and easy to locate. Cabinet feels solid. Feels Great, 3-points.

8) Years in Business: 4/5 points - They have been in business for 15 years. They are located in Buffalo, NY.

9) Noise Level: 2/5 points - The lowest fan setting is at 49-50dB and the highest is at 65-66dB. Loud Noise Level.

10) Set-Up: 3/3 points - The larger version is a fairly heavy unit at 45 lbs, so it may take help to get it out of the box. Ready to go out of the box. Easy Set-up.

total = 74/100 and 77/100 points

Conclusion: Good filters for basic air cleaning.
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Summary: I like the quality of this Austin Air purifier. Simple to use, good basic looks. Solid engineering and quality materials used throughout. Maintenance is minimal and because of the good filter design, filter life is long and reasonably priced. Both sizes are good with the value of the smaller pushing its score a bit higher. For a smaller room, the Junior size is best. Better for smokers and those wanting better gas and odor control.

Basic Specifications: The Allergy Machine is designed for spaces up to 500 sqft (6 air changes per hour). The Allergy Machine Jr. is designed for spaces up to 250 sqft (6 air changes per hour). This purifier is "passive technology" as the air must travel through the purifier to be cleaned. Both sizes use a 4-stage filter process: Stage-1 large particle pre filter (dust, hair, pet dander), stage-2 medium particle pre filter (mold, spores, pollen), stage-3 60ft or 30 ft medical grade HEPA filter (some bacteria and viruses), and stage-4 activated military carbon cloth filter (gases, odors, chemicals like formaldehyde and ammonia). Both sizes offer a 3-speed fan and a 5 year mechanical and pro-rated filter warranty. One filter to change every 3-5 years ($180/$135). The purifier has non-outgasing surfaces.

Rating Factors:

1) Value: 16/24 or 16/24 points - The MSRPs are $449.99/$299.99. The square footages cleaned are 500/250 sqft. The Value equations are as follows: 100 * (1 - ((($449.99 initial + $111.74/year)/500 sqft)/10 removal points)) = 88.77. 88.77 = 16 points - good value. 100 * (1 - ((($299.99 initial + $78.77/year)/250 sqft)/10 removal points)) = 84.85. 84.85 = 16 points - good value.

2) What is Removed: 10/16 points - Removal of Larger Particles >0.3 microns - Very Good Removal, 3-points. Removal of Smaller Particles <0.3 microns - Good Removal, 2-points. Removal of Odors and Gases - Very Good Removal, 3-points, Removal of VOCs - Poor Removal, 0-points, Removal of Basic Microorganisms - Good Removal, 2-points, Removal of Advanced Microorganisms - Poor Removal, 0-points.

3) Yearly Operating Costs: 9/15 or 12/15 points - Replacement filters last 3-5 years at $180/$135. Estimate 4 years and $45/year or $33.75/year. You may want to replace pre filter at the same time as main filter (not included in yearly estimate, but under $20). Electricity ranges from 56 to 115 watts and 50 to 66 watts. I'll estimate 86 watts and 58 watts. 86 watts/1000 X $.0886/kwh x 24 hours/day X 365 days/year = $66.74/year. 58 watts/1000 X $.0886/kwh x 24 hours/day X 365 days/year = $45.02/year. Total cost $111.74/year or $78.77/year. Average and Inexpensive to operate.

4) Quality: 11/12 points - Made in USA with top quality. Fit, Finish, and Workmanship - Excellent Quality, 5-points. Cleaning Technologies - Very Good Quality, 4-points. Support Material - Very Good Quality, 2-points.

5) Warranty: 8/8 points - A solid 5-year mechanical warranty and 5-year pro-rated filter warranty. Excellent Warranty.

6) Maintenance and Cleaning: 6/6 points - The only routine maintenance is a filter change every 3-5 years. Changing filters is relatively easy, but requires removal of 4 screws on bottom of unit. Should take you 15-30 minutes. Easy Maintenance, 3-points. Only light dusting or vacuuming of the outside as needed. Easy Cleaning 3-points.

7) Look and Feel: 5/6 points - Basic and functional looking. Available in 4 colors: Sandstone, Black, White, and Silver. Looks Good, 2-points. The fan speed control is simple and easy to locate. Cabinet feels solid. Feels Great, 3-points.

8) Years in Business: 4/5 points - They have been in business for 15 years. They are located in Buffalo, NY.

9) Noise Level: 2/5 points - The lowest fan setting is at 49-50dB and the highest is at 65-66dB. Loud Noise Level.

10) Set-Up: 3/3 points - The larger version is a fairly heavy unit at 45 lbs, so it may take help to get it out of the box. Ready to go out of the box. Easy Set-up.

total = 74/100 and 77/100 points

Conclusion: Added control for gases and odors (smoke smell).
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Summary: I like the quality of this Austin Air purifier. Simple to use, good basic looks. Solid engineering and quality materials used throughout. Maintenance is minimal and because of the good filter design, filter life is long and reasonably priced. Both sizes are good with the value of the smaller pushing its score a bit higher. For a smaller room, the Junior size is best. This version is their top purifier and a good value.

Basic Specifications: The HealthMate+ is designed for spaces up to 500 sqft (6 air changes per hour). The HealthMate+ Jr. is designed for spaces up to 250 sqft (6 air changes per hour). This purifier is "passive technology" as the air must travel through the purifier to be cleaned. Both models use a 4-stage filter process: Stage-1 large particle pre filter (dust, hair, pet dander), stage-2 medium particle pre filter (mold, spores, pollen), stage-3 15lb or 6.5lb activated carbon and zeolite blend filter with potassium iodide (gases, odors, chemicals), and stage-4 60ft or 30 ft medical grade HEPA filter (some bacteria and viruses). Both models offer a 3-speed fan and a 5 year mechanical and pro-rated filter warranty. One filter to change every 3-5 years ($280/$185). The Austin Air Purifier has non-outgasing surfaces.

Rating Factors:

1) Value: 16/24 or 16/24 points - The MSRPs are $549.99/$349.99. The square footages cleaned are 500/250 sqft. The Value equations are as follows: 100 * (1 - ((($549.99 initial + $136.74/year)/500 sqft)/11 removal points)) = 87.51. 87.51 = 16 points - good value. 100 * (1 - ((($349.99 initial + $91.27/year)/250 sqft)/11 removal points)) = 83.95. 83.95 = 16 points - good value.

2) What is Removed: 11/16 points - Removal of Larger Particles >0.3 microns - Very Good Removal, 3-points. Removal of Smaller Particles <0.3 microns - Good Removal, 2-points. Removal of Odors and Gases - Very Good Removal, 3-points, Removal of VOCs - Fair Removal, 1-point, Removal of Basic Microorganisms - Good Removal, 2-points, Removal of Advanced Microorganisms - Poor Removal, 0-points.

3) Yearly Operating Costs: 9/15 or 12/15 points - Replacement filters last 3-5 years at $280/$185. Estimate 4 years and $70/year or $46.25/year. You may want to replace pre filter at the same time as main filter (not included in yearly estimate, but under $20). Electricity ranges from 56 to 115 watts and 50 to 66 watts. I'll estimate 86 watts and 58 watts. 86 watts/1000 X $.0886/kwh x 24 hours/day X 365 days/year = $66.74/year. 58 watts/1000 X $.0886/kwh x 24 hours/day X 365 days/year = $45.02/year. Total cost $136.74/year or $91.27/year. Average and Inexpensive to operate.

4) Quality: 11/12 points - Made in USA with top quality. Fit, Finish, and Workmanship - Excellent Quality, 5-points. Cleaning Technologies - Very Good Quality, 4-points. Support Material - Very Good Quality, 2-points.

5) Warranty: 8/8 points - A solid 5-year mechanical warranty and 5-year pro-rated filter warranty. Excellent Warranty.

6) Maintenance and Cleaning: 6/6 points - The only routine maintenance is a filter change every 3-5 years. Changing filters is relatively easy, but requires removal of 4 screws on bottom of unit. Should take you 15-30 minutes. Easy Maintenance, 3-points. Only light dusting or vacuuming of the outside as needed. Easy Cleaning 3-points.

8) Years in Business: 4/5 points - They have been in business for 15 years. They are located in Buffalo, NY.

7) Look and Feel: 5/6 points - Basic and functional looking. Available in 4 colors: Sandstone, Black, White, and Silver. Looks Good, 2-points. The fan speed control is simple and easy to locate. Cabinet feels solid. Feels Great, 3-points.

10) Set-Up: 3/3 points - The larger version is a fairly heavy unit at 45 lbs, so it may take help to get it out of the box. Ready to go out of the box. Easy Set-up.

9) Noise Level: 2/5 points - The lowest fan setting is at 49-50dB and the highest is at 65-66dB. Loud Noise Level.

total = 75/100 and 78/100 points

Conclusion: Best Austin Air Purifier, both sizes.
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Austin Air Purifier Baby's Breath
Last Reviewed: 12-13-07
Rating Score: 77/100 points

Summary: I like the quality of this Austin Air purifier plus this one is "cute". Simple to use, good basic looks. Solid engineering and quality materials used throughout. Maintenance is minimal and because of the good filter design, filter life is long and reasonably priced. This version is very similar to the Allergy Machine Jr.

Basic Specifications: The Baby's Breath is designed for spaces up to 250 sqft (6 air changes per hour). This purifier is "passive technology" as the air must travel through the purifier to be cleaned. The Baby's Breath uses a 4-stage filter process: Stage-1 large particle pre filter (dust, hair, pet dander), stage-2 medium particle pre filter (mold, spores, pollen), stage-3 30ft medical grade HEPA filter (some bacteria and viruses), and stage 4-activated military carbon cloth filter (gases, odors, chemicals like formaldehyde and ammonia). This model also has a 3-speed fan and a 5 year mechanical and pro-rated filter warranty. One filter to change every 3-5 years ($135). The Austin Air Purifier has non-outgasing surfaces.

Rating Factors:

1) Value: 16/24 points - The MSRP is $299.99. The square footage cleaned is 250 sqft. The Value equation is as follows: 100 * (1 - ((($299.99 initial + $78.77/year)/250 sqft)/10 removal points)) = 84.85. 84.85 = 16 points - good value.

2) What is Removed: 10/16 points - Removal of Larger Particles >0.3 microns - Very Good Removal, 3-points. Removal of Smaller Particles <0.3 microns - Good Removal, 2-points. Removal of Odors and Gases - Good Removal, 2-points, Removal of VOCs - Fair Removal, 1-point, Removal of Basic Microorganisms - Good Removal, 2-points, Removal of Advanced Microorganisms - Poor Removal, 0-points.

3) Yearly Operating Costs: 12/15 points - Replacement filters last 3-5 years at $135. Estimate 4 years and $33.75/year. You may want to replace pre filter at the same time as main filter (not included in yearly estimate, but under $20). Electricity ranges from 50 to 65 watts. I'll estimate 58 watts. 58 watts/1000 X $.0886/kwh x 24 hours/day X 365 days/year = $45.02/year. Total cost $78.77/year. Inexpensive to operate.

4) Quality: 11/12 points - Made in USA with top quality. Fit, Finish, and Workmanship - Excellent Quality, 5-points. Cleaning Technologies - Very Good Quality, 4-points. Support Material - Very Good Quality, 2-points.

5) Warranty: 8/8 points - A solid 5-year mechanical warranty and 5-year pro-rated filter warranty. Excellent Warranty.

6) Maintenance and Cleaning: 6/6 points - The only routine maintenance is a filter change every 3-5 years. Changing filters is relatively easy, but requires removal of 4 screws on bottom of unit. Should take you 15-30 minutes. Easy Maintenance, 3-points. Only light dusting or vacuuming of the outside as needed. Easy Cleaning 3-points.

7) Look and Feel: 5/6 points - Basic and functional looking. The colors make it cute. Available in 2 colors: Pink and Blue. Looks Good, 2-points. The fan speed control is simple and easy to locate. Cabinet feels solid. Feels Great, 3-points.

8) Years in Business: 4/5 points - They have been in business for 15 years. They are located in Buffalo, NY.

9) Noise Level: 2/5 points - The lowest fan setting is at 49-50dB and the highest is at 65-66dB. Loud Noise Level.

10) Set-Up: 3/3 points - Easy Set-up.

total = 77/100 points

Conclusion: Good unit for basic air cleaning.
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Austin Air Purifier The Pet Machine
Last Reviewed: 12-13-07
Rating Score: 74/100 points

Summary: I like the quality of this Austin Air purifier. Simple to use, good basic looks. Solid engineering and quality materials used throughout. Maintenance is minimal and because of the good filter design, filter life is long and reasonably priced. This purifier is positioned for pet owners. I would recommend another one of the other models unless you have a pet urine problem.

Basic Specifications: The Pet Machine is designed for spaces up to 500 sqft (6 air changes per hour). This purifier is "passive technology" as the air must travel through the purifier to be cleaned. The Pet Machine uses a 4-stage filter process: Stage-1 large particle pre filter (dust, hair, pet dander), stage-2 medium particle pre filter (mold, spores, pollen), stage-3 15lb activated carbon and zeolite blend filter (gases, odors, chemicals), and stage-4 60ft medical grade HEPA filter (some bacteria and viruses). Both offer a 3-speed fan and a 5 year mechanical and pro-rated filter warranty. One filter to change every 3-5 years ($229). The Austin Air Purifier has non-outgasing surfaces.

Rating Factors:

1) Value: 16/24 points - The MSRP is $499.99. The square footage cleaned is 500 sqft. The Value equation is as follows: 100 * (1 - ((($499.99 initial + $124/year)/500 sqft)/10 removal points)) = 87.52. 87.52 = 16 points - good value.

2) What is Removed: 10/16 points - Removal of Larger Particles >0.3 microns - Very Good Removal, 3-points. Removal of Smaller Particles <0.3 microns - Good Removal, 2-points. Removal of Odors and Gases - Good Removal, 2-points, Removal of VOCs - Fair Removal, 1-point, Removal of Basic Microorganisms - Good Removal, 2-points, Removal of Advanced Microorganisms - Poor Removal, 0-points.

3) Yearly Operating Costs: 9/15 points - Replacement filters last 3-5 years at $229. Estimate 4 years and $57.25/year. You may want to replace pre filter at the same time as main filter (not included in yearly estimate, but under $20). Electricity ranges from 56 to 115 watts. I'll estimate 86 watts. 86 watts/1000 X $.0886/kwh x 24 hours/day X 365 days/year = $66.75/year. Total cost $124/year. Average to operate.

4) Quality: 11/12 points - Made in USA with top quality. Fit, Finish, and Workmanship - Excellent Quality, 5-points. Cleaning Technologies - Very Good Quality, 4-points. Support Material - Very Good Quality, 2-points.

5) Warranty: 8/8 points - A solid 5-year mechanical warranty and 5-year pro-rated filter warranty. Excellent Warranty.

6) Maintenance and Cleaning: 6/6 points - The only routine maintenance is a filter change every 3-5 years. Changing filters is relatively easy, but requires removal of 4 screws on bottom of unit. Should take you 15-30 minutes. Easy Maintenance, 3-points. Only light dusting or vacuuming of the outside as needed. Easy Cleaning 3-points.

7) Look and Feel: 5/6 points - Basic and functional looking. Available in 4 colors: Sandstone, Black, White, and Silver. Looks Good, 2-points. The fan speed control is simple and easy to locate. Cabinet feels solid. Feels Great, 3-points.

8) Years in Business: 4/5 points - They have been in business for 15 years. They are located in Buffalo, NY.

9) Noise Level: 2/5 points - The lowest fan setting is at 49-50dB and the highest is at 65-66dB. Loud Noise Level.

10) Set-Up: 3/3 points - This is a fairly heavy unit at 45 lbs, so it may take help to get it out of the box. Ready to go out of the box. Easy Set-up.

total = 74/100 points

Conclusion: Mildly pet urine specialized; would recommend other models first. Return to Top

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