BlueAir 603

Blueair 603 Review Summary

The Good:
The Blueair 603 is an improved Blueair 503. It is still as quiet, but performs much better due to a different casing design and more efficient motor.

The Bad:
The machine’s efficient HEPASilent filter is expensive. And it doesn’t have an automatic sensor that adjusts the fan speed according to the pollution level.

The BottomLine:
If you want a high performance machine to clean normal household pollutants, this is one of the contender. But be prepared to pay a premium.

What we like about the BlueAir 603

The filters: The major difference between BlueAir machines and other air purifiers that uses a HEPA filter is in the technology called the HEPASilent.

The HEPASilent filters made by Blueair has larger holes than a normal HEPA but before dirty air is sucked through the filter, the machine uses ion brushes to charge if first. So, while normal air purifiers suck the air through their filter, the Blueair 603 makes the charged contaminants attracted to it’s filter.

Because of this, the filter is quieter and more efficient than most machines in the market. If a HEPA can trap contaminants 0.3 micron and larger, this one traps smaller airborne contaminants – from 0.1 micron or larger.

There are 3 HEPASilent filters positioned in this machine.

Filter change is easy: To replace all 3 filters inside the unit, you just need to open the top lid with your hand.

Practical: The unit is made of galvanized steel and you can move it around your rooms using it’s castors. There’s also a timer that counts down from 6 months to remind you when to change the filter. And because it so quiet, there’s a blue power on light to let you know if it’s on operation.

Uses little electricity: An Energy Star qualified, it consumes 35 Watt on low and 120 Watt on high speed.

Works faster: Similar to the best-selling 503, the 603 diffuses filtered air from all sides. And because the filter doesn’t block the air, filtered air is released faster than machines using traditional HEPA.

It’s silent: Since air is not forced through the filters, the motor doesn’t need to work hard. Coupled with noise-muffling steel for the housing, you’ll get a quiet machine that lets you sleep peacefully.

Safe for kids and pets: This air purifier shuts down automatically if it’s door is opened. Important feature if you have small kids or curious pets around the house.

But, we are concerned that :

• It’s relatively expensive: Covering around 600 sq feet, the 603 is one of the most expensive air purifier in the class.
• The filter cost: You need to spend around $160 a year if you change the filter every 6 months as recommended by Blueair.
• Warranty : 10 years – but only if you change the filter according to Blueair’s schedule.
• No pre-filter : Most air cleaners come with pre-filter to stop bigger airborne particles from entering the main filter. But the 603 one lacks one. We suggest you vacuum your filter to help it lasts longer.
• It’s all manual: It has only 3 fan speeds that you adjust with a manual dial knob. It will not adjust the fan speed automatically if the air suddenly gets contaminated.
  
• No remote control : Not a big issue for most people.
  

BlueAir 503

Blueair 503 Review Summary

The Good:
The silent 503 consumes little energy and is rated as one of the most effective air purifier in the market due to it’s filter technology.

The Bad:
You need to change the unit’s 3 filters every 6 months.

The Bottomline:
This a solid air purifier for everyday use provided you don’t have any serious smoke, odor and molds problem.  If peaceful sleep is a major concern, this is one of the machine you should consider. But it is not cheap to own or maintain.

What we like about Blueair 503.

The filters:
The major difference between BlueAir machines and other air purifiers that uses a HEPA filter lies in the technology called the HEPASilent.

The HEPASilent has larger holes than a normal HEPA but before dirty air is sucked through the filter, the machine uses ion brushes to charge if first. So, while air purifiers made by other companies force the air through their filter, the Blueair 503 makes the charged contaminants attracted to it’s filter.

Because of this, the machine is quieter and more effective than most air purifiers in the market. If a HEPA can trap contaminants 0.3 micron and bigger, this filter can trap smaller airborne contaminants of 0.1 micron or larger.

Filter is easy to change: You can change the filter without a screwdriver or any other tools.

Practical: The unit is made of galvanized steel and can be moved around using it’s castors. There’s also a timer that counts down from 6 months to remind you when to change the filter. And because it so quiet, there’s a blue power on light to let you know if it’s on operation.

Uses little electricity: An Energy Star qualified, it only consumes 35 Watt on low and 120 Watt on high speed.

Works faster: The 503 diffuses filtered air from the sides and top. And because the filter doesn’t block the air, clean air is delivered faster.

It’s silent: Since air is not blocked, the motor doesn’t need to work hard. Coupled with noise-muffling steel for the housing, you’ll get a quiet machine that lets you sleep peacefully.

Safe for kids and pets: This air purifier shuts down automatically if it’s door is opened. Important feature if you have curious kids or pets around the house.

But, we are concerned that :

• It’s not cheap: The price says it all.
  
• The filter cost: If you replace it every 6 months as advised by the company, you’re looking at around $160 a year. It’s bigger sibling, the Blueair 603 costs the same but covers bigger area.
  
• Warranty : You need to change your filter according to the schedule or you’ll void your warranty.
• No pre-filter : Most air cleaners come with pre-filter to stop bigger airborne particles from entering the main filter. But this one lacks one. We suggest you vacuum your filter regularly.
• No auto sensor: You need to adjust the fan speed manually because there is no automatic sensor to detect pollution and adjusts the settings.
• No remote : Because it is not a digitally controlled machine, there’s no remote control.

Allerair 5000 Vocarb

Allerair 5000 Vocarb Review Summary.

The Good: 4 filters including a very thick carbon filter. Sturdy and inert machine – suitable for those who suffer from multiple sensitivities.

The Bad: Old fashioned, heavy, quite loud and lack digital features.

The Bottomline: What AllerAir has built here is an industrial strength machine that can clear your everyday airborne contaminants effectively and also controls odor, smoke and gases – better than most commercial machines out there.

If you live in an area where that is a big problem, seriously consider this machine.

What we like about the Allerair 5000 Vocarb.

The Filter: There are 4 filters in this machine :-

• Vacuumable prefilter – traps large particles, quick to change
• HEPA – medical grade, trapping 99.97% of particles (as small as 0.3 microns)
• 2 anti-microbial filters
• Carbon – 18 lbs. of activated carbon specially formulated for VOCs

With the thick carbon, this machine not only helps clean your everyday air pollution but is also equipped to reduce smoke, odor and harmful gases emitted by products like aerosol, new carpets and mold toxins.

This is one of the most comprehensive filter set you’d ever find in an air purifier.

360 degrees air intake: The machine comes in cylindrical shape to maximizes airflow.

Made of Steel: To make sure it doesn’t react with the air and is durable, the Allerair 5000 is encased in steel.

Long Filter Life: While the pre-filter needs to be changed every 3 months, it only costs $40 a year. The Hepa and the carbon lasts 2 to 5 years depending on the level of pollution and how frequent you use the machine.

Warranty: It is backed by a 10 years limited warranty.

But we are concerned about these :

• Quite Loud: The lowest setting is 35dB, which is loud if you want to use it for your bedroom. The other 2 settings will be at 55 and 65 dB.
  
• Only 3 fan speeds: You only have the option of  low, fast and turbo.
  
• Heavy : At 45 lbs, you may be able to push it around. But forget about lifting it up the stairs if you have back problem or over 50.
  
• No digital display: Like Austin Air machines, the control is old-fashioned.
  
• So, no digital features: Because it is not a digitally controlled machine, there’s no remote control, timer or filter replacement alert. You need to remind yourself to change your filter ( which is troublesome, since you need to replace each filter at different time ).
• The outdated look : Your guests might wonder why you keep a humming log in your home.
• Need tools to change filter: You can replace the pre-filter without a tool but you need a screwdriver for the other 3.

Allerair 5000 Exec

Allerair 5000 Exec Review Summary

The Good: 4 powerful industrial strength filters.

The Bad: It’s loud, heavy and uses only manual dial for controlling the fan. Looks awkward too.

The Bottomline: Like we said before, the 5000 Exec is just like a rally car. If you want performance – this machine can out-deliver it. But if you want a machine pleasant enough for your eyes and smart enough to tell you when the filters need replacement, look elsewhere.

What we like about the AllerAir 5000 Exec

The filters: AllerAir 5000 Exec is an all rounder air purifier with 4 filters :-

• A vacuumable pre-filter
• 2 anti-microbial filters
• A very thick 18 lbs carbon filter, and
• A high grade medical HEPA filter.

Like any other Allerair machine, this filter combination is definitely one of the best that we have ever seen in an air purifier.

360 degrees air intake: The company says their cylindrical shape maximizes airflow through the machine.

Made of Steel: To make sure it doesn’t react with the air and is durable, the Allerair 5000 is encased in steel.

Long Filter Life: While the pre-filter needs to be changed every 3 months, it only costs $40 a year. The Hepa and the carbon lasts 2 to 5 years depending on the level of pollution and how frequent you use the machine.

Warranty: It is backed by a 10 years limited warranty.

But we are concerned about these :

• Quite Loud: The lowest setting is 35dB, which is loud if you want to use it for your bedroom. The other 2 settings will be at 55 and 65 dB.
  
• Only 3 fan speeds: You only have the option of  low, fast and turbo.
  
• Heavy : At 45 lbs, you may be able to push it around. But forget about lifting it up the stairs if you have back problem or over 50.
  
• No digital display: Like Austin Air machines, the control is old-fashioned.
  
• So, no digital features: Because it is not a digitally controlled machine, there’s no remote control, timer or filter replacement alert. You need to remind yourself to change your filter ( which is troublesome, since you need to replace each filter at different time ).
• The outdated look : Your guests might wonder why you keep a humming log in your home.

Air Allergy Review

The Austin Air Allergy focuses on those troubled not only with dust, but also by airborne chemicals and gases.

More Details on the Air Allergy Machine

While the other Austin machine uses 15lbs of carbon filter at the third stage, this machine uses a Hepa filter. After the stage, an activated military carbon cloth is used to clear harmful gases or smoke.

Because this cloth replaces a heavy carbon filter, this machine is 10 lbs lighter and $100 cheaper that a Healthmate Plus.

The filters: The first stage filters things you can see like hair, dust and dander. The second stage filters unseen particles like molds, spores and pollens.  The last 2 stages use a  Hepa filter and a military carbon cloth to take care of  bacteria and viruses as well as any airborne chemicals and gases.

360 degrees air intake: Like other Austin Air machines, this purifier sucks air from all direction.

Steel Construction: Austin Air Allergy is encased in steel and the surface is scratch resistant.

Money Back Guarantee & Warranty: This air purifier comes with 5 years warranty on parts and filter. It also comes with 30 days money back guarantee.

Long Filter Life: While most air purifiers need a fresh filter every 6-12 months, Austin says this one only needs to be replaced every 5 years.

Our Concern :

• The weight: At 35 lbs, it is still a heavy air purifier.
• The sound level: As there are only 3 speeds available, you’ll notice that the sound will vary considerably from one level to another. The lowest setting is quiet though.
• Power Consumption: At 135 Watt, you’ll pay more for your electricity bills compared to other air purifiers in it’s class.
  
• No digital display: We don’t know why, but Austin Air seems to like analog controls.
  
• And no digital features: Without digital function means there are no remote control, timer or filter replacement alert. You need to remind yourself to change your filter ( every 5 years ).
• Filter stays too long: For things meant to trap dust and other airborne particles, we think 5 years is just too long (if you use it daily). We suggest you vacuum the filter regularly and replace it earlier than the suggested 5 years.

Our Verdict :

If you cannot afford the Healthmate+ and wants a machine specifically tailored for those who suffer from asthma or allergies, this is one of the machine you should consider.

Of course, like the rest of Austin Air’s machine, our complain is the lack of digital control and automatic features that make an air purifier more user-friendly. We also suggest you replace your filter earlier than the 5 years specified by the company.

Healthmate Review

What we think about the Austin’s Healthmate Air Purifier

If Austin Air Healthmate Plus is like a sports car with a very powerful turbo engine,  this Healthmate is the same sports car, but without the turbo.

And like a racing car, it is meant to deliver performance, not comfort.

So, while the filter is good, it does not have all must-have features of modern air cleaners – things like automatic speed adjustment, digital display, filter replacement alert or a timer.

What does it do ?

This Healthmate is a simpler version of the Healthmate Plus. So, while the Plus version adds Potassium Iodide on the filter, this one doesn’t and is $100 cheaper.

But apart from that, they two look, weigh and have the same (limited) features.

The filters: The first stage filters things you can see like hair, dust and dander. The second stage filters unseen particles like molds, spores and pollens.  The last 2 stages use the activated carbon (impregnated with Zeolite) and Hepa filter to take care of gases and smokes as well as bacteria and viruses.

360 degrees air intake: Like other Austin Air machines, this purifier sucks air from all direction.

Steel Construction: Austin Healthmate Plus is encased in steel and the surface is scratch resistant.

Money Back Guarantee & Warranty: The machine comes with 5 years warranty on parts and filter. Austin corporate website also says that it comes with 30 days money back guarantee.

Long Filter Life: While most air purifiers need a fresh filter every 6-12 months, Austin says this one only needs to be replaced every 5 years.

Our Concern :

• The weight: At 45 Ibs, it is heavy.
• Power Consumption: With 135 Watt, you’ll pay more for your electricity bills compared to other air purifiers in it’s class.
• The sound level: As there are only 3 speeds available, you’ll notice that the sound will vary considerably from one level to another. The lowest setting is quiet though.
  
• No digital display: We don’t know why, but Austin Air seems to like analog controls.
  
• And no digital features: Without digital function means there are no remote control, timer or filter replacement alert. You need to remind yourself to change your filter ( every 5 years ).
• Filter stays too long: For things meant to trap dust and other airborne particles, we think 5 years is just too long (if you use it daily). We suggest you vacuum the filter regularly and replace it earlier than the suggested 5 years.

Our Verdict :

The price and the powerful filter makes this machine quite attractive to us. Unfortunately, as newer air purifiers entering the market are equipped with many automatic features, the Healthmate feels and looks so outdated.

If you like dials and hate all things digital try this one. But please replace your filter earlier than suggested by Austin Air.

Healthmate+ Review

Austin Air Healthmate+ is like a car with a very powerful engine. Unfortunately, it lacks many convenient features you’d expect when you buy a machine at this price.

The company takes a great care to add potassium iodide into it’s carbon/zeolite filter to control gases and smoke.

It also has 60 feet of  true HEPA filter,which is one of the biggest filtration area in a home air purifier.

But while the core is good, we have a few issues with this machines.

What does it do ?

Austin works hard at making sure the filter of this air purifer is effective. Thus, it comes with 4 stages of filtration.

The filters: The first stage filters things you can see like hair, dust and dander. The second stage filters unseen particles like molds, spores and pollens. The last 2 will take care of gases and smokes as well as bacteria and viruses.

360 degrees air intake: We love the fact that while most air purifiers only pull the air from the front or the side, this machine sucks air from all direction.

Steel Construction: Austin Healthmate Plus is encased in steel and the surface is scratch resistant.

Money Back Guarantee & Warranty: The machine comes with 5 years warranty on parts and filter. Austin corporate website also says “If the HealthMate+™ doesn’t change your life and improve your sleep, return it for a refund within 30 days.”

Long Filter Life:While most air purifiers need a fresh filter every 6-12 months, Austin says this one only needs to be replaced every 5 years.

Our Concern :

• The weight: It’s just too heavy. Not suitable to be lifted up and down the stair.
• The sound level: As there are only 3 speeds available, you’ll notice that the sound will vary considerably from one level to another.
  
• Lack digital display: Many air cleaners at this price have easy to read digital control.
• Power Consumption: At 135 Watt, you’ll pay more for your electricity bills compared to other air purifiers in it’s class.
• Lack various digital features: Without digital function means there are no remote control, timer or filter replacement alert. Use your calender to remind you to change your filter ( every 5 years ).
• No UV lights: Healthmate+ doesn’t come with UV lights – an accessory many air purifier company use to kill the micro-organisms.
• Filter stays too long: For things meant to trap dust and other airborne particles, we think 5 years is just too long (if you use it daily). Unless you vacuum the filter regularly, the motor will also be forced to work harder to suck air from the clogged filter. We’re not sure how long a motor can lasts under this condition.

Our Verdict :

At this price we expects many more from Austin than just a powerful filters. Of course, they are effective but we wonder why the company seems reluctant to use newer design or technologies (like  digital controls or UV lamp to kill bacteria ) in this machine.

If you love all things old-school, this one maybe for you. But please replace your filter earlier than suggested by Austin Air.