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.
Austin Healthmate Specifications
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Warranty | 5 years |
| Color | 4 Options - Black, White, Silver and Sandstone |
| Filter Type | Pre-filters, Activated Carbon with Zeolite, HEPA |
| Noise Level | 20 dB on low, 64 dB on high |
| For Room Size | up to 1500 sq ft, 400 sq ft for best performance |
| Size | 23" x 14.5" x 14.5" |
| Power Consumption | 135 Watt |
| Weight | 45 lbs |
About Austin
Austin Air has been in the air cleaning business for over 15 years.
At 480,000 square feet, Austin has the largest air cleaner manufacturing facility in the world, producing everything in house – from filter, metal forming, to the final paint.
How Austin Products Are Tested
Austin products are sent to these facilities for testings:
- Battelle Laboratories
- U.S. Army Aberdeen Test Center
Track Records
- Austin Air was chosen by the U.S. Government to fulfill the largest deployment of air cleaners in American history.
- The company was also chosen by FEMA and The Red Cross to address the serious air quality concerns in post 9/11 New York.
Made in USA
Austin Air has made a conscious decision to keep Americans employed by keeping it’s manufacturing facility in the United States.