Overview

The Austin Air Healthmate Air Purifier is a solidly made unit, and just about the only air purifier still made in US (I know one other small air purifier company down south). It is solidly made with a steel case and is a 4-stage air purifier. I have known about it for many years and the design hasn’t really changed in 25 years, which is both a testament to it’s durability but bad because it hasn’t integrated some of the more modern technology.

The owner Richard Taylor first became interested in air purification because of his wife’s troubles. Good people, good service, and a good company. Last I heard he spends a lot of time overseas.

I like the Austin Air Healthmate Unit for the cases where people have lung conditions and severe problems with allergies. It’s good sized HEPA and Carbon/Zeolite and that’s about it. For the average home however, or mild allergies, I like other models that include UV and negative ions. I don’t like the old brush motors inside them as they are noisier, use more electricity and wear out faster compared to the brushless motors. For that reason I won’t sleep with my Austin Air Healthmate in my bedroom.

4 Stages of Purification

1 – HEPA – Best for allergies and asthma

2 – Pre-Filter – gathers large particles like dust and hair and makes the HEPA last longer

3 – Carbon (Optional) – you pay more for the version that adds Carbon for absorbing fumes and gases

4 – Zeolite (optional – is mixed in with Carbon) – Similar to carbon in that it absorbs fumes and gases. Zeolite is an abundant mineral that comes from volcanic ash. Often found in cat litter mix because it absorbs odor.

Pros & Cons

Pros

1 – Made in the U.S.

2 – Good Service

3 – HEPA for dust and pollen

4 – Good sized Carbon and Zeolite for gas and odors

Cons

1 – A little pricey

2 – Loud on high

3 – Expensive filter replacements

4 – Doesn’t do much for viruses, germs or bacteria

Specifications and Technologies

Austin HealthMate Air Purifier

Retail Price: ( with carbon and zeolite added)

Purification Technologies: 4

Square Footage: 1200 SQ. Ft.

Replacement Filter Costs: 200-340

Decibel Level: low/high 20/65

Size/dimensions: 14.5 x 14.5 x 23 inches

Weight: 45 pounds (4 caster wheels for easy moving)

Warranty/Guarantees: 5 years on all parts and labor, Manufacturer offers 30-day money-back guarantee, exclusive of shipping costs

Number of Speeds – 3

Filters – 3

Air Purifier Rating

1. Technologies Included: (out of of 10 technologies) 4

2. Particle Removal (Allergens, Dust) 10

3. Immune System Threats (Germs, Virus, etc.) 2

4. Gas Removal (Odor, Chemicals, Smoke) 10

5. Longevity/Quality 7

6. Noise Levels 3

7. Ease of Use 10

8. Warranty 10

9. Customer Service/Reputation (reviews) 10

10. Price Value 7

Score: 73 = Excellent

Conclusion

I recommend the Austin HealthMate Air Purifier for people with extreme allergies or sensitive immune systems. While it is more expensive than others, and leaves out any germ/bacteria/virus-fighting technology, it has above average HEPA and Carbon/Zeolite filters for those people who are very sensitive. For most households I would go for the air purifiers that include more technologies, and that cost less money (for the purifier itself as well as the replacement filters).