Frequently Asked Questions
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q I just received my unit, now what should I do?
Our units are designed to run hassle free. Simply unbox your unit. Place it in the bedroom at least 4 inches away from the wall. Switch it on the highest setting for a few hours and then turn down to a setting you feel comfortable with.
Q How long has Austin Air Systems been in business?
Since 1990.
Q How does the cost of an Austin Air Purifier compare to other brands?
When you compare costs of brands of air purifiers, you should look at the cost at least over a 5 year period, because many brands that cost less at the retail level do not tell you that they require expensive filter replacements every 6 months. Austin Air’s purifiers contain filters that last up to 5 years. When considering the cost of filter replacements, the true cost of a competitor’s air purifier can be almost 5 times the cost of an Austin Air purifier.
Q What exactly is a HEPA filter?
The HEPA (High Efficiency Particle Arresting) filter was developed by the US Atomic Energy Commission to filter out sub-micron particles. All True Medical Grade HEPA is laser-tested and must remove a minimum of 99.97% of all particulate matter greater than 0.3 microns in size.
Q What is HEGA?
HEGA is short for High Efficiency Gas adsorption and is unique to Austin Air Purifiers. This Military Grade Carbon Cloth is made by weaving carbon into a cloth. This provides an extremely large surface area for the adsorption of chemicals, gases, viruses and bacteria.
Q What are Carbon and Zeolite used for?
Carbon and Zeolite are used to remove gases, odors and chemicals. Both have properties that allow them to adsorb chemicals and gaseous materials.
Q What is the pre-filter made of?
The pre-filter or Permafilt is made of poly-cotton blend.
Q What is the difference between the HealthMate™ the HealthMate Plus™ and the Bedroom Machine™?
The HealthMate™ and the HealthMate Plus™ both have four stages of filtration. The Bedroom Machine uses five.
All units use a large particle pre-filter. This removes particles easily seen by the naked eye (e.g. dust, hair and pet dander)
A medium particle pre-filter is used in all units to remove small to medium size particles (e.g. molds, spores and pollen)
All our units also use a True Medical Grade HEPA filter to remove 99.97% of all particles larger than 0.3 microns and 99% of all particles larger than 0.1 microns. This includes allergens, viruses* and bacteria.
The HealthMate™ and the Bedroom Machine™ use a blend of Carbon and Zeolite for the adsorption of odors, chemicals and gases.
The Healthmate Plus™ also uses a Carbon and Zeolite blend but the Carbon in the Plus model is impregnated with Potassium Iodide. This gives protection against Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), formaldehydes and benzenes.
The fifth stage of filtration in the Bedroom Machine™ uses a Military Grade HEGA Carbon Cloth (High Efficiency Gas Arrestance). This provides an extremely large surface area for adsorption of chemicals, gases, viruses and bacteria.
Q Which is better for me the HealthMate™ the HealthMate Plus™ or the Bedroom Machine™
All our products are effective for people with allergies and asthma. For anyone with everyday air quality concerns the HealthMate™ is a good choice.
The HealthMate Plus™ is the best option for people with a new or remodeled home, where there may be high levels of chemicals and formaldehyde from paint, new carpets, furnishings and construction material.
The HealthMate Plus™ is also a good choice for people affected by wildfire smoke.
The Bedroom Machine™ offers the ultimate protection, particularly in heavily contaminated environments or for people with extreme sensitivity to chemicals and pollutants.
We also recommend the Bedroom Machine™ when people are looking for extra protection against viruses.
Q Why are Austin Air’s products superior to others on the market?
Our filter technology is far more comprehensive than other air purifiers on the market.
Austin Air uses True Medical Grade HEPA in all of its air purifiers – 60 sq ft in the Standard HealthMate™, HealthMate+™ and the Bedroom Machine™ and 30 sq ft in the Junior Machines.
All standard size Austin Air filters use over 780 cubic inches of Activated Carbon and Zeolite. The Bedroom Machine™ also uses a Military Grade HEGA Carbon Cloth for extra protection against chemicals, gases, viruses and bacteria.
In comparison, other companies use a carbon blanket outside the HEPA filter, this does not provide an adequate surface area for trapping harmful particles.
Austin Air’s products are made of steel and use a powder coat paint, which is baked on, so our products do not off gas. Other companies use plastic products and/or sprayed on paint, causing them to potentially emit harmful gases.
Austin Air products have a high-velocity airflow, which creates a clean air pocket around the user. If you turn on an Austin Air Purifier next to a competitor’s you can really feel the difference. Our units can clean the air in most bedrooms in less than 15 minutes.
Austin Air Purifiers are clinically proven to remove contaminants from the air.
Our 5-year filter life is unrivalled. Our competitor filters last for a fraction of this time, making the long term cost much higher.
Q Is there a warranty with my unit?
Austin Air offers a 30-day money back guarantee, a 5-year parts and labor guarantee and a 5-year pro-rated filter guarantee. Once you experience clean air, you will agree, Austin Air products are superior to others on the market.
Q How many square feet of HEPA does each unit use?
All standard size units use 60 Sq. Ft. of HEPA. All junior size units have 30 Sq. Ft. of HEPA
Q What is the CFM rate?
The CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) indicates how much air passes through the unit every minute. All standard size units are 250 CFM on high and 125 CFM on medium. The junior size units are 125 CFM on high and 62.5 CFM on medium.
Q What are the guarantees?
The motor, fan and other working parts are guaranteed for 5 years. The filter carries a pro-rated 5-year warranty. This means if the filter lasts less than 5 years, Austin Air will discount the cost of a new filter based on the number of years the used filter has been in use.
Q What is the pro-rated discount on replacement filters?
Up to 2 years of use 40% off retail price, plus shipping.
2 to 3 years of use 30% off retail price, plus shipping.
3 to 4 years of use 20% off retail price, plus shipping.
4 to 5 years of use 10% off retail price, plus shipping.
Q What is the CADR? (Clean Air Delivery Rate)
We do not endorse the CADR as it does not accurately measure how clean the air is. The CADR is calculated by multiplying the airflow by the filtration efficiency. A unit that has a flow rate of 200 CFM and a 50% efficient filter has a CADR of 100. A unit that has a flow rate of 100 CFM and a filter efficiency of 100% will also have a CADR of 100. Both machines have the same CADR, however the second is the better air purifier.
Q How do I know when the filter is full and needs to be replaced?
There are two indicators the filter needs replacing. If there is an unpleasant odor coming from the unit, the carbon is likely full. Or if you notice a significantly reduced airflow, it is probably time to replace your filter.
Q Why don’t you have Bluetooth functions like some of your competitors?
Our units are solid, robust and reliable. We do not have Bluetooth functions linked to an app on a cell phone because cell phones don’t clean the air. It’s our filter technology, running all the time, that does that. When you receive your Austin, turn it on and leave it to run, it’s a simple as that.
Q Which filter fits my machine?
All units made in 1996 or later use our current filter design. This type of standard size filter can be used in any standard size machine. The same applies to all junior sized units, all junior sized filters are interchangeable with all junior machines.
If you purchased your unit prior to 1996, you must use our Allergy Machine replacement filter or contact our customer service team for more information on the right filter for your machine.
Q Should I turn my unit off when I am not home?
No, your Austin Air Purifier is designed to run 24/7. This ensures optimal filter performance and guarantees the air is clean and free from pollutants.
Q How long do you think my unit will last?
If properly maintained, there is no reason why your unit will not last for many years, far longer than the 5-year warranty period.
Q How long will my filter last?
Our filters are designed to last for up to 5 years under normal residential use, far longer than any other filter on the market.
Q Where should I place the unit for maximum effectiveness?
We always recommend that if you only have one unit, place it in the bedroom when you sleep. You can move the unit around the house during the day, but always ensure it is in the bedroom at night.
Q Where should I place it in the bedroom?
Your Austin Air Purifier can be placed anywhere in the bedroom, including corners, but must be at least four inches from the wall to give consistent effective results.
Q How much space does the air purifier effectively clean?
There are many factors that influence how much space a unit can clean. Corridors, ceiling height and the shape of a room can all affect air flow. As a general rule, we suggest using a standard size model for larger spaces and a junior size model for single rooms or small studio apartments.
Q What would cause a filter to fill up in less than 5 years?
Using the air purifier in an area with lots of pets, new carpeting, paint fumes, heavy smoking, urban pollution, etc. will diminish the filter’s life.
Q Does the unit produce any harmful substances?
No absolutely not. Austin Air Purifiers do not produce ozone, ions or negative ions.
Q Does the Austin Air purifier require any special maintenance?
Wipe the unit with a damp cloth when dusting your home and periodically vacuum the four sides of the outside screen with the brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner. This is the only regular maintenance required for the air purifier.
Q How much electricity is required to run the standard air purifier?
Austin Air Purifiers use an ordinary 120 volt outlet. Maximum draw is about 147 watts on the high setting or 1 cent per hour, average cost.
Q Is the air purifier noisy to operate?
Depending on the fan setting used, the noise level ranges from less than 42 to 62 decibels. The noise you hear is the fan as it circulates the air around the room. In order for an air purifier to be effective, it needs to push the clean air back into the room. Quiet air purifiers are not as effective as they don’t move the air. To clean a room quickly, we recommend the highest setting, after a short time the unit can be turned down to a lower setting. When on the lowest setting there is very little noise.
It is worth mentioning that ambient noise helps to block other noises and distractions that can interrupt sleep. Many of our customers find that after a short time, they can’t sleep unless their Austin is running.
Q Does the air purifier have any plastic parts?
The only plastic components in the air purifier are the fan blade, wheels or feet and the control dial on the front of the unit.
Q Why is there no indicator light, to signify the filter needs replacing?
Indicator lights only really indicate the length of time a unit has been used. This is not an accurate reflection of when to change the filter. If a unit is used in a heavily contaminated environment, the filter needs to be changed earlier than it would in a normal residential setting.
Q How did you determine that filters will last as long as 5 years?
The quantity of Carbon, Zeolite and True Medical Grade HEPA used in our units, establishes the life of the filter.
Q What type of testing and approvals did your unit pass?
Austin Air products are CSA Approved.
Q How do you change the filter? Is it difficult to change?
It’s fairly easy to change the filter. You’ll need a large trash bag, work gloves, and a Philips screwdriver.
Q Have you been involved in any clinical trials?
We have been involved in a number of clinical trials in recent years. Here’s a brief summary.
Published in the American Journal of Pediatrics, the study shows that when using and Austin Air Purifier in the bedroom, children with asthma can reduce hospital visits by nearly 20%.
Conducted by The University of Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, the study used our air purifiers to reduce levels of Nitrogen Dioxide in the home. The results showed a significant improvement in air quality.
Another study from Johns Hopkins University clearly demonstrates that running one of our units will effectively remove indoor pollutants from the home, including nicotine.
Q Have you ever supplied the US government?
Austin Air has worked on a number of projects involving the US government. In 2002, we worked with FEMA, as the US government prepared to destroy its stockpile of chemical weapons. Our air purifiers were placed in over 20,000 homes in the Anniston area, to protect residents in the event of a chemical disaster.
After 9-11 we worked with FEMA again, along with the American Red Cross, distributing air purifiers to the residents of NYC.
Austin Air has also worked closely with the EPA, providing air purifiers to many of their facilities.
We have also worked with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, installing our air purifiers in their medical facilities.
We also provide air purifiers to the many US Embassies across the world to help protect American citizens abroad.
Q Has Austin been used during natural disasters?
Austin Air provided nearly 10,000 air purifiers to the residents of Southern California during the Natural Gas leak at SoCal Gas in 2015.
Our air purifiers were also used during the cleanup operation, after Hurricane Sandy hit New York in 2012. We also provided air purifiers after Hurricane Katrina devastated Florida in 2005.
Climate change means wildfire season is lasting much longer. Bigger, faster, hotter fires are becoming the new norm. This has a huge impact on air quality for many parts of the country. Our HealthMate Plus™ is designed specifically to help people living in highly contaminated environments such as areas affected by forest fires.
Q Can Austin Air Purifiers be used if I am chemically sensitive
The Austin Air Healthmate Plus™ was designed specifically for people with sensitivity to formaldehyde, a major concern for many with chemical sensitivities.
Q I would like to return my unit, what should I do?
If you purchased your unit less than 30 days ago, initiate the return process by emailing us at allergysolutionsairpurifiers@gmail.com with your contact information (name, address, and phone number), along with the serial number from the unit or replacement filter, and a brief explanation. Austin Air will respond with further instructions. To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unworn or unused with tags and in its original packing. You will also need the receipt or proof of purchase. If your return is accepted, Austin Air will send you a return shipping label as well as instructions on how and where to send your package. Items sent back to Austin Air without first requesting a return will not be accepted.
Q There is a defect with my unit, what should I do?
Please inspect your order upon receipt and contact Allergy Solutions Air Purifiers by email at allergysolutionsairpurifiers@gmail.com. If the item is defective or damaged, please contact us.