At Sylvane, our dedication to improving air quality for our customers spans over two decades. We frequently receive questions regarding the best air purifier for individuals who suffer from allergies, asthma, and multiple chemical sensitivities. After thorough testing and evaluation, we confidently recommend the Austin Air HealthMate Air Purifier as our top choice.
This premium air purifier employs multi-stage HEPA and carbon filtration to effectively remove allergens, odors, and chemicals that can trigger symptoms, operating effectively in spaces up to 1,500 square feet
How Sylvane Reviews Air Purifiers
When it comes to air purifiers, it's easy to get lost in the vast array of features and functions that each unit offers. At Sylvane, our evaluation focuses on key factors that define an air purifier’s rated effectiveness for air cleaning, as well as its ease of operation, and cost. Within those there are six main areas covered during our review process:
- Coverage Area and Where It Can Be Used: This is one of the key considerations we take into account when evaluating air purifiers. Specifically, we look at which types of rooms an air purifier is designed for and whether it can effectively cover the area it claims to.
- Types of Filtration and Number of Stages: At Sylvane, we carefully evaluate the number of filtration stages and types of filters used in air purifiers to ensure they meet our high standards for improving our customers' health.
- Best Fit: Our next consideration is to determine the unit's best fit. Does it offer powerful cleaning capabilities that benefit allergy and asthma sufferers? Can it effectively eliminate smoke and odors? Or is it best suited for improving general indoor air quality? These are some of the questions we seek to answer during our assessment.
- Controlling the Air Purifier: We look at the ease of control. We consider whether the unit only offers onboard controls or if it includes a remote control or built-in Wi-Fi capabilities to allow for remote operation.
- Placement Options: Another factor we consider when evaluating air purifiers is their design and size. Is the unit intended for floor placement or can it be conveniently situated on a desk or tabletop? We evaluate the amount of space the air purifier can adequately accommodate to ensure it can fit comfortably in a variety of settings.
- Cost: Does the pricing of the air purifier offer the best value for your money in terms of maximum performance?
| Sylvane Reviews The Austin Air HealthMate | |
|---|---|
| Room Size For Four Air Changes Per Hour | 750 Sq. Ft. |
| Manufacturer Suggested Room Size | 1,500 Sq. Ft. |
| Filtration | - PERMAFILT Pre-Filter - Particle Filter - Carbon Filter - Medical-Grade HEPA Filter |
| Best For | - Allergies - Asthma - Chemical Sensitivities - Viruses and Bacteria |
| Placement Options | Floor Placement |
| Controlling The Air Purifier | Onboard Control Dial |
Where To Use The Austin Air HealthMate Air Purifier
We have found that the usual options aren't the best choice when it comes to providing exceptional indoor air quality for individuals with allergies and asthma. To effectively handle unseen airborne irritants, a robust solution is required. This is why we highly recommend the Austin Air HealthMate Air Purifier as one of the top choices for safeguarding against contaminants, including viruses and bacteria. With its four-stage filtration process and the ability to cover areas up to 1,500 square feet, this powerhouse is one of the most remarkable options available.
Coverage Area Based on Four Air Changes Per Hour
For individuals seeking an air purifier to manage their allergy or asthma symptoms, it is important to consider the air change per hour (ACH) rate of the unit. ACH refers to the number of times an air purifier can filter the entire volume of air in the treated space in one hour.
Air purifiers with an ACH rate of at least four times per hour are recommended for allergy and asthma sufferers. This rate guarantees that the air purifier will thoroughly clean the air, removing the maximum amount of microscopic allergens that can trigger symptoms.
Austin Air states that it can cover areas up to 1,500 square feet, and for those who are only concerned about general indoor air quality, that area is more than sufficient. However, based on our calculations and testing, the HealthMate, with an airflow of 400 cubic feet per minute (CFM), can deliver four air changes per hour to rooms up to 750 square feet in size. Making that size a more practical recommendation for customers in need of high-capacity indoor air cleaning.
Types of Filtration and Number of Stages
The Austin Air HealthMate Air Purifier comes equipped with a cylindrical-shaped main filter wrapped in a thin cotton pre-filter. The pre-filter is specifically designed to trap larger particles before they can enter the high-quality main filter.
When it comes to filter replacements, the Austin Air HealthMate stands out from the competition. The average lifespan of a filter replacement is around 5 years, making it a more cost-effective option compared to other air purifiers that require replacements as often as every 4 to 5 months. However, if the unit is exposed to high levels of pollutants, such as tobacco smoke or chemical odors, the carbon material in the filter may become saturated more quickly, shortening the filter's lifespan.
The main filter itself measures 14.5 inches tall with a diameter of 13.5 inches, covering the entire bottom portion of the unit when installed. It features four stages of filtration to ensure superior air cleaning.
First, the air is filtered through a PERMAFILT pre-filter, which captures larger particles such as dust and pet hair. Then, a medium-particle filter traps smaller allergens like mold, pollen, and dust mites. The air then passes through a 15-pound carbon and natural zeolite filter, where it effectively absorbs and locks away odors, chemicals, gasses, fumes, and VOCs.
Finally, the air goes through 60 square feet of true medical-grade HEPA material, which eliminates harmful bacteria and viruses as well as smaller pollen, mold, pet dander, dust, and ragweed particles. The medical-grade HEPA filtration removes up to 99% of airborne particles that are 0.1 microns and larger, ensuring exceptional air quality.
Best Fit
Our review and testing of the HealthMate Air Purifier have revealed that it is the ultimate choice for those who prioritize the cleanest air possible. With its four stages of filtration, including a pre-filter, particle filter, carbon filter, and medical-grade HEPA filter, it provides exceptional air cleaning capabilities. We highly recommend it for:
- Individuals seeking protection against viruses and bacteria.
- People with severe indoor air quality sensitivities.
- Individuals with milder symptoms related to airborne particles, chemicals, and gasses.
- Families seeking protection from common indoor air pollutants.
Controlling the Austin Air HealthMate
Operating the Austin Air HealthMate is a breeze. Its straightforward design features a simple dial on the top of the unit with four settings (Off, 1, 2, or 3), each progressively increasing the fan speed.
Although it doesn't come with wireless capabilities,a remote control, or fancy features like air quality monitoring like some other air purifiers, the Austin Air HealthMate compensates with its outstanding air cleaning performance.
Placement Options
In our experience testing and reviewing air purifiers, we can say that the Austin Air HealthMate is not the smallest unit available. However, the larger size of this unit is a direct result of its powerful filtration system. If you want top-notch air-cleaning performance, you need a unit that has space for a robust filter.
Measuring 14.5′′L x 14.5′′W x 23′′H and weighing 47 pounds, the HealthMate is a floor-standing unit that won't fit on a table or desk. For those with allergies or asthma, we recommend placing the unit in the bedroom, which is typically where people spend the most time at home. With modern homes being tightly sealed, the HealthMate removes allergens, microbials, and odors that would otherwise remain trapped inside. By breathing cleaner air while you sleep, you can wake up feeling more refreshed and healthy.
Cost
The Austin Air HealthMate comes with a price tag in the upper range of similar air purifiers, but it's definitely worth the investment for those who are serious about improving their indoor air quality. Its four stages of filtration, including the medical-grade HEPA filter, contribute to its initial cost. But this is what makes it such an excellent investment in your health if you suffer from allergies, asthma, or chemical sensitivities.
One of the best things about the Austin Air HealthMate is that it doesn't require costly filter replacements every six months. Instead, the filter replacement has a typical lifespan of 5 years under normal usage, making it a great value for excellent air filtration. Austin Air also offers a 5-year prorated filter warranty, the most comprehensive in the industry.
Furthermore, the product warranty protects your investment. If your Austin Air purifier was operated under normal residential use and you have completed and returned your warranty registration to Austin Air Systems, it is guaranteed to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of 5 years from the date of purchase. All in all, the Austin Air HealthMate is a worthy investment for anyone looking to improve their indoor air quality and protect their health.
The Bottom Line From Sylvane
The Austin Air HealthMate Air Purifier is recommended as the best choice for people with allergies, asthma, and chemical sensitivities. It uses multi-stage HEPA and carbon filtration to remove allergens, odors, and chemicals in areas up to 1,500 square feet or 750 square feet for four air changes per hour.
| Austin Air HealthMate Key Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Room Size (Four Air Changes Per Hour) | 750 Sq. Ft. |
| Manufacturer Suggested Room Size | 1,500 Sq. Ft. |
| Filtration | - PERMAFILT Pre-Filter - Particle Filter - Carbon Filter - Medical-Grade HEPA Filter |
| Best For | - Allergies - Asthma - Chemical Sensitivities - Viruses and Bacteria |
| Unit Dimensions (L x W x H) | 14.5 x 14.5 x 23 in. |
| Unit Weight | 47 lbs. |
Who Is Sylvane and Why Should You Trust Us?
Since 2000, Sylvane has delivered customers the best indoor air quality products available. Believing in the idea that better air begins with knowledge, through employees who are in-house and hands-on with every product we sell, we provide customers with detailed product information, air treatment learning articles, reliable product comparisons and personalized consultation on indoor air treatment issues.
