Austin Air HealthMate Review In 2022: The OG
Austin Air HealthMate HM400 Specification
| Product | Austin Air HealthMate HM400 |
Dimension | 14.5 x 23 x 14.5 in (36.8 x 58.4 x 36.8 cm) |
| Weight | 47 lb (21.3 kg) |
| Fanspeed | 3 |
| Coverage (up to) | 1,500 sq. ft. (139 m2) |
| Airflow speed | 72-400 cfm (122-680 m3/h) |
| Dust free (CADR) | |
| Pollen free (CADR) | |
| Smoke free (CADR) | |
| Humidifying(H) speed | |
| Filtration | 4-stage |
Pre-Filter - Lifespan - Replacement cost ($) | Large Particle Pre-filter 5 years |
HEPA filter - Lifespan - Replacement cost ($) | 60 sq.ft. True Medical Grade HEPA 5 years |
Carbon filter - Lifespan - Replacement cost ($) | 15 lbs. Activated Carbon and Zeolite 5 years |
| Ionizer/ Technologies | |
UV-light/ PCO | - |
Other filter | Medium Particle Pre-filter 5 years |
All-in-one filter - Lifespan - Replacement cost ($) | Austin Air HealthMate Filter 5 years +- 215 |
Optional/ Addon | - |
| Noise level | 40-65 dB |
| Power usage level | 132 W |
| Timer/ Scheduler | |
| Sensors | |
| Auto mode | |
| Air qualityAQ indicator | |
| Filter change indicator | |
| More color options | |
| Wi-Fi/ BTBluetooth | |
| ENERGY STAR | |
| Remote control | |
| Child lock | |
| Warranty | 5 years |
| Email/ Phone support |
Key Features
- 360° progressive filtering Intake System
- 4-stage filtration
- [STAGE 1] Large particle pre-filter
- [STAGE 2] Medium particle pre-filter
- [STAGE 3] 15 lbs. Activated carbon zeolite filter
- [STAGE 4] 60 ft. HEPA filter
- 3 fan speeds
- 5 years pro-rated filter warranty
- 5 years mechanical warranty
Design And Usability
Let’s begin with the exterior. Austin Air HealthMate is undoubtedly a large air purifier with a dimension of 4.5 x 23 x 14.5 inches in size. Made entirely with a premium steel casing that shouts quality, the downside is that the hefty 47 lb weight makes moving the air purifier around no easy task. Thankfully, there are 4 caster wheels standing by to help with the movability. Surrounding the body is the 360° progressive Intake System that pulls in airborne pollutants from all angles. Austin Air HealthMate comes in various colors that you can pick according to your home decor. We are a big fan of unconventional black housing design, but you can opt for the white variant if that floats your boat.
Moving to the controls. Austin Healthmate’s air purifier is super easy to use and set up without prior knowledge. There is only a manual knob at the front controls to select the 3 fan speeds. No AQI, no digital display needed. You will not find any modern add-ons such as an air quality sensor (for auto mode), filter replacement indicator, timer, or remote control here. We are surprised with the filter change omission as it is universally standard in all air cleaners.
Overall, Austin HealthMate air purifier is a mixed bag in offering and build quality. It is built to last even if you use it 24×7 without producing any harmful byproducts. It is 100% ozone-free, NRTL (Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory) recognized, CSA (Canadian Standards Association), and CE (Conformité Européenne) approved to be safe for home use. The 5 years warranty is the perfect assurance of its commitment to longevity. As long as you are willing to give in to the lack of features, you will be a happy owner for years to come.
Airflow, Coverage, And CADR
Filters And Performance
Austin Air HealthMate provides a reliable and high-performance 4-stage filtration that you deserve. When air is drawn into the 360-degree intake system, the trio pre-filters (including an outer steel mesh filter) trap medium to large particulates like hair, dust, pet fur, and lint from passing through. It also protects the carbon and HEPA filter from getting clogged with unnecessary pollutants. For smoke, toxic gas, and odor-based pollutants, the 15 lbs. Activated Carbon and Zeolite specialized in removing VOCs, benzene, formaldehyde, cooking smells, cigarette smoke, and pet odor. Finally, the main highlight, the 60 sq. ft. True HEPA filter capture 99.97% of microscopic particles larger than 0.3 microns and 99% of all particles larger than 0.1 microns. This includes mold spore, mildew, pet dander, dust mites, bacteria, and viruses. There is no ionizer or UV light here; everything is 100% mechanical filtration, therefore ideal for an asthmatic or hyperallergic person.
Noise And Energy Usage
| Noise Type | Decibels |
|---|---|
| Austin Air HealthMate HM400 | 40-65 dB |
| Breathing | 10 dB |
| Rustling leaves | 20 dB |
| Whispering/ Quiet library | 30 dB |
| Light rainfall | 40-50 dB |
| Conversation | 50-60 dB |
| Vacuum cleaner/ Hair dryer/ Washing machine | 65-80 dB |
| City traffic | 80-90 dB |
Pricing And Maintainence Cost
^ Replacement filters/ estimated cost
Owning and maintaining Austin Air HealthMate air purifier is another story. The annual filter replacement cost is unbelievably low (+-$43) due to the long all-in-one filter usage life. The filter can last up to 5 years when used in an ideal air condition (above unhealthy state). The only downside is the annoying filter replacement task. You will have to flip over the air purifier, unscrew the bottom cover, take out the old filter, and swap it with a brand new one before screwing it back on. Thankfully this is not a routine job.
Final Thoughts On Austin Air HealthMate HM400
Austin Air HealthMate has all the ingredients for an excellent HEPA air purifier, yet it is not for everyone. The high price, the bulkiness, and the lack of features all subtract from its appeal to the masses. However, if you can look past the drawbacks, it will safeguard your home from harmful airborne pollutants, essentially what an air purifier suppose to do. It will keep you and your family member safe and healthy for years to come. Judging by the many positive 5 star online reviews, Austin Air HealthMate will be a good buy. Most people have no regrets about getting one.Pros
- Great for all room sizes with its comprehensive purifying coverage.
- Trio pre-filter (outer mesh, pre-filter, medium filter) captures large particulates and reduces the workload of the HEPA filter.
- A highly effective 15 lbs. activated carbon zeolite filter neutralizes smoke and odors.
- Comprehensive 60 sq. ft. HEPA filter that traps even the tiniest particulates that naked eyes cannot see.
- Durable and sturdy powdered coated steel that will not release harmful ozone byproducts.
- Long-lasting filter (up to 5 years filter lifespan).
- 5 years manufacturer warranty. Covers all poor workmanship except filters.
Cons
- Expensive (+-$700). You can easily get 2-3 air cleaners to cover multiple rooms.
- Loud fan noise on high speed with no sleep mode option.
- Very bulky and heavy despite having casters to support it.
- Hassle filter replacement requires the bottom panel to be unscrewed before removing the filter cartridge.
- Plain vanilla set. There is no auto mode, digital screen, air quality indicator/ sensor, and timer.
Verdicts And Ratings
