austin air purifier

Austin Air Purifier HealthMate Review

Do you suffer from unexplained headaches, nausea, or respiratory distress in your own home? Have you tried multiple air purifiers only to find they barely touch the chemical smells and VOCs that trigger your symptoms? You’re not alone. Most people don’t realize that standard air purifiers focus primarily on particle removal while doing little for the chemical gases and volatile organic compounds that cause some of the most serious health issues.

Here’s what the air purifier industry doesn’t want you to know: that thin layer of activated carbon in typical consumer air purifiers is essentially decorative. It saturates within weeks when exposed to real world VOC levels, leaving you breathing the same chemical pollutants that made you buy an air purifier in the first place. True gas and odor removal requires substantial carbon filtration, and substantial carbon means substantial cost that most manufacturers avoid.

The Austin Air HealthMate Plus at $855 takes a fundamentally different approach. Born from personal necessity when founder Richard Taylor’s wife Joyce suffered from respiratory distress syndrome and only found relief in clean hospital air, Austin Air purifiers are engineered with up to 15 pounds of activated carbon and zeolite. This isn’t incremental improvement; it’s a different category of air purification designed specifically for people dealing with serious VOC issues, chemical sensitivity, wildfire smoke, or living near high pollution areas like busy highways. If you’ve been let down by conventional air purifiers that don’t address your chemical gas concerns, the Austin Air purifier represents a specialized solution worth serious consideration.

What to Look for in Austin Air Purifiers for Chemical Gas and VOC Removal

austin air purifier

Austin Air Purifier HealthMate

Before diving into the Austin Air HealthMate Plus, let’s establish what actually matters when you need an air purifier that handles gases, odors, and VOCs rather than just particles. Understanding these factors helps you evaluate whether specialized Austin Air purifiers or alternatives meet your needs.

Substantial Activated Carbon Capacity:

Broad Spectrum Adsorption Technology:

True HEPA Particle Filtration:

Filter Lifespan and Replacement Costs:

Build Quality and Durability:

Performance Verification:

Austin Air HealthMate Plus: Maximum Carbon for Maximum VOC Removal

austin air purifier

The Austin Air HealthMate Plus at $855 represents the premium tier of Austin Air purifiers, specifically engineered for individuals dealing with serious chemical gas exposure, chemical sensitivity, or living in high pollution environments. What immediately distinguishes this Austin Air purifier from competitors is the 15 pounds of activated carbon and zeolite in the filter—the largest amount encountered across nearly 100 air purifiers tested by independent reviewers at HouseFresh.

To put this in perspective, most consumer air purifiers include just a few ounces of activated carbon in thin layers or impregnated fabric. Premium competitors like the IQAir HealthPro Plus at around $900 include approximately 5 pounds of carbon. The Austin Air HealthMate Plus triples that amount, providing gas and odor removal capacity unmatched in residential air purification. This massive carbon filter is why Austin Air purifiers fulfilled the largest deployment of air purifiers in American history to support post 9/11 air quality concerns in New York City after U.S. Army testing validated their performance.

Broad Spectrum Adsorption for Chemical Sensitivity Relief

The HealthMate Plus employs broad spectrum adsorption technology that makes it the ultimate solution for individuals exposed to smoke from wildfires or living near busy highways where traffic pollution concentrates. The combination of 15 pounds of activated carbon with zeolite creates a filter capable of adsorbing a wide range of chemical compounds including formaldehyde, one of the most common and harmful indoor VOCs released by building materials, furniture, and household products as documented by the American Lung Association.

For individuals with sensitivity to certain chemicals and gases found in their homes, the Austin Air purifier provides relief from headaches, nausea, coughing, wheezing, and sneezing that standard air purifiers can’t address. Chemical sensitivity often stems from low level chronic exposure to VOCs that particle focused air purifiers simply pass through their filters. Research from Consumer Reports on air purifiers confirms that most consumer models lack sufficient carbon to address serious odor and gas concerns. The substantial carbon capacity in the HealthMate Plus actually removes these triggering compounds from your air rather than just filtering particles.

The HealthMate Plus is specifically positioned as the first choice for individuals with pre existing health concerns and those living in high particle and gas contaminated areas. If you’ve been diagnosed with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), suffer from chronic respiratory conditions exacerbated by VOC exposure, or live in areas with persistent wildfire smoke or traffic pollution, this Austin Air purifier provides the specialized filtration that general purpose models can’t deliver.

Beyond respiratory relief, users report that the Austin Air HealthMate Plus reduces dry mouth and runny nose, decreases snoring, and significantly improves sleep quality. These benefits stem from removing the chemical irritants that inflame airways and disrupt sleep, allowing your body to rest and recover properly. The ability to strengthen your immune system and protect yourself against airborne pollutants comes from reducing the total toxic load your body must process daily.

The Story Behind Austin Air: Born from Personal Need

Understanding the Austin Air Purifier brand helps contextualize why these air purifiers cost significantly more than consumer alternatives. In 1990, Richard Taylor noticed that his wife Joyce, who suffered from respiratory distress syndrome, only experienced relief when in clean hospital rooms. Rather than accepting her condition, he designed an air purifier using True Medical HEPA and substantial activated carbon to recreate hospital air quality at home. Within a week of using the first device, Joyce could sleep undisturbed for the first time in years.

That personal success story became Austin Air, now one of the world’s largest air cleaning manufacturers with reported revenue of $19.2 million. The company’s focus remains on solving real health problems with serious air quality issues connected to chemical gases, unwanted odors, and VOCs. Austin Air purifiers are manufactured in Buffalo, New York, ensuring quality control and supporting American manufacturing. The 5 year warranty and 5 year filter life reflect confidence in durability that disposable consumer products can’t match.

Filtration Technology: 15 Pounds Makes the Difference

Filter Construction: True HEPA particle filter with 15 pound activated carbon and zeolite gas filter
Filter Replacement: Every 5 years
Replacement Cost: $315 (translates to $63 per year)

The filtration system in the Austin Air Purifier HealthMate Plus represents a fundamentally different approach than typical consumer air purifiers. Most units use HEPA based filters with small amounts of activated carbon via impregnated fabric or small pellets. Manufacturers minimize carbon because it significantly increases costs for both initial units and replacement filters. If you’re dealing with unwanted odors and VOCs, you need the biggest amount of activated carbon available, which is exactly what the HealthMate Plus delivers.

The 15 pounds of activated carbon and zeolite creates a filter with extraordinary gas adsorption capacity. Activated carbon works through adsorption, a process where gas molecules stick to the porous carbon surface. The effectiveness depends directly on surface area, which correlates with carbon quantity. More carbon means more surface area, which means more VOC removal before saturation. The zeolite addition provides complementary adsorption properties for chemical compounds that carbon alone handles less effectively, as explained in Wirecutter’s air purifier testing methodology.

The True HEPA filter component captures 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns, addressing the particle filtration that all quality air purifiers must provide. However, the HEPA filtration in Austin Air purifiers plays a supporting role to the massive carbon filter, rather than being the primary focus as in consumer models. This priority reflects the target market: people who need chemical gas removal more than they need maximum particle capture speed.

Filter replacement every 5 years represents extraordinary longevity in the air purifier market. Most consumer units require filter changes every 6 to 12 months, creating ongoing expenses and maintenance hassles. The $315 replacement cost for the Austin Air HealthMate Plus might seem high initially, but translates to just $63 per year—less than many air purifiers with frequent replacements. Over 5 years, you’re spending $315 total on filters compared to potentially $500+ on annual replacements in other models.

Filter replacement in the HealthMate Plus requires a screwdriver to remove the top of the unit and access the filter. This is more involved than the tool free access in many consumer air purifiers, but given that replacement happens every 5 years, the complexity seems reasonable. The substantial filter weight means replacement is physically demanding, but the infrequent schedule means most users only replace filters once or twice during ownership.

Performance Testing: VOC Removal vs Particle Speed

PM1 CADR: 156 CFM at top speed
Sub 45 dBA PM1 CADR: 77 CFM
AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 154 CFM (dust)
Time to PM1 Zero: 52 minutes in 728 cubic foot test room

Independent testing by HouseFresh in their standardized 728 cubic foot test room provides objective performance data for the Austin Air Airpurifer HealthMate Plus. The unit needed 52 minutes to achieve PM1 zero after the room was filled with incense smoke. This particle removal performance is slower than many competing air purifiers, as shown in this comparison:

Air Purifier ModelTime to PM1 ZeroPrice
Smart Air Blast Mini MKII15 minutes$649
Levoit EverestAir16 minutes$500
Winix 5500-223 minutes$250
Rabbit Air A324 minutes$750
Coway Airmega Mighty26 minutes$230
IQAir HealthPro Plus28 minutes$1,000
AirDoctor 300030 minutes$519
Alen BreatheSmart 45i30 minutes$429
Austin Air HealthMate Plus52 minutes$855
Levoit Core 30054 minutes$99

The slower particle removal might seem disappointing until you understand the design priorities. The Austin Air Purifier HealthMate Plus wasn’t designed with particle removal as the primary focus. The massive 15 pound carbon filter creates substantial airflow resistance, reducing the fan’s ability to move air quickly compared to units with minimal carbon. This is an intentional tradeoff: maximum VOC removal capacity in exchange for slower particle cleaning speed.

VOC removal testing using the BME68 sensor demonstrates where the Austin Air purifier excels. After particle testing filled the room with smoke, VOC levels measured 433.65 ppm. Over the next several hours, the HealthMate Plus reduced VOC concentration to 50.52 ppm by 2 PM, demonstrating the gas removal capability that justifies the premium price. Standard air purifiers with minimal carbon show little to no VOC reduction in similar testing because their thin carbon layers saturate almost immediately, a finding consistent with Air Purifier Power’s independent testing.

For perspective, the Levoit Core 300 achieved similar particle removal times (54 minutes) at just $99. If your primary concern is particle removal from dust, pollen, or pet dander, the Austin Air Purifier HealthMate Plus doesn’t offer good value. But if you need serious VOC and gas removal, no $99 air purifier can compete with 15 pounds of activated carbon.

Sound Levels and Noise Considerations

Speed 1: 42.5 dB
Speed 2: 53.2 dB
Speed 3: 61.5 dB

The sound levels of the Austin Air Purifier HealthMate Plus range from 42.5 dBA to 61.5 dBA across three fan speeds. These measurements were taken from 3 feet away using a calibrated sound meter. The noise performance closely matches the IQAir HealthPro Plus (61.2 dBA at top speed), suggesting this represents typical performance for air purifiers pushing air through massive carbon filters.

Air Purifier ModelTop Speed Sound LevelTest Room Cleaning Time
Smart Air Blast Mini MKII56.3 dB15 minutes
Levoit EverestAir57.8 dB16 minutes
Coway Airmega Mighty60.1 dB25 minutes
IQAir HealthPro Plus61.2 dB28 minutes
Austin Air HealthMate Plus61.5 dB52 minutes
AirDoctor 300063.6 dB20 minutes

At 61.5 dB, the Austin Air purifier gets noticeably loud on maximum speed, comparable to normal conversation volume according to CDC noise level guidelines. This isn’t painfully loud, but would be too intrusive for working in the same room or sleeping nearby. The substantial fan power required to push air through 15 pounds of carbon makes this noise level unavoidable.

The 42.5 dB performance on Speed 1 offers much quieter operation suitable for bedrooms or work spaces. Retesting at this sub 45 dBA setting showed the HealthMate Plus needed 76 minutes to reach PM1 zero, nearly 50% longer than top speed but still providing meaningful air cleaning at comfortable noise levels.

For users needing VOC removal, the noise consideration becomes less critical because gas removal happens over hours rather than minutes. You can run the Austin Air purifier on lower, quieter speeds overnight and still achieve significant VOC reduction by morning, whereas particle removal benefits from maximum fan speed for fastest cleaning.

Long Term Running Costs and Value Analysis

Annual Energy Cost: $163.95 (24/7 at top speed at average U.S. rates)
Annual Filter Cost: $63 (5 year filter ÷ 5)
Total Annual Operating Cost: $226.95

The power consumption of the Austin Air Purifier HealthMate Plus varies significantly by fan speed:

Fan SpeedPower Draw
Speed 161.1 watts
Speed 285.05 watts
Speed 3147.6 watts

At 147.6 watts on maximum speed, the Austin Air purifier consumes more electricity than many competitors. Running 24/7 at top speed costs approximately $163.95 annually based on average U.S. electricity rates of $0.14 per kWh according to Energy Information Administration data. However, most users won’t run constantly at maximum speed, so real world energy costs typically fall between $100 and $150 annually.

The $315 filter replacement every 5 years translates to just $63 per year in filter costs. This creates an interesting total cost of ownership comparison:

Air Purifier ModelAnnual Energy CostAnnual Filter CostTotal Annual Cost
Coway Airmega Mighty$83.64$39.99$123.63
Winix 5500-2$57.82$79.99$137.81
Levoit EverestAir$73.58$99.99$173.57
Smart Air SA600$56.55$141.47$198.02
Austin Air HealthMate Plus$163.95$63.00$226.95
AirDoctor 3000$104.63$178.00$282.63
Smart Air Blast Mini MKII$136.29$236.99$373.28
IQAir HealthPro Plus$221.47$200.00$421.47

The Austin Air Purifier HealthMate Plus costs less annually to operate than the IQAir HealthPro Plus despite higher energy consumption, primarily due to the 5 year filter life reducing filter expenses. Over a 5 year ownership period, you’ll spend approximately $1,450 total (energy plus filters plus initial purchase), compared to over $3,000 for the IQAir HealthPro Plus.

For an air purifier designed to address serious VOC issues, the HealthMate Plus provides reasonable long term value despite the high initial cost. The key question isn’t whether it costs more than consumer models (it obviously does), but whether it costs reasonably compared to alternatives that can actually handle serious chemical gas removal.

Design, Controls, and Practical Considerations

One Dial Operation: Simple 3 function switch
Construction: Metal body
Mobility: 4 caster wheels included
Flat Top Surface: Can serve as side table

The Austin Air Purifier HealthMate Plus features intentionally simple design with functional elements that prioritize performance over aesthetics. The 3 function switch controls power and fan speed without complexity—turn it on, select your speed, and the air purifier works. No apps, sensors, smart features, or digital displays that could fail or complicate operation.

The metal body construction provides durability appropriate for a product designed to last years. At 47 pounds total weight (including the massive filter), this is one of the heaviest air purifiers on the market. The metal construction and filter weight make the HealthMate Plus feel substantial and well built, though the weight creates mobility challenges.

Fortunately, the unit comes with 4 caster wheels that make moving between rooms feasible despite the weight. The wheels run smoothly on hard floors and low pile carpet. However, as noted by air purifier reviewer Ed Sherbenou at Air Purifier Power, “at 45 pounds HealthMate NEEDS the four caster type wheels to get around, and may prove difficult for the elderly or infirm to move about the home, or upstairs.” If you need an air purifier for a second floor bedroom and have mobility limitations, the weight becomes a serious practical concern.

The flat top surface provides unexpected utility, functioning as a side table for drinks, books, or decorative items. This practical design element helps the Austin Air purifier integrate into living spaces rather than feeling like medical equipment.

Dimensionally, the HealthMate Plus at 14.5″ × 14.5″ floor footprint and 23″ height requires significant space. Compared to the IQAir HealthPro Plus, the Austin Air purifier has similar floor footprint but stands much shorter, potentially fitting better in spaces with height constraints.

Who Should Buy the Austin Air HealthMate Plus?

The Austin Air Purifier HealthMate Plus excels for specific use cases where the 15 pounds of activated carbon justifies the $855 investment. This air purifier is ideal for:

Individuals with Chemical Sensitivity: If you experience headaches, nausea, respiratory distress, or other symptoms triggered by VOCs from building materials, furniture, cleaning products, or other sources, the HealthMate Plus provides the carbon capacity necessary for meaningful relief. Consumer air purifiers with minimal carbon won’t address chemical sensitivity effectively, as documented in reviews by The Spruce.

Wildfire Affected Areas: For those living in regions with recurring wildfire smoke, the ability to remove wood burning smoke and associated VOCs becomes critical for health protection during fire season. The broad spectrum adsorption handles both smoke particles and the chemical compounds in smoke that standard filters miss. AirNow.gov wildfire smoke guidance recommends using air purifiers with substantial activated carbon during smoke events.

High Pollution Environments: Living near busy highways, industrial areas, or other high pollution zones means constant exposure to traffic exhaust, industrial emissions, and associated VOCs. The Austin Air purifier provides defense against these chemical pollutants that infiltrate homes in high pollution areas.

Pre Existing Respiratory Conditions: Individuals with asthma, COPD, multiple chemical sensitivity, or other respiratory conditions benefit from the comprehensive gas and particle removal that reduces total airborne irritant load. The ability to improve sleep quality, reduce snoring, and strengthen immune function stems from lowering the chemical burden your body must process.

New Construction or Renovation: New buildings and renovated spaces release elevated VOC levels from fresh paint, new carpeting, adhesives, and building materials. The formaldehyde removal capability specifically addresses one of the most common and harmful off gassing compounds in new construction. Running the HealthMate Plus during and after construction dramatically accelerates VOC reduction.

However, the Austin Air HealthMate Plus is not ideal for:

General Allergen Control: If your primary concern is dust, pollen, or pet dander without significant chemical sensitivity or VOC exposure, you’ll get better value from units like the Coway Airmega Mighty ($230), Winix 5500-2 ($250), or Levoit EverestAir ($500) that provide faster particle removal at fraction of the cost, as confirmed in RTINGS air purifier reviews.

Budget Conscious Buyers: At $855 plus ongoing operating costs, the HealthMate Plus represents a significant investment. If budget is your primary constraint and you don’t have serious VOC issues, numerous quality air purifiers under $300 provide excellent particle filtration for common household allergens.

Smart Feature Enthusiasts: The Austin Air purifier has no app, no sensors, no air quality display, and no smart home integration. If you value connectivity, data monitoring, or automated operation based on air quality sensors, modern smart air purifiers offer features the HealthMate Plus completely lacks.

Maximum Particle Speed: If you need the fastest possible particle removal—perhaps for severe allergies requiring rapid air cleaning—the 52 minute cleaning time of the HealthMate Plus is surpassed by numerous competitors that clean the same space in 15 to 30 minutes.

Austin Air Purifier HealthMate Plus vs IQAir HealthPro Plus

The IQAir HealthPro Plus at around $1,000 represents the closest competitor to the Austin Air HealthMate Plus, making direct comparison valuable. Both units are frequently compared in professional reviews at sites like HouseFresh and Consumer Reports:

FeatureAustin Air HealthMate PlusIQAir HealthPro Plus
Price$855~$1,000
Carbon Amount15 lbs5 lbs
PM1 Zero Time52 minutes28 minutes
Top Speed Noise61.5 dB61.2 dB
Filter Life5 years2-4 years
Annual Operating Cost$227$421
Warranty5 yearsLimited

The IQAir HealthPro Plus provides significantly faster particle removal (28 minutes vs 52 minutes), making it more effective for allergen control. However, with only 5 pounds of carbon compared to the Austin Air’s 15 pounds, the IQAir offers one third the VOC removal capacity. The IQAir also costs roughly $145 more initially and nearly double the annual operating cost ($421 vs $227).

For users who need maximum VOC and gas removal, the Austin Air HealthMate Plus provides better value with triple the carbon capacity at lower purchase and operating costs. For users prioritizing particle removal speed, the IQAir HealthPro Plus justifies its premium through superior CADR performance, as detailed in Smart Air’s independent testing.

The Bottom Line: Specialized Solution for Serious Needs

The Austin Air Purifier HealthMate Plus at $855 is the best air purifier on the market today for dealing with serious VOC issues, chemical sensitivity, wildfire smoke, or living in high pollution environments. The 15 pounds of activated carbon and zeolite provides gas removal capacity unmatched by consumer models and triple that of premium competitors. The 5 year filter life and corresponding warranty reflect confidence in durability that justifies the premium investment for those who need this level of chemical gas filtration.

However, for the vast majority of use cases, spending $855+ on this device will be overkill. If your concerns center on dust, pollen, pet dander, or general indoor air quality without significant VOC exposure, you’ll find better value in air purifiers costing $200 to $500 that provide faster particle removal without the massive carbon capacity you don’t need.

The Austin Air purifier is manufactured in Buffalo, New York, supporting American manufacturing while ensuring quality control. The company’s origin story—founder Richard Taylor designing an air purifier to help his wife Joyce breathe easier—demonstrates the focus on solving real health problems rather than just selling consumer electronics. The U.S. Army testing and post 9/11 deployment in New York City validate performance in demanding real world conditions.

If you’re looking at the HealthMate Plus because you need an air purifier made in the USA, also consider alternatives like the Luggable XL-7 from CleanAirKits. While it doesn’t include activated carbon and thus can’t address odors and gases, its particle removal performance is exceptional and whisper quiet through PC fan technology, with all DIY kits made in the USA.

For additional perspectives on the Austin Air HealthMate Plus, check out detailed reviews at HouseFresh, Air Purifier Power, and The Air Geeks for comprehensive testing data and long term owner experiences.

Reasons to Buy:

  • 15 pounds of activated carbon and zeolite for maximum VOC removal capacity
  • Broad spectrum adsorption removes formaldehyde, smoke, and dangerous VOCs
  • 5 year filter life dramatically reduces maintenance frequency
  • $63 annual filter cost lower than many air purifiers with frequent replacements
  • Made in USA (Buffalo, New York) with quality control and American manufacturing support
  • 5 year warranty reflects manufacturer confidence in durability
  • Metal construction provides durability appropriate for long term use
  • Proven performance in U.S. Army testing and post 9/11 NYC deployment
  • Chemical sensitivity relief from headaches, nausea, respiratory symptoms
  • Improves sleep quality, reduces snoring, strengthens immune system
  • Simple one dial operation without complexity or failure prone electronics
  • Caster wheels enable mobility despite 47 pound weight
  • Ideal for wildfire areas, high pollution zones, new construction VOC off gassing
  • Lower annual operating cost ($227) than comparable IQAir HealthPro Plus ($421)

Breathe Chemical Free Air with Specialized Filtration

Your health shouldn’t be compromised by VOCs, chemical gases, and toxic pollutants that standard air purifiers can’t remove. The Austin Air HealthMate Plus provides the specialized activated carbon capacity necessary for meaningful chemical gas removal, backed by decades of engineering focused on solving real respiratory health problems. At $855 with 5 year filters, this represents a serious investment in serious air purification.

For those dealing with chemical sensitivity, wildfire smoke exposure, high pollution environments, or pre existing respiratory conditions exacerbated by VOC exposure, the Austin Air purifier delivers gas removal that consumer models simply cannot match. The 15 pounds of activated carbon and zeolite, USA manufacturing, 5 year warranty, and proven performance in demanding applications make this the air purifier to choose when your health demands more than standard filtration can provide. Ready to experience what truly comprehensive air purification feels like?

Want to explore more ways to improve your home’s air quality? Check out our detailed guide on the best air purifier for mold removal.

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