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Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I know Austin Air Systems are really the best? Top
Austin Air has been tested by some of the world’s most respected testing labs like Battelle Laboratories and the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. Extensive tests on flow rate, flow design, removal of vapours, gases and sub-micron particles have been performed on an Austin Air cleaner.
As result of this testing, Austin Air was chosen by the US Government to fulfill the largest deployment of air cleaners in American history and chosen by FEMA and The Red Cross to address the serious air quality concerns in post 9/11 New York. When clean air is critical and lives depend on it, Austin Air remains the #1 choice.
How much electricity does an Austin Air Cleaner Consume? Top
The Austin Air cleaner will cost less than a penny (0.7cents) per hour on average. The maximum draw is 135 watts on the highest setting and uses an ordinary 120 volt outlet.
Where should I place my Austin Air Cleaner for Maximum Results? Top
We recommend that your Austin Air cleaner be placed in your office space, closes to your desk or the area where you are seated for the longest period of time. The average person spends about 8 hours of the day in their office space, and the air in this office can often be very contaminated. Many a times, the HVAC system of these spaces is not designed for the capacity of individuals in the area. The air is further polluted by the array of chemical detergents and cleaning agents used in most office spaces today.
Does the Austin Air System produce any harmful by products? Top
Unlike air cleaners that use electrostatic-precipitation or ionic generation, the Austin Air cleaners do not emit any by-products such as toxic ozone. The Austin Air cleaner produces nothing but clean air.
How often do I replace the filter and how do I do it? Top
Your filter should be replaced every 5 years maximum, certain circumstances
will require more frequent filter changes... The pre filter should be replaced
every year. Click here to view instructions on replacing your filter.
How does the 30 day money back gauentee work? Top
If you are unhappy in anyway with your Austin Air system, contact us within 30 days of purchase for a full money back refund. This refund excludes shipping.
Can my Austin Air System be left on all the time? Top
Yes, Austin Air cleaners were designed and built for continuous use. In fact, Austin Air encourages customers to leave their air cleaner on at all times to achieve the healthiest living environment possible.
How do I maintain my Austin Air System? Top
The only maintenance required will be to occasionally vacuum the 4 sides of the air cleaner to remove larger dust particles. Austin Air filters are designed to last up to 5-years under normal residential use, so you won’t be bothered with frequent filter replacements.
What contaminants will Austin Air cleaners remove from the air? Top
Austin Air cleaners deliver a complete filtration solution, removing a wide variety of particles, sub-micron particles, chemicals, gases, micro-organisms and odours. This includes such things as dust, mould, pollen, tobacco smoke, chemical vapours, gases, viruses and bacteria.
What kind of filter does Austin Air use? Top
Austin Air cleaners use a 4-stage filter containing only the best proven filter mediums for cleaning the air. In every Austin Air cleaner, you will find Medical Grade HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Arrestance) and Activated Carbon addressing the most serious airborne contaminants. Only trusted technology used in hospitals and operating rooms will be found in Austin Air Cleaners.
Why should indoor air quality concern me? Top
Today's buildings are sealed tightly to insulate us from the cold and heat as a result air circulation is kept to a minimum. Our indoor air meanwhile, contains minute particles such as dust, pet dander, pollen and mould spores that can aggravate asthma, allergies and other respiratory problems. In addition, many of today's cleaning products, furniture, carpets and building materials release chemicals, which also end up in the air we breathe. What's most sobering is that fact that while our bodies have natural defences against air borne particles, we have no natural defence against airborne chemicals! These, in fact, can go straight into the blood stream!
A high efficiency air cleaner can help neutralize airborne particles, chemical and odours. However, make sure you buy a purifier that contains both carbon and HEPA filtration to trap the particles and chemicals, gases and odours. So many people are disappointed when they buy an off-the-shelf unit that does nothing for odours and airborne chemicals. An Austin Air purifier with carbon and HEPA is an investment that can help you create a cleaner and healthier work environment.
Why is ozone so dangerous for my health? Top
The US EPA's answer: "The same chemical properties that allow high concentrations of ozone to react with organic material outside the body give it the ability to react with similar organic material that makes up the body, and potentially cause harmful health consequences. When inhaled, ozone can damage the lungs. Relatively low amounts can cause chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath, and, throat irritation. Ozone may also worsen chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and compromise the ability of the body to fight respiratory infections," (www.epa.gov - How is ozone harmful). People vary widely in their susceptibility to ozone.
Healthy people, as well as those with respiratory difficulty, can experience breathing problems when exposed to ozone. Exercise during exposure to ozone causes a greater amount of ozone to be inhaled, and increases the risk of harmful respiratory effects. Recovery from the harmful effects can occur following short-term exposure to low levels of ozone, but health effects may become more damaging and recovery less certain at higher levels or from longer exposures (US EPA, 1996a, 1996b).
Manufacturers and vendors of ozone devices often use misleading terms to describe ozone. Terms such as "energized oxygen" or "pure air" suggest that ozone is a healthy kind of oxygen. Ozone is a toxic gas with vastly different chemical and toxicological properties from oxygen. Several federal agencies have established health standards or recommendations to limit human exposure to ozone.
Why would I buy an activated carbon filter and a HEPA filter rather than a
cheaper electrostatic filter found at most major retailers? Top
While electrostatic filters help collect dust particles, they cannot remove chemicals and odours from the air. An activated carbon filter actually traps chemicals, gases and odours; this combined with a HEPA filter offers you the most efficient air purification possible. Granulated Activated Carbon (GAC) has the strongest adsorption power of any material known to man. In one pound of carbon there are over 200 miles of tiny pores to trap gases and odours. It's safe, cost efficient and so effective the military uses it in their gas masks!
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