Austin Air FR400A Healthmate Standard Filter - Black

Product Review:

Overview

The Austin Air FR400A Healthmate Standard Filter is part of the Austin Air HealthMate series, designed to improve indoor air quality by removing a wide range of harmful particles and gases. Below is a review based on key features, performance, and user feedback:

Key Features:

1. Multi-Stage Filtration:

   • Pre-Filter: Captures large particles like dust, hair, and pet dander.
   • Medium Filter: Targets smaller particles such as pollen and mold spores.
   • Carbon Filter: A key component that adsorbs chemicals, gases, and odors, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), smoke, and formaldehyde.
   • HEPA Filter: The final stage that captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, including fine dust, bacteria, and allergens.

2. Comprehensive Air Purification: The HealthMate filter combines HEPA and activated carbon, making it effective not just for particulate matter, but also for a range of gases, odors, and chemicals. This makes it suitable for individuals with allergies, asthma, or sensitivities to air pollutants.

3. Durability and Longevity: The filter has a lifespan of about 3 to 5 years, depending on the usage and environment. Austin Air recommends replacing it every 5 years for optimal performance, but heavy use may require more frequent changes.

4. Size & Compatibility: The FR400A is designed for the Austin Air HealthMate models (HM400 series). It fits snugly and is easy to install into compatible units. It comes in black, matching the classic HealthMate aesthetic.

5. Environmental Safety: Austin Air’s filters are made with non-toxic materials and are designed to capture a wide variety of harmful airborne particles without releasing them back into the air.

Performance:

1. Air Quality Improvement: Users report noticeable improvements in air quality, especially in homes with pets, smokers, or high pollution levels. The reduction in allergens, smoke, and chemical odors is particularly appreciated by allergy sufferers.

2. Noise Levels: The Austin Air HealthMate units are generally quiet on lower settings, though they can become noisier on higher speeds. However, this is typical for air purifiers with such high-efficiency filtration systems.

3. Odor Removal: The carbon layer does an excellent job of absorbing odors, making the unit ideal for kitchens, basements, and other areas where cooking smells, pet odors, or dampness may be a concern.

Pros:

• Effective for Multiple Contaminants: Works well against allergens, pollutants, and odors.
• Long Filter Life: Lasts up to 5 years, making it a cost-effective choice in the long run.
• Good for Sensitive Individuals: Ideal for people with asthma, allergies, or respiratory issues.
• Quiet on Low Settings: Does not disturb daily activities or sleep.

Cons:

• Size: The FR400A is large and requires a compatible unit. It's not suitable for smaller, portable purifiers.
• Price: Austin Air filters are on the pricier side compared to other brands, though their effectiveness justifies the cost for many users.
• Occasional Odor: Some users report that the carbon filter may emit an odor when new, but this tends to dissipate after a short period of use.

Conclusion:

The Austin Air FR400A Healthmate Standard Filter is a high-performance air filter that excels in removing both particulate matter and harmful gases. It's especially suitable for individuals with respiratory issues or those living in environments with poor air quality. While it’s relatively costly upfront, its durability and effectiveness make it a solid investment for improving indoor air quality over the long term.

Product Description:

Austin Air FR400A Healthmate Standard Filter - Black
Constructed of 60' sq. of true HEPA medical-grade material.;These filters contain potassium iodide for absorbing formaldehyde ammonia and other VOCs.;Filters 99.97% of all particles down to 0.3 Microns in size.;Healthmate Filter.;Black.
STAGE 1 – Large Particle Pre-filter. Removes particles easily seen by the naked eye (e.g. dust, hair and pet dander)
STAGE 2 – Medium Particle Pre-filter. Removes small to medium size particles (e.g. molds, spores and pollen)
STAGE 3 – Over 780 cubic inches of Activated Carbon and Zeolite.  Removes chemicals, gases and odors.
STAGE 4 – 60 sq. ft. of True Medical Grade HEPA. Removes 99.97% of all particles larger than 0.3 microns and 95% of all particles larger than 0.1 microns.
Replacement filter for the Austin Air HealthMate. The Austin Air HealthMate was designed to address your everyday air quality concerns. It removes a wide range of airborne particles, chemicals, gases and odors and will significantly improve the quality of air in your home. All standard size units are interchangeable with all standard size filters.

Ace Vacuums Locations:

• Fairfax, VA: 11110 Main Street, Fairfax, VA 22030
• Leesburg, VA: 300 Fort Evans Rd NE, Leesburg, VA 20176

Driving Directions to Ace Vacuums in Fairfax, VA (11110 Main Street, Fairfax, VA 22030)

From Maryland (e.g., Bethesda, Silver Spring, Rockville):

1. Start on I-495 S (Capital Beltway Inner Loop): Head south on I-495 towards Northern Virginia.
2. Take Exit 45 A-B for VA-267 W (Dulles Toll Road): Follow signs for VA-267 West (Dulles Toll Road). Be aware this is a toll road.
3. Continue on VA-267 W: Stay on the Dulles Toll Road for several miles.
4. Take Exit 16 for VA-7 E (Leesburg Pike) / VA-123 S (Chain Bridge Rd): Follow signs for VA-123 South (Chain Bridge Rd).
5. Merge onto VA-123 S (Chain Bridge Rd): Continue south on Chain Bridge Road.
6. Turn Right onto Main Street (VA-236 W): This will be a significant intersection. You'll continue on Main Street for a short distance.
7. Ace Vacuums Fairfax: Ace Vacuums will be on your left side, directly opposite Havertys Furniture Store. Look for their prominent signage.

From Washington D.C. (e.g., Downtown D.C.):

1. Take I-66 W toward Vienna/Centreville/Fairfax: Get onto I-66 West.
2. Take Exit 60 for VA-123 S (Chain Bridge Rd) toward Fairfax: Follow the exit ramp.
3. Turn Right onto VA-123 S (Chain Bridge Rd): Continue south on Chain Bridge Road.
4. Turn Right onto Main Street (VA-236 W): This will be a significant intersection.
5. Ace Vacuums Fairfax: Ace Vacuums will be on your left side, directly opposite Havertys Furniture Store.

From Northern Virginia (e.g., Arlington, Falls Church, Vienna):

• From Arlington/Falls Church:
  1. Take US-50 W (Arlington Blvd) or VA-236 W (Main Street) directly into Fairfax: Depending on your starting point, either of these roads will lead you directly to Fairfax.
  2. Continue on Main Street (VA-236 W):
  3. Ace Vacuums Fairfax: Ace Vacuums will be on your left side, directly opposite Havertys Furniture Store.
• From Vienna:
  1. Take VA-123 S (Chain Bridge Rd) toward Fairfax: Head south on Chain Bridge Road.
  2. Turn Right onto Main Street (VA-236 W):
  3. Ace Vacuums Fairfax: Ace Vacuums will be on your left side, directly opposite Havertys Furniture Store.
• From Areas West/Northwest of Fairfax (e.g., Chantilly, Centreville):
  1. Take US-50 E or I-66 E towards Fairfax.
  2. If on I-66 E, take Exit 60 for VA-123 S (Chain Bridge Rd). Turn left onto Chain Bridge Rd, then right onto Main Street.
  3. If on US-50 E, turn right onto Main Street (VA-236 E) in Fairfax.
  4. Ace Vacuums Fairfax: Ace Vacuums will be on your right side if coming from US-50 E/VA-236 E, shortly after crossing VA-123. Look for Havertys Furniture Store on your left.

Driving Directions to Ace Vacuums in Leesburg, VA (300 Fort Evans Rd NE, Leesburg, VA 20176)

From Maryland (e.g., Bethesda, Silver Spring, Rockville):

1. Start on I-495 S (Capital Beltway Inner Loop): Head south on I-495 towards Northern Virginia.
2. Take Exit 45 A-B for VA-267 W (Dulles Toll Road): Follow signs for VA-267 West (Dulles Toll Road). Be aware this is a toll road.
3. Continue on VA-267 W (Dulles Toll Road/Dulles Greenway): Stay on VA-267 West. This road transitions from the Dulles Toll Road to the Dulles Greenway as you head further west into Loudoun County. Tolls apply for both sections.
4. Take Exit 1A for VA-7 W (Harry Byrd Hwy) toward Leesburg: This is a major exit.
5. Continue on VA-7 W: You'll drive for several miles, passing through Sterling and Ashburn.
6. Take the Exit for Battlefield Parkway / Fort Evans Road: As you approach Leesburg, look for this exit.
7. Turn Right onto Fort Evans Rd NE: After exiting, turn right onto Fort Evans Road NE.
8. Ace Vacuums Leesburg: Ace Vacuums will be on your right side, located next to the Home Depot, and directly across from the Leesburg Premium Outlets.

From Washington D.C. (e.g., Downtown D.C.):

1. Take I-66 W toward Vienna/Centreville: Get onto I-66 West.
2. Merge onto VA-267 W (Dulles Toll Road): Follow signs for VA-267 West (Dulles Toll Road). Tolls apply.
3. Continue onto VA-267 W (Dulles Greenway): Stay on the Dulles Greenway. Tolls apply.
4. Take Exit 1A for VA-7 W (Harry Byrd Hwy) toward Leesburg:
5. Continue on VA-7 W:
6. Take the Exit for Battlefield Parkway / Fort Evans Road:
7. Turn Right onto Fort Evans Rd NE:
8. Ace Vacuums Leesburg: Ace Vacuums will be on your right side, located next to the Home Depot, and directly across from the Leesburg Premium Outlets.

From Northern Virginia (e.g., Fairfax, Arlington, Ashburn, Sterling):

• From Fairfax:
  1. Take VA-123 N (Chain Bridge Rd) to access VA-267 W (Dulles Toll Road) or take I-66 W to VA-267 W: Your best bet is to get onto VA-267 West (Dulles Toll Road).
  2. Continue on VA-267 W (Dulles Toll Road/Dulles Greenway): Tolls apply.
  3. Take Exit 1A for VA-7 W (Harry Byrd Hwy) toward Leesburg:
  4. Continue on VA-7 W:
  5. Take the Exit for Battlefield Parkway / Fort Evans Road:
  6. Turn Right onto Fort Evans Rd NE:
  7. Ace Vacuums Leesburg: Ace Vacuums will be on your right side, located next to the Home Depot, and directly across from the Leesburg Premium Outlets.
• From Ashburn / Sterling / Eastern Loudoun County:
  1. Take VA-7 W (Harry Byrd Hwy) directly toward Leesburg: This is the most direct route.
  2. Take the Exit for Battlefield Parkway / Fort Evans Road:
  3. Turn Right onto Fort Evans Rd NE:
  4. Ace Vacuums Leesburg: Ace Vacuums will be on your right side, located next to the Home Depot, and directly across from the Leesburg Premium Outlets.
• From Western Virginia (e.g., Winchester):
  1. Take US-7 E (Harry Byrd Hwy) toward Leesburg:
  2. In Leesburg, after passing the Leesburg Premium Outlets on your left, prepare for the Fort Evans Road / Battlefield Parkway exit.
  3. Take the Exit for Fort Evans Road / Battlefield Parkway.
  4. Turn Left onto Fort Evans Rd NE: You'll go over VA-7.
  5. Ace Vacuums Leesburg: Ace Vacuums will be on your right side, located next to the Home Depot.

Shipping Policy

Return Policy

Ace Vacuums is not responsible for any defective items or shortages in shipments not reported to us within seven days from the time of delivery. All returned items will be inspected for usage, damage, or missing parts from the original package to determine the restocking fee. When you buy a product and find that it is not what you need, you can exchange it within 30 days with the original packaging unused or return your purchase within seven days for a full refund unused from the day the item was delivered. A restocking fee may be applied of up to 50% for used goods. All goods purchased at a discounted price, including trade-ins, holiday sales, or price-match, are considered FINAL SALE goods and therefore are NOT eligible for return. ​No Returns on Air Purifiers. No Cash Refunds.