FAQ

Different jobs: Austin Air units clean the air in the room continuously with true medical-grade HEPA (captures 99.97% of particles ≥0.3µm) plus a large bed of activated carbon/zeolite for odors and VOCs. MERV filters live in your HVAC and mainly catch particles in your return air; they do not remove gases or fragrances.

Great together: Using a quality MERV filter with an Austin Air purifier is an excellent combo—MERV helps your system, Austin handles the room you’re in (including odors/VOCs).

• HealthMate: All-around particle + basic odor/VOC reduction—ideal for most homes.
• HealthMate Plus: Extra VOC/chemical sorbents—solid choice if you’re sensitive to fragrances, new furniture, school supplies, or renovation smells.
• Bedroom Machine: Comprehensive filtration for people who want the quietest, most complete nighttime protection.
• Junior sizes: Smaller rooms, nurseries, desks—same approach in a more compact size.
• IT: Great for small spaces and travel.  So small you can carry it to the office or classroom and keep it on your desk!

Still unsure? Email contact@freshstartairpurifiers.com and we’ll match a unit to your room size and needs.

Depending on model and fan speed, Austin Air units typically clean ~400–1,500 sq ft per hour in open layouts. For best results, place the unit in the room you spend the most time (e.g., bedroom or living area) and let it run continuously.

They have multiple fan speeds. Most customers run low or medium for continuous cleaning with bedroom-friendly sound. Use high when you need a quick clean (e.g., after cooking or cleaning).

Under typical home use, the main filter lasts up to 5 years. Pre-filters protect the main filter and should be replaced more frequently (see product pages for size-specific guidance).

If you’re fragrance-sensitive or have VOC sources (new products, school/office supplies, crafts, renovations), the VOC-enhanced pre-filter is a smart upgrade for added gas adsorption.

Check monthly. If it appears dark/loaded, airflow drops, or odors linger longer than usual, replace it. Keeping the pre-filter fresh maximizes the life of your main filter.

We currently ship to the continental U.S. (lower 48). For Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, U.S. territories, or international destinations, email contact@freshstartairpurifiers.com for a quote.

• Air Purifiers: Free standard shipping on orders containing a purifier.
• Pre-filters & Accessories: $15 flat rate for up to 2 pre-filters per order. For 3+, we’ll calculate based on weight/box type—contact us for a quick quote.

Orders are processed within 1–2 business days (Mon–Fri, excluding holidays). Transit times vary by carrier and destination; most customers receive items within a few business days after processing.

If your order hasn’t shipped, we’ll do our best to help. Email contact@freshstartairpurifiers.com with your order number as soon as possible.

You have 30 days from receiving your item to request a return. After this period, returns are not accepted, but you may be eligible for an exchange or warranty replacement for defective units, as outlined in our detailed return policy. Please email us first so we can authorize and provide the correct return address.

Austin Air provides a 5 year manufacturer warranty on the unit’s mechanical components and a separate prorated 5 year policy for filters. Please see the official warranty details on the product page or contact us for specifics. We’re happy to help with any claims.

We accept major credit/debit cards and Shop Pay/Apple Pay/Google Pay where available. All checkout pages are secured with industry-standard encryption.

Yes—beyond HEPA for particles (pollen, dust, dander, mold), the substantial carbon/zeolite bed adsorbs many household odors and VOCs (including common fragrances). For stronger chemical concerns, consider HealthMate Plus or Bedroom Machine.

Give it space on all sides (a few inches), avoid blocking the intake or placing it behind furniture, and keep doors open if you want airflow between rooms. Bedrooms: near the bed on the side you sleep; Living rooms: where you spend the most time.

For best results, run it continuously on low or medium. Use high temporarily for odor spikes (cleaning, cooking, new items).

Turn the unit off and unplug. Wipe the exterior with a dry or slightly damp lint-free cloth. Do not spray liquids into the intake or outlet.

• Run the unit on high for 30–60 minutes.
• Confirm the pre-filter is clean/installed correctly.
• Move the purifier closer to the source (or the bed at night).
• If odors persist, consider a VOC-enhanced pre-filter or upgrading to HealthMate Plus/Bedroom Machine.

Still stuck? Email contact@freshstartairpurifiers.com with your room size, model, and photos. We’ll help.

• Check for blocked intake/outlet (move items away a few inches).
• Inspect/replace the pre-filter if it’s visibly loaded.
• Try a different outlet and ensure the speed selector is set correctly.