Use and Maintenance Is the Austin Air Cleaner noisy to operate? The noise level ranges from just 20 decibels to 65 decibels.  Otherwise, from the level of a quiet whisper to the sound level of a normal conversation.  It depends on how high you set the speed. What does it produce? The Austin Air Cleaner does not produces OZONE, IONS, or NEGATIVE IONS.  Ozone is active Oxygen and can be dangerous to people with respiratory problems, such as asthma and emphysema. Does the Austin Air Cleaner require any special maintenance? Periodic vacumming of the four sides on the outside screen is the only maintenance required for the Austin Air Cleaner. Typically, the filter only needs to be changes every five years. How mush electricity does the Austin Air Cleaner use? The Austin Air Cleaner uses ordinary 120 volt wall receptacles.  Maximum draw is about 90 watts on high or about 1 cent per hour. Where should I place the Austin Air Cleaner for maximum effectiveness? It can be placed anywhere in a room, including corners, and you will still get the same excellent results.  The Austin Air Cleaner should be placed in a bedroom at night with the door closed for best results.  The Austin Air Cleaner is equiped with four caster wheels, allowing you to move it into the general area throughout the day for a more thorough cleaning of the entire home. In how much space does the Austin Air Cleaner effectively clean the air? The Austin Air Cleaner will clean an average bedroom in about 15 minutes with the door closed.  It cleans up to 1,500 square feet based on a standard of 2 air changes per hour.   Filter What exactly is a HEPA filter? The HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Arresting) filter was developed by the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission to filter out sub-micron particles. All true HEPA filters are laser tested and must remove a minimum of 99.97% of all particles greater than 0.3 microns in size. A human hair is about 300 times too big to through a HEPA filter. Why does the Austin Air Cleaner use activated carbon? Activated carbon is the best known substance for removing gases and odors.  The best source of activated carbon is a coconut shell.  This is what is used in the Austin Air Cleaner.  It can remove up to 60% of it's weight in odors and gases.  Activated carbon is the most common element in military gas masks.  The Austin Air Cleaner uses a minimum of 13.5 pounds of coconut shell activated carbon and zeolite to remove odors and gases.  The HEPA, activated carbon, and zeolite are combined into one large cartridge witch weighs about 19 pounds. What is zeolite and what does it do? Natural zeolite is mined from the earth. It is a cream-colored mineral. Zeolite has exceptional abilities for capturing small molecules such as ammonia, formaldehyde, and sulfides. What exactly does the guarantee on the filter cover? Under normal circumstances, the Austin Air Cleaner filter is guaranteed for five years.  This is a prorated guarantee, which means if the filter lasts for three years, we will deduct 40% of the cost of a new replacement filter. How do I know if the filter needs to be changed (before 5 years)? Air flow becomes restricted through the clean air exhaust outlet. How do I go about changing the filter? It's very simple.  Just turn the unit upside down and remove the four retaining screws holding the bottom on.  Lift off the bottom panel and lift out the old filter cartridge. Replace it with the new filter and screw the bottom panel back on.   Other Technical Information Please tell me how the Austin Air Cleaner is constructed? The entire body of the Austin Air Cleaner is solid steel, which has been welded together to prevent any rattle caused by motor vibration. The paint is a powder coating, which is baked on at 450 degrees. This process eliminates any odor or gas emissions and increases durability. I'd like to know more about the motor The Austin Air Cleaner's Permanent Split Capacitor motor costs 50% less to operate than most other air purifiers' motors.  The motor uses 90 watts of electricity when run on high. The motor is capable of running 24 hours a day and the motor will not over heat. Any plastic parts? The only plastic parts in the Austin Air Cleaner are the fan and the control knobs on the front of the unit.   Other Types of Air Filters How is the Austin Air Cleaner better than electrostatic precipitator machines? Electrostatic air purifiers remove only dust particles.  They do not remove gases and odors.  Efficiency at the best 80% and can drop 20% within 48 hours of use.  Many have to be removed from the home because of the side effects of the ozone they produce.  Electrostatic machines use an old technology and are rarely used by the scientific or medical communities where clean air is critical.