I was told that an ionizer is the best type of air cleaner to get for the home. What do allergists recommend and why?
Allergists do not recommend ionizers or electronic air cleaners for home use because these units emit ozone. Ozone is a major outdoor pollutant which has been demonstrated to trigger and in some cases cause asthma and upper respiratory symptoms. Allergists recommend HEPA air cleaners which clean room air continuously. If you have a problem with odors, many of these units come with carbon and zeolite that absorbs unwanted odors. These units do not release ozone and are believed to be the most effective means of air filtration currently available. For furnace use, there are central HEPA filters now available for the whole house. If this is not in your budget then we recommend an electrostatic filter that is effective at filtering allergens and other air particles from the air coming through the furnace. Electrostatic filters do not release ozone.
