A standalone air purifier is the device that draws in the air within a room to remove contaminants and pollutants. The filter is the device placed inside the air purifier that traps polluting particles and then the air purifier releases cleaner air. Since air filters trap the contaminants and pollutants, it is important to replace filters based on manufacturer guidelines or if the replacement indicator light turns on your air purifier.

Yes. We anticipate a high level of interest in the AIRE program. Those who applied through the County Pilot Program but did not receive an air purifier will receive an email or text asking them to submit an application through the AIRE online application. SDAPCD does not guarantee that all applicants will receive a FREE portable air purifier. IF your application has been approved, you will be notified in a separate communication.

Currently applications are only processed through our online application. If you need help call (858) 586-2779 or email filters@sdapcd.org.

Distribution is limited to one device per household. Not all eligible households will receive an air purifier due to limited quantities.
If you would like to purchase an additional air purifier, the California Air Resources Board provides guidance on selecting an air purifier to best fit your needs and a list of California certified devices. To address hydrogen sulfide odors, look for filters that contain activated carbon and potassium permanganate or the equivalent.

In consultation with state and federal agencies, SDAPCD took into consideration air purifiers that can help address the “rotten egg” odors associated with hydrogen sulfide. The air purifiers selected for the AIRE Program contain High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters with activated carbon, and potassium permanganate, a chemical compound that acts as an oxidizing agent to remove hydrogen sulfide. For the best use of air purifiers, it is recommended by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to create a “clean air room,” view the guidelines here.

If you are unable to apply through our online application, double check your entry for the following:

• Only residential households are eligible
• Only one application per residential address will be accepted (households that previously received a filter from the AIRE Program or the County’s 2024 Air Purifier Pilot Program are not eligible at this time)
• All sections with an asterisk (*) are required
• Each portion of your address should be on a separate line (e.g. house number, street name, street direction, street type, etc.) Double check to ensure you did not combine your entry fields
• Street type (e.g. avenue, boulevard, way, etc.) should be selected whenever applicable
• A unit number should be entered if you live in a condo or apartment
• Address must be located within the boundaries of each eligible zip code
• Some portions of 92154 and 92173 zip codes are outside of the boundaries
  

All applicants will be required to submit proof of residency documentation as described in the eligibility section of our website above. If you have a special circumstance, such as a recent move, we recommend submitting your change of address to one of your utility providers first, then applying to the program.

These file formats are accepted: pdf, png, jpg. To upload a file, select "Choose File". Select a file (utility bill) from your device which contains both the name and address from the application. The easiest way to upload a document may be to take a picture of the utility bill with your device (phone, mobile device) then select your pictures to upload the picture of your utility bill.

We anticipate a high level of interest in the AIRE program. Those who submitted an application but are outside the current service area can opt to be included on an interest list. If you are on that list, and if the program is expanded your application will be added to the pool of eligible applicants and evaluated at that time.

Below are a list of possible application errors and how they may be resolved.

“Invalid Address - The address is not in the system or does not exist”
Please recheck your form make sure each portion of your address is on a separate line (e.g. house number, street name, street direction, street type, etc.) Double check to ensure you did not combine your entry fields. Street type (e.g. avenue, boulevard, way, etc.) should be selected whenever applicable. A unit number should be entered if you live in a condo or apartment.

“Location Not Eligible”
The address you submitted is outside the eligible area – eligible addresses are located within the boundaries of each eligible zip code – some portions of 92154 and 92173 are outside of the boundaries. You can sign up for the interest list by continuing to fill out the application, but you will not currently be eligible for a filter.

“Duplicate Address”
Only one application per residential address will be accepted (households that previously received a filter from the AIRE Program or the County’s 2024 Air Purifier Pilot Program are not eligible at this time). A unit number should be entered if you live in a condo or apartment.

“Form Submission Error”
Make sure your application has all the fields filled out and you checked the boxes for the Terms and Conditions and the “I am not a robot” check box.