Air Improvement Relief Effort Program

The San Diego County Air Pollution Control District’s (SDAPCD) Air Improvement Relief Effort (AIRE) Program is distributing FREE air purifiers to eligible households affected by hydrogen sulfide that is produced by the transboundary wastewater, and sewage flows near the Tijuana River Valley.

Eligible households can now apply to receive up to three small air purifiers and replacement filters. New applicants and returning participants within the program area are eligible. Returning participants can request up to two (2) additional purifiers/replacement filters and new applicants can request up to three (3). Due to limited quantities, some eligible households may not receive air purifiers.

Households within the program area are encouraged to apply by 09/01/2026. 

If number of applications submitted exceeds available supply, the application portal may close at an earlier date. 


Eligibility

Eligible areas include most households in the City of San Diego communities of Otay Mesa West, San Ysidro, Egger Highlands, Nestor, and Tijuana River Valley, and the City of Imperial Beach. 



How to Apply

  1. Select “Apply Now” below
  2. Select “Request Air Purifier(s)” and then choose your applicant option (“I am a new applicant” or “I am requesting additional air purifier(s)”)
  3. Complete application information
  4. Select number of requested air purifiers
  5. Submit application

Video application tutorials are available at the following links:
New Applicants (Español
Returning Applicants (Español

To avoid application delays, submit only one application per household address. In some cases, proof of residency may be required to confirm eligibility. Returning participants, see additional information below.

Due to limited quantities, priority consideration will be given to households with children and individuals over 65 years of age, as well as communities closest to the Tijuana River Valley.

What to Expect

Applications are individually reviewed and applicants can choose to have air purifiers shipped directly to the application address or picked up at the FedEx Ship Center (1425 Corporate Center Drive, San Diego, CA 92154), at no cost. Applicants will receive a notification once their application is approved. Shipment tracking information is sent by the manufacturer after application approval. Application approval and shipment timelines may vary based on product availability. 

If additional information is required or missing, applicants will be contacted by AIRE Program staff. All notifications are sent to the email and/or phone number provided on the application.

Returning Participants

If you applied to the AIRE program on or before May 15, 2026, you must resubmit an application to be eligible for additional air purifiers. Returning participants can request up to two (2) additional air purifiers. When completing the application, choose the option “I am requesting additional air purifier(s).” Then enter your record ID number (e.g., “APCD2026-FLTR-XXXXXX”) that was sent to the email address listed in your original application. Participants who received a text message notification must use the link provided in that message to complete the online form and obtain their record ID number. Returning participants must still reside within the program area to qualify for additional air purifiers.

Need Application Help?

Stop by one of the drop-in locations for additional assistance. Staff is available to provide in-person support to help navigate the application process and answer program questions. The public may also email filters@sdapcd.org. Return calls can be made to (858) 586‑2779.

The following locations are available for assistance.

Border View YMCA South San Diego

3601 Arey Dr. 
San Diego, CA 92154

Dates : Wednesdays, 07/29/26 - 08/26/26
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

                     

Imperial Beach Library

810 Imperial Beach Blvd
Imperial Beach, CA 91932

Dates : Saturdays, 7/25/26, 08/01/26, 08/15/26, 08/22/26
Time: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM




Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions:

A standalone air purifier is a 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 clean and replace filters based on manufacturer guidelines.

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

You may also visit one of the drop-in location sites for additional assistance. 

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 provided through 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.

Online Application Questions: 

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

  • Only residential addresses are eligible
  • Only one application per residential address will be accepted (households that previously received an air purifier from the AIRE Program should refer to the “Returning Participants” section above)
  • All sections with an asterisk (*) are required
  • Each portion of your address should be in a separate field (e.g. house number, street name, street direction, street type, etc.) Double check to ensure you do not combine your entry fields
  • When applicable, street type (e.g. avenue, boulevard, way, etc.) should be selected from the drop-down menu only.
  • A unit number should be entered if you live in a multi-family property 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

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 review your form to make sure each portion of your address is in a separate field (e.g. house number, street name, street direction, street type, etc.) and ensure multiple entries were not combined in a single field. Street type (e.g. avenue, boulevard, way, etc.) should be selected whenever applicable. A unit number should be entered if you live in a multi-family property 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 be eligible for an air purifier at this time. If you live within the eligible program area, please double check your entry.

“Duplicate Address”
Only one application per residential address is accepted. A unit number should be entered if you live in a multi-family property apartment. If you recently moved but still live within the program area, email filters@sdapcd.org. Households that previously received an air purifier from the AIRE Program should refer to the “Returning Participants” section above.

“Form Submission Error”
Make sure your application has all the fields filled out and you checked the boxes for the Terms and Conditions, entered your full name in the signature field, and completed the “I am not a robot” check box.

For those with an email on file, the record ID number (e.g. “APCD2026-FLTR-XXXXXX") is included in your invitation to apply that was sent to the email address provided with your previous application.

Visit, filters.sdapcd.org, select the “Check Application Status” button and enter your last name and record ID number (e.g. “APCD2026-FLTR-XXXXXX"). If you are unable to view your application status or have questions, call (858) 586-2779 or email filters@sdapcd.org.

A video tutorial to check your application status is available here (Español).

No. All requests for an air purifier must be sent to the eligible address on file. If you are concerned about lost or stolen packages, we recommend selecting “Pick up at FedEx” option when completing your application. All packages shipped to FedEx location must be picked up within 5 days of delivery.

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.

Waitlist eligibility applies to individuals who are within the eligible program area but are unable to be processed due to limited availability of air purifiers and/or funding.

Air Purifier Questions: 

Proper maintenance and best use practices will ensure you are getting the most out of your air purifier. Below are some helpful tips to follow. 

  • Place it away from doors, windows, and walls to allow air to easily flow in the unit.
  • Place on a flat surface for stability.
  • Clean and replace your filter based on the manufacturer guidance. 
  • Seal windows and doors gaps to reduce outdoor odors and gases

For more information, see the California Air Resources Board (CARB) page on Indoor Air Cleaners for Removal of Odors and Gases

Please refer to manufacturer guidelines for instructions on when and how to clean filters to ensure proper operation and device longevity. Additional filters can be purchased directly through the manufacturer (Oransi.com) or through another authorized retailer, such as Amazon or Walmart.

If you need help with your electric bill, SDG&E and San Diego Community Power provide several assistance programs. Select the links below to learn more and check if you quality. 

SDG&E Electric Bill Assistance Programs

San Diego Community Power Electric Bill Assistance Programs


Learn More About Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality is important because we spend most of our time indoors, and cleaner indoor air helps protect longterm health by reducing exposure to pollutants that can otherwise affect everyone in the home.

Learn more about Reducing Your Exposure to Indoor Air Pollution from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and changes you can make in your home to improve indoor air quality.  

More information about how to get the most out of your air purifier and best practices for removal of odors and gases, can also be found on CARB’s website

Find Out More About Your Air Purifier 

Participants of the AIRE Program can find more information about their air purifier at the manufacturer's dedicated webpage. It includes the following information for all devices distributed through the Program:

  • Quick Guide & User Manual 
  • Helpful Videos 
  • Replacement Filter Information 
  • Maintenance & Operation Information 
  • Warranty Information and More! 

The air purifiers distributed through the AIRE Program are manufactured and supplied by Oransi. For manufacturer assistance, call Oransi at 888-281-3948 or visit oransi.com/pages/san-diego-purifier-guide


Air Purifier Feedback Survey

SDAPCD conducted a survey on our AIRE program to gather feedback from households about their indoor air quality.

Survey results showed that many participants noticed improvement in their indoor air quality after using the air purifiers. Respondents also shared how they are using the air purifiers and their overall experience with the program.

View the fact sheet with survey highlights here. The full report is available here



For more information regarding how air purifiers can help remove odors and gases, please visit the California Air Resources Board’s guidance page.

For program questions or concerns: call (858) 586-2779 or email filters@sdapcd.org.