Old Town Goleta Residents Receive Free Air Purifiers as Part of Clean Air Initiative

Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) has distributed 400 free air purifiers to residents of Old Town Goleta, with more available through an online application, as part of the agency’s Clean Air Rooms Program. The initiative aims to provide residents with resources to improve indoor air quality, particularly during wildfire season.

Air Purifier Distribution and Eligibility

On Saturday, March 15, 2026, APCD staff distributed 400 air purifiers on a first-reach, first-served basis to Old Town Goleta residents, requiring proof of address. Residents who were unable to attend the event can now apply online to have a free air purifier shipped to their home. The online application also requires proof of address, and devices are limited to one per household, including those who already received a purifier at Saturday’s event. Availability is limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. The online application can be found here.

Clean Air Rooms Program and Resources

The APCD’s Clean Air Rooms Program focuses on creating indoor spaces with cleaner air, especially crucial during periods of poor air quality due to wildfire smoke. The APCD website offers resources, including infographics and bilingual videos, on selecting and using air purifiers, building DIY air filtration devices, and minimizing indoor air pollution sources.

Electric Vehicle Test Drive Event

Alongside the air purifier distribution, a community event hosted 52 free test drives of electric cars. Organized by the Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP) and co-sponsored by the Central Coast Clean Cities Coalition and the Community Environmental Council, the event allowed residents to explore electric vehicle options and learn about available incentives. DCAP provides up to $12,000 toward the purchase or lease of new or used electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles for income-qualified participants, prioritizing residents of low-income or disadvantaged communities.

Air Purifier Considerations

For those considering purchasing an air purifier, the APCD recommends looking for models that are:

• Certified by the California Air Resources Board for sale in California
• HEPA classified
• Energy Star Certified
• Equipped with a filter change indicator
• Appropriately sized for the room
• Operate quietly (around 45 decibels or less)

Additional Information

The Santa Barbara County APCD provides updated air quality data and forecasts on its website: https://www.ourair.org/pronosticos-y-calidad-del-aire-de-hoy/?lang=es.