Air district offers free air purifiers
Residents can apply through July 31 for a chance to receive a free home air purifier as part of the Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District's 2026 Fresh Air For All Home Air Filtration Program.
The program is intended to help households reduce exposure to wildfire smoke and other harmful air pollutants by improving indoor air quality.
"Through the Fresh Air For All program, we are helping residents create cleaner indoor environments and better protect themselves and their families when outdoor air quality deteriorates," Air District Board Vice Chair Carol Scianna said in a statement.
The district plans to distribute about 780 Oransi AirMend150 HB air purifiers through a random drawing of eligible applicants. Each selected household will receive one air purifier equipped with a HEPA filter and one replacement filter, providing up to 24 months of filtration. Only one application is allowed per household.
Applications are available online through July 31. After the application period closes, district staff will verify applicants' eligibility before conducting the lottery. Selected applicants will be asked to provide proof of address, such as a driver's license, utility bill or other official document, before the units are shipped directly to recipients.
Wildfire smoke can create extended periods of unhealthy air and poses increased health risks for children, older adults, pregnant individuals and people with asthma, heart disease or other respiratory conditions. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, HEPA filtration devices can significantly reduce fine particle pollution indoors when used in a well-sealed room.
The district recommends using air purifiers during wildfire smoke events and designating a "clean air room," such as a bedroom or living room, where household members can seek cleaner indoor air.
The Fresh Air For All program is in its second year. In 2025, the district distributed more than 700 air purifiers, with priority given to households in disadvantaged communities, including Rio Vista, parts of West Sacramento and the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation Tribal lands. This year's program has expanded to make air purifiers available to eligible residents throughout the district. Households that received an air purifier through the 2025 program are not eligible for another unit this year.
The Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District serves Yolo County and northeastern Solano County, including Dixon, Rio Vista and Vacaville. Additional information about the program is available at ysaqmd.org, by emailing airfilter@ysaqmd.org, or by calling (530) 757-3650.
Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency. All Rights Reserved.