J&J's Heating & Air ConditioningFireplaces and HVAC, Lic. #1086420 Español (805) 699-1112
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Air filtration and indoor air quality in Santa BarbaraCleaner air in fire season, and the rest of the year.

Your heating and cooling system already moves all the air in the house. With the right filter, sized so the blower can handle it, it cleans that air too.

Last reviewed November 9, 2026 · CA Lic. #1086420

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5.0 ★ 100 Google reviews5.0 ★ 26 Yelp reviewsFree estimatesFlat rate pricingLic. #1086420In the trade since 2016
Two mini split filters side by side, one dark with dust
The short answer

J & J's sets up whole house air filtration in Santa Barbara County homes. We measure what your system's blower can handle, then fit a deep MERV 13 media filter, the level the EPA recommends for wildfire smoke, with HEPA options for bedrooms. We also seal return leaks that pull attic dust into the air you breathe. The estimate is free, and we'll tell you if a better filter is all you need.

For smoke
MERV 13 or higherThe level the EPA recommends
Checked first
What the blower can handleSo airflow isn't choked
Bedrooms
HEPA optionsFor the rooms you sleep in
Estimate
FreeFlat rate, in writing
What each filter catches

MERV ratings, in plain terms.

MERV is the standard scale for filters. A higher number catches smaller particles and resists airflow more, which is why the filter has to match the system. Our wildfire smoke guide covers what to do on a smoke day.

MERV ratings, in plain terms.
FilterCatchesGood to know
MERV 1 to 4, thin fiberglassLint and large dust. Protects the equipment, not youThe cheapest filter, and it shows
MERV 8, pleatedDust, pollen, mold sporesA sound everyday filter for most systems
MERV 11Adds pet dander and finer dustA good step up when allergies are the concern
MERV 13Adds much of the fine smoke particle rangeThe EPA's recommendation for wildfire smoke. Best in a deep 4 inch cabinet, which resists airflow less than a 1 inch filter
HEPAAt least 99.97 percent of particles at 0.3 micronsToo restrictive for most home systems in the main airstream. Used in a bypass unit or a room purifier

Not sure what it needs?

Text a photo of the unit and its label. It often saves a trip.

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How it works

What gets through a filter.

Air moves left to right through the filter. Change the filter and watch which particles make it to the other side.

Fig. 1 · Interactive
PM2.5 ▲PM2.5 ▼PM2.5 ▼▼123456

MERV 8. Stops dust and pollen. Fine dust and smoke pass straight through and back into the rooms.

  1. Deeper filters have more surface, so they catch more while letting air through. A 4 inch filter often lasts several months.

  2. Large particles. Almost any pleated filter stops them.

  3. Mid sized particles that stay in the air for hours.

  4. The smallest and the most harmful to lungs. This is the PM2.5 that air quality reports measure.

  5. Has to push air through the filter. We measure the pressure before and after, so a better filter doesn't starve the system.

  6. An inexpensive indoor monitor shows whether the filter is doing its job on a smoke day.

Illustration. Particle counts are simplified to show the trend. MERV ratings are defined by ASHRAE Standard 52.2.

Want to try it yourself? Play the one minute game: Smoke day →

What's included

What we do.

Everything here is part of the job, not an extra.

  • Systems sized to run MERV 13

    Filter cabinets and returns sized so a high MERV filter doesn't choke the airflow.

  • Media filter cabinets

    A deep 4 inch filter at the air handler in place of a thin 1 inch one.

  • HEPA options for bedrooms

    For the rooms where you spend the most hours.

  • Return leak sealing

    So the system stops pulling attic and crawlspace dust around the filter.

  • Filters you can reach

    Placed where you can change them without a ladder or moving furniture.

  • Smoke day setup

    How to set the thermostat fan and when to change the filter after smoke.

From our reviews

In customers' words.

Real reviews for this kind of job, quoted word for word from Google. Read all of them by theme.

“Jeremy arrived on time and was very thorough in inspecting my HVAC, and explaining how my unit works. He was also very careful to ensure the safety of my cat.”

Lillian M.
HVAC inspection, on Google

“Jeremy is a pro. Experienced and knowledgeable. Explains things carefully and happily answers questions. Definitely now our go to person for HVAC and fireplace needs.”

Bruce C.
HVAC maintenance, on Google

“J&Js was super helpful and professional. Quickly diagnosed and fixed what seemed like a complicated problem. They also tested for leaks and carbon monoxide- which no other repair service that I've used has done. I recommend them very highly.”

Mary M.
HVAC repair, on Google

“We had a great experience with Jeremy! He was able to arrange his schedule to come out quickly for a long overdue dryer vent clean out, and was super thorough and helpful in addressing our other HVAC questions. Would definitely recommend!”

Courtney C.
Dryer vent cleaning, on Google

“professional, clean and prompt service.”

Paul B.
HVAC maintenance, on Google

“Jeremy was efficient, knowledgeable and very personable. He did a thorough evaluation of my HVAC for insurance. I highly recommend him.”

Cynthia W.
HVAC evaluation for insurance, on Google

Want the same care at your house?

Estimates are free and every price is written down before we start.

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How the job goes

From the first call to the last check.

You know the price before any work starts.

  1. Look at the system

    The filter slot, the return, the blower and the ducts.

  2. Measure

    Static pressure with the filter you have now, so we know what the system can take.

  3. Free flat rate estimate

    Sometimes it's just a better filter. Sometimes it's a cabinet and a larger return.

  4. Install and show you

    Fitted, measured again, and you're shown how to change it.

Cost

What it costs, and what changes the price.

Filtration is priced per system after a free look. If the system isn't working right, the visit starts as a diagnostic.

Installation estimateWe visit, measure and give you one written flat rate number.
Free
Residential HVAC diagnosticA technician finds the cause before anything is replaced.
$220

Rates checked November 2026

  • What you have now

    A system that already takes a deep filter needs little. One with a 1 inch slot may need a new cabinet.

  • Return size

    An undersized return has to be enlarged before a high MERV filter makes sense.

  • Access

    An air handler in a closet is quick. One in a tight attic takes longer.

  • Whole house or rooms

    A whole house filter covers every room with ducts. Room units cover the rest.

See pricing, line by line for what goes into an estimate, and before you hire for licensing, permits and warranty.

Ready for a free written estimate?

One flat rate number, explained line by line.

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In Santa Barbara County

Air filtration near you.

Santa Barbara County has lived through the Thomas, Cave, Alisal and Lake fires. On smoke days the air outside can stay unhealthy for a week, and a house with the right filter and the windows closed is the cleanest air most people can get.

Many coastal homes here have no ducted system at all. If that's yours, a mini split doesn't filter smoke well, so we pair it with room HEPA units. Tell us how the house is heated and we'll plan around it.

Where we do this work
Questions

Common questions.

Anything else, call or text me.

What MERV rating do I need for wildfire smoke?

The EPA recommends MERV 13 or higher for wildfire smoke, if your system can handle it. That last part matters, which is why we measure first.

Can I just put a MERV 13 filter in my furnace?

Sometimes. A 1 inch MERV 13 filter in a system with a small return can cut airflow enough to cause problems. A deep 4 inch filter gives the same rating with far less resistance.

How often should I change the filter?

A 1 inch filter every one to three months. A 4 inch media filter often lasts six months to a year. After a smoke event, check it right away.

Should I run the fan on a smoke day?

Yes, if you have a good filter. Set the thermostat fan to ON so the air keeps passing through the filter, and keep windows and doors closed.

Do UV lights and ionizers work?

Filtration is the proven part. We start there, and we don't sell devices that produce ozone.

Does a mini split filter the air?

Only lightly. Its washable screen catches dust, not smoke. For smoke, add a room HEPA purifier.

Why is my house so dusty?

Often a leak on the return side of the ducts is pulling attic or crawlspace air in, around the filter. We find and seal it.

Contact

Call or text Jeremy.

Tell me about the room or the system and we'll set up a free estimate. For a repair, text me a photo of the unit first. It often saves a trip.

(805) 699-1112
Text (805) 699-1112

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Address
511 E Gutierrez St, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Hours
Call or text to schedule. After-hours appointments when a technician is available.
Estimates
Free, with flat rate pricing
Serving
Santa Barbara County: Santa Barbara, Goleta, Hope Ranch, Montecito, Summerland, Carpinteria, Santa Ynez, Solvang and Buellton
License
CSLB Lic. #1086420 (C-20), active. Workers' comp insurance on file with the CSLB.
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