The Eaton Fire deposited toxic ash into HVAC systems across Pasadena and Altadena. Do not run your system before a professional inspection. Same-day service available.
Post-fire HVAC decontamination costs $349–$649 for most Pasadena and Altadena homes. Most HO-3 homeowner insurance policies cover this cost under smoke damage remediation. We provide full insurance documentation — pre-cleaning inspection report, before/after photos, and itemized completion certificate. Call (818) 722-9233 for same-day appointments.
Wildfire ash from structure fires — as opposed to vegetation fires — is classified by the EPA as hazardous waste. When a neighborhood burns, the ash contains the combustion byproducts of everything in those structures: lead paint, asbestos, arsenic, chromium, cadmium, mercury, and a complex mixture of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) — many of which are classified as known or probable human carcinogens.
PM2.5 particulate from wildfire smoke — particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers — penetrates deep into lung tissue. These particles enter HVAC return ducts and are distributed throughout the home during normal system operation. Without decontamination, every time your HVAC runs it redistributes these particles into your living spaces.
Homes within the direct Eaton Fire burn zone in Altadena, the evacuation zone across Pasadena, and properties downwind throughout the San Gabriel Valley should all treat HVAC decontamination as a health-critical priority — not a routine cleaning.
Visible ash or grey coating on supply or return vent covers
Burning or smoky smell when the HVAC runs
Elevated allergy or respiratory symptoms that improve when you leave the house
Your home was within 5 miles of the Eaton Fire perimeter — schedule an inspection even without visible signs. Many contaminated systems show no obvious indicators until the system runs.
Your HVAC system ran during or immediately after the fire event
Your chimney was uncapped or had an open damper during the fire
File your claim as "smoke damage remediation to HVAC system" — NOT as "air duct cleaning." This distinction is important. Standard maintenance cleaning is not covered. Smoke damage remediation to a mechanical system is covered under most HO-3 policies.
Standard HO-3 homeowner insurance policies include coverage for direct physical loss — which includes damage to HVAC systems caused by smoke and ash from the Eaton Fire. Post-fire HVAC decontamination qualifies as remediation of smoke damage to a mechanical system, which falls under the dwelling coverage portion of most HO-3 policies.
Your deductible applies. If your deductible is $1,000 and the service costs $499, you pay the deductible and insurance pays the remainder — or in this case you would pay the full cost out of pocket and should document it for potential supplemental claim inclusion with other fire-related expenses.
We have worked with numerous Altadena and Pasadena homeowners navigating Eaton Fire insurance claims. Our documentation package is designed to give your adjuster exactly what they need to approve the claim: timestamped pre-cleaning photos showing visible ash and contamination, a written inspection report describing the scope and nature of contamination, the complete itemized completion certificate, and technician sign-off.
| Area | ZIP Code(s) | Impact Level |
|---|---|---|
| Altadena | 91001 | Direct burn zone |
| Pasadena | 91101–91107 | Evacuation zone, heavy smoke |
| La Cañada Flintridge | 91011 | Adjacent to burn perimeter |
| Arcadia | 91006–91007 | Heavy smoke exposure |
| Glendale | 91201–91202 | Regional smoke |
If your home is in any of these areas, schedule an inspection before running your HVAC system.
Insurance documentation package included with every post-fire job. No additional charge.
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Post-Fire HVAC Decontamination — Residential | $349–$649 |
| Level 2 Chimney Inspection (add-on) | $249 |
Check for visible ash on vents, a burning smell when the HVAC runs, or elevated allergy symptoms. If your home was within 5 miles of the fire perimeter, schedule an inspection even without visible signs.
$349–$649 for most homes in Pasadena and Altadena. Most homeowner insurance policies cover this cost under smoke damage remediation.
No. Running a contaminated system distributes toxic ash particles through every room. Schedule an inspection first.
Yes in most cases under HO-3 smoke damage coverage. We provide full insurance documentation — pre-cleaning photos, inspection report, and itemized completion certificate. File as "smoke damage remediation to HVAC system" — not "air duct cleaning."
Yes. These are our priority service areas for Eaton Fire decontamination. Call (818) 722-9233 — same-day appointments available.
Priority scheduling for Pasadena, Altadena & La Cañada Flintridge. Insurance documentation included.
Mon–Fri 7AM–9PM · Sun 7AM–9PM · (818) 722-9233
