Technician in a protective suit fogging an office to treat odor. Illustrative only: this photo is not from a job tied to this site or a specific address.
Two generations of houses
Much of Hilltop was built out in the years around and after World War II, with brick ranches, split-levels and some earlier two-story homes on generous lots. Over the past few decades, many of those houses have been replaced by large new homes. A walk down almost any block shows both.
The original ranches tend to have full basements, often finished decades ago with wood paneling, a bar or a rec room, and the original duct system running through the basement ceiling. Those basement rooms were common places to smoke, and paneling, acoustic ceiling tiles and low ceilings all hold residue close. The furnace and return are usually nearby, so basement smoke reached the whole house.
Newer homes in Hilltop were mostly built after indoor smoking became less common, so tobacco odor in them is less frequent. When it does appear, it is usually from one owner's habit, often in a home office, garage or lower level, and it spreads through multiple HVAC zones and long duct runs.
Where to look first
Original ranch or split-level
- Paneled basement rec room and bar
- Acoustic ceiling tiles in the basement
- Original ducts and return near the furnace
- Attached garage and breezeway
- Kitchen cabinets original to the house
Newer large home
- Home office or study used for smoking
- Each HVAC zone's return and air handler, including attic units
- Garage, and the door between garage and house
- Carpet in the lower level and media room
- Custom window treatments and plantation shutters
Hilltop-specific checks
- Count the HVAC systems and filters; newer homes may have two or three.
- In a ranch, check whether basement ceiling tiles are stained; replacing them is often simpler than cleaning.
- Before removing old ceiling tiles or textured ceilings in a mid-century house, have them tested for asbestos.
- Look at the garage-to-house door seal; garage smoke enters the house there.
- If a rebuild is planned within a year or two, ask whether full odor treatment of the old house is worth it.
Common questions
Is it worth treating a Hilltop ranch that may be torn down?
If you are living in it for a while, yes, at least the rooms you use. If demolition is near, simpler steps such as filter changes, removing soft goods and cleaning the main rooms may be enough until then.
Which agency handles permits in Hilltop?
Hilltop is in the City and County of Denver, so permits for HVAC replacement or remodeling go through Denver Community Planning and Development.
General information for Cherry Creek, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.