Join the Cool Air Rebate Program: Boost shop business and help Californians stay cool!
The Cool Air Rebate (CAR) Program is a new initiative that provides financial assistance for air conditioning (AC) repairs. Administered by the Car Care Council in coordination with the California Air Resources Board, the program is funded by unclaimed deposits on R-134a refrigerant cans sold in California. As the program continues to grow, the Car Care Council is inviting automotive repair dealers to join the network of participating repair shops.
How the program works
The CAR Program makes AC repairs more affordable for California drivers by paying up to 80% of the repair costs. This allows more people fix their AC. It also supports long-term environmental benefits by reducing the release of harmful refrigerants into the air.
Here’s the process:
- Customer approval: Once the customer is approved by the CAR Program, they select a participating repair shop.
- Proof of eligibility: The customer submits their proof-of-eligibility letter to the repair shop.
- System diagnosis: The repair shop inspects the AC system to confirm if the repair qualifies for the CAR Program.
- Repair estimate: If eligible, the repair shop provides a detailed repair estimate for co-payment approval.
- Repair: Upon customer approval, the repair shop proceeds with the repairs and sends an invoice to the CAR Program.
- Payment from CAR: The CAR Program pays the repair shop 80% of the repair costs.
- Customer co-payment: The customer pays the remaining 20% of repair costs directly to the repair shop.
Program success and impact
Since launching in July 2024, the CAR Program has already made a significant impact with:
- Over $750,000 paid out for environmentally beneficial repairs
- More than 70 certified repair shops in 39 cities across California joining the program
- Over 600 AC systems repaired, keeping over 1,500 residents cool and comfortable on the road
Bertha V. from Fresno, CA, shared her experience: "We are lucky enough to have a working car but did not have enough extra money for air conditioning repairs. The Cool Air Rebate Program really helped us out. I can’t tell you how great it is to pick up my grandkids after work in a cool, comfortable car."
Looking ahead: Goals for 2025
The Car Care Council has ambitious goals for 2025 including:
- Continuing a robust marketing campaign that includes social media, billboards, and radio to raise awareness and drive customers to participating shops
- Increasing the program network to 200 participating shops
- Processing 17,000 consumer applications
- Awarding $5 million for repairs
Getting involved
Becoming a participating shop is easy! Visit www.coolairrebate.org to review eligibility requirements and enroll today. Shops can increase their revenue, attract new customers, and foster long-term loyalty by partnering with this statewide initiative that supports communities and the environment.