The Cool Air Rebate program is the first in the nation to offer financial assistance to eligible Californians to remove leaking R-134a refrigerant
Sacramento, Calif.—After having launched as a pilot program in Fresno last July, the Cool Air Rebate (CAR) program has grown organically throughout California as approved repair shops have joined the program. It will now formally launch statewide in May 2025.
The CAR program is the first of its kind in the nation to offer financial assistance to low-income Californians to remove leaking R-134a refrigerant, commonly used in vehicles manufactured between 1993 and 2019. Leaking refrigerant is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions — it’s more than 1,400 times more harmful than carbon dioxide.
Partnership with ASCCA
The CAR program also announced a new partnership with the Automotive Service Councils of California (ASCCA) to expand access to energy-efficient vehicle air conditioning rebates for eligible California drivers. This collaboration aims to support independent auto repair shops in providing cost-saving solutions while helping California meet its climate goals.
“Our collaboration with ASCCA has been critical to the CAR Program’s success,” said Nathan Perrine, executive director of the Car Care Council, which manages the Cool Air Rebate Program. “Its trusted statewide network has helped us reach more motorists and extend the program’s impact in meaningful ways.
“A recent ASCCA-hosted webinar with our onboarding team led to a surge in interest, with 10 shops applying that same day. Peer-to-peer recommendations have also helped ease automotive repair shop concerns and demonstrated how simple it is to join, participate, and get paid.”
ASCCA President Dave Kusa added, “We are excited to work with the CAR Program to provide more savings and benefits to our members and their customers. This program not only helps drivers save money but also supports environmental responsibility — values that are at the core of ASCCA’s mission.”
Program funding
The program has $20 million of funding allocated through 2029 to repair leaking vehicle air conditioning systems and pays up to 80% of air conditioning repairs. The eligible vehicle owner is responsible for the remaining balance paid directly to a participating repair shop.
The CAR Program covers up to $1,875 in total qualified vehicle air conditioning repair costs. Up to $1,500 is paid directly to the shop by the program. The consumer pays the remaining up to $375. If repairs cost more than $1,875, the consumer must cover 100% of the extra amount.
Funding for the program comes from unclaimed deposits on cans of R134a sold in California, in coordination with the Car Care Council and the California Air Resources Board.
Who qualifies?
To be eligible for the program the vehicle owner must live in California, meet low-income requirements, and own a car manufactured between 1993 and 2019 or a car that has been retrofitted with R-134a refrigerant. Repairs must be related to leaking AC refrigerant systems only.
Since July 2024, the CAR Program has repaired leaking air conditioning systems in 682 vehicles and paid nearly $750,000 directly to CAR Program certified automobile repair shops throughout the state.
How many shops presently participate?
There are currently 128 certified auto repairs shops located throughout California. Consumers can visit CoolAirRebate.org and click the “Shop Locator” button to find a nearby certified auto repair partner.
How does a repair shop join the program?
An auto repair shop interested in joining the CAR Program can visit the program’s Certified Auto Repair Shop website to learn more about becoming a certified partner.
What shops are saying
“Customers have expressed much gratitude for the program,” said Larry Moorehead of MAS Auto Center in Tulare. “Many did not feel they could afford to have their car’s A/C system repaired properly. In many cases this has led to them continuing to add freon to the system without fixing the leaks in the system. The Cool Air Rebate program is making a big difference in their lives as well as helping to clean up the environment.”
“One of my recent clients had an ongoing AC issue, but due to the high cost of the repair and her family obligations, they were unable to proceed,” said Eric Mercado of E&J Automotive in Petaluma. “Discovering this program was a perfect opportunity to assist her. As a result, the program has not only addressed the repair but also significantly improved the driving experience for her busy family. As a participating shop, this program has allowed us to expand our services to the community.
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