California's Cool Air Rebates Program Allows Lower-Income Residents to Repair Their Vehicle's Air Conditioning for a Fraction of the Original Cost (10%)
The Cool Air Rebate (CAR) Program, a state-backed initiative aimed at both climate protection and public health, has undergone significant updates effective July 1, 2025. These changes aim to provide enhanced financial assistance and expanded eligibility for low-income drivers to repair leaking air conditioning (A/C) systems in older vehicles.
The program, which initially launched in Fresno last year, now covers up to 90% of eligible repair costs, up from the previous 80%, for repairs removing leaking R-134a refrigerant. This refrigerant, a potent greenhouse gas about 1,400 times more damaging than CO2, is the focus of the program's efforts to reduce environmental harm.
In addition to the coverage increase, the income cap for qualifying applicants has been raised from 200% to 225% of the federal poverty level. This expansion allows more low- and moderate-income Californians to access the rebate. During July 2025, participating repair shops statewide will offer free diagnostic tests to determine if a vehicle qualifies for the rebate, encouraging more people to check and repair leaking A/C systems.
Since its pilot launch in Fresno in July 2024, the CAR Program has helped repair over 1,067 vehicles across more than 110 cities, distributing nearly $1.2 million in subsidies sourced from unclaimed deposits on R-134a refrigerant cans. The program focuses on both public health and environmental benefits by helping vulnerable populations stay cool in extreme heat while reducing greenhouse gas emissions from leaking refrigerants.
The CAR Program is managed by the Car Care Council under authorization from the California Air Resources Board. For more information and details on eligibility and participating repair shops, Californians can visit the official Cool Air Rebate website.
Community leaders like Gerardo Puluido, from Casa Blanca Home of Neighborly Service, appreciate the enhanced financial support and broadened eligibility of the Cool Air Rebate Program. Patricia Summers, owner of CSAI Auto Service in Riverside, has observed the program's impact on helping families who cannot afford repairs. Casa Blanca Home of Neighborly Service, a Riverside-based nonprofit, is partnering with the state to spread awareness about the Cool Air Rebate Program.
Tara S., a Rancho Cucamonga resident, is one of the many Californians who have received assistance from the Cool Air Rebate Program to repair their vehicle's air conditioning system. The program's expansion comes as several California cities, including Los Angeles, Bakersfield, and Fresno, are ranked among the worst in the nation for ozone pollution. The changes to the CAR Program, announced on Monday, include expanded income eligibility, with households earning up to 225% of the federal poverty level now eligible.
[1] Official Cool Air Rebate website: https://coolairrebate.org/ [3] Casa Blanca Home of Neighborly Service: https://www.casablancahome.org/ [5] Car Care Council: https://www.carcouncil.org/
- The Cool Air Rebate (CAR) Program, a state-backed initiative, focuses on both climate protection and public health by reducing emissions from leaking refrigerants.
- The program, managed by the Car Care Council, has undergone updates effective July 1, 2025, boosting the coverage for eligible repair costs to 90%.
- The income cap for qualifying applicants has been raised, allowing more low- and moderate-income Californians to access the rebate.
- During July 2025, participating repair shops will offer free diagnostic tests to encourage people to check and repair leaking air conditioning systems.
- Since its pilot launch in Fresno, the CAR Program has helped repair over 1,067 vehicles across more than 110 cities, distributing nearly $1.2 million in subsidies.
- The program not only helps vulnerable populations stay cool in extreme heat but also promotes sustainable living by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Community leaders and nonprofits like Casa Blanca Home of Neighborly Service are partnering with the state to spread awareness about the Cool Air Rebate Program.
- California residents like Tara S. are benefiting from the program's financial assistance in repairing their vehicle's air conditioning systems.
- As several California cities grapple with high levels of ozone pollution, the enhanced and broadened Cool Air Rebate Program is expected to contribute to improvements in air quality and general news.
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