Central Valley auto repair shops are participating in the Cool Air Rebate Program, which provides financial assistance for vehicle air conditioning repairs while reducing emissions of R-134a, a greenhouse gas. The program was established by the Car Care Council and began operating in Fresno in July 2024.
The rebate covers 90% of eligible A/C repair costs, with car owners paying the remaining 10%. More than $789,000 has been paid to 48 Fresno County shops for repairs on over 6,200 vehicles. In Fresno alone, more than $654,000 went to 32 shops for nearly 500 vehicles. Tulare County shops received over $285,000; Kings County more than $46,400; and Madera County more than $73,500. Across California, the program has funded over $2 million in repairs at nearly 300 shops.
Nathan Perrine, executive director of the Car Care Council, said initial outreach required effort because there was no track record. “We had nothing to point to other than an idea. It took some convincing and communicating with shops to provide the necessary comfort,” Perrine said. “Now that we have a track record and a year of operations, we have data to point to when we come to shops that are interested in joining the program.” He noted payments take about four days and many shops promote the program on their websites.
Perrine highlighted environmental benefits by noting that R-134a is much more potent at trapping heat compared to carbon dioxide. He stated: “There’s certainly a business benefit to shop owners, there is a benefit to consumers who’ll enjoy a more comfortable ride, and there is a benefit to the air quality in general for the state to keep these chemicals out of the atmosphere.”
Fresno was chosen as an initial location due its demographics and climate conditions. Perrine said air conditioning is sometimes essential for health—especially for children, seniors or those who are immunocompromised.
Funds remain available for both auto repair businesses and consumers until December 31, 2029.
Ricardo Diaz Automotive Repair in Tulare joined early after receiving an email invitation from organizers. Owner Ricardo Diaz saw it as an opportunity given his community’s limited ability to pay full-price repairs: “There’s a lot of people in my area who could not afford me. Getting on a program like this, we were able to provide quality service to our residents, to the people in our county. It fulfills me to be able to be involved with the whole community, not just the one subsection that could afford us,” Diaz said.
Diaz reported steady customer flow from program participants: five-to-ten per week—enough business stability for his staff—and described personal impacts such as enabling families greater comfort during hot weather: “There is a sense of accomplishment helping the community,” Diaz said. “Once you start to see the impact it has on the community, that’s big for shop owners. But the bottom line is that right now it is providing a lot of stability for shops that do the work right.”
A-Tech Auto Repair in Fresno also participates. Owner Wilfredo Celedon joined soon after launch and sees three or four rebate customers weekly during peak months from May through October.
