California program offers to pay 90% for car AC repairs amid Valley fever concerns

August 7, 2025

Three-digit temperatures can already feel like too much, but driving with the windows down due to leaky air conditioning can lead to other health-related concerns, such as Valley fever.

The California Department of Public Health says one tip for preventing Valley fever is to keep car windows closed and use recirculating air while driving in areas where Valley fever is common, such as Kern County.

Kern County recorded 3,990 cases of Valley fever and 49 Valley fever-related deaths last year.

*Terms and conditions apply. Must be an eligible customer and a participating repair shop. Applies only to qualifying repairs. Repair reimbursement: The Cool Air Rebate Program will pay participating repair shop 90% of the cost of qualifying repairs up to a maximum of $1,500 per vehicle ($1,666.70 repair cost). Program does not pay any portion of repair costs exceeding $1,666.70. If the diagnosis results in qualifying repairs and the consumer accepts the repairs, the program pays participating repair shop 100% of the diagnostic fee. If the diagnosis results in non-qualifying repairs or the consumer declines the repairs, program pays participating repair shop 90% of the diagnostic fee.