What’s the status of my application?
We are pleased by the incredible interest in the Cool Air Rebate program.We have received an overwhelming number of applications and are processing the applications on a first come first serve basis. We are forecasting that it will take up to 21 days to process the applications currently in the system. We will update you by email with information about your specific application as soon as possible. Due to security reasons, application updates are not available by phone. We appreciate your patience as we process each application as quickly as possible. Please allow at least 21 days for processing before contacting us to check the status of your application. We look forward to serving you.
What is the California Cool Air Rebate Program?
The California Cool Air Rebate Program provides financial assistance to eligible Californians to repair leaking air conditioning systems with R-134a refrigerant in cars and light duty trucks. Fix your AC, enjoy a cool ride and improve the air quality in your community.
Who is eligible for the California Cool Air Rebate Program?
To be eligible for the program, you must live in California and own a car manufactured between 1993 and 2019 or have an older vehicle that has been retrofitted with R-134a refrigerant. There is also an income requirement.
What determines if my vehicle is eligible for repair under the program?
Your vehicle must be LEAKING R-134a refrigerant. Not all vehicles use this refrigerant, and not all air conditioning failures are due to refrigerant leaking. You may want to call your shop ahead of time to ensure your vehicle uses R-134a. The reason for this qualification is because one goal of this program is to directly reduce the amount of air pollution caused by this refrigerant in our atmosphere.
How can I apply for the California Cool Air Rebate Program?
Visit www.coolairrebate.org/pre-qualify/ to find out if you pre-qualify and to complete the application. During the application process, you will need proof of income or enrollment in qualified programs. Applying online may result in faster application processing. If you’re unable to apply online, you can download a printable version of the application here and either:
- Mail it to:
901 H Street, Suite 120, PMB 1049
Sacramento, CA 95814 - Or email it to:
info@coolairrebate.org
If I’m enrolled in Medi-Cal, CalFresh, CalWorks, or California Healthy Families, am I automatically prequalified for the Cool Air Rebate Program?
Yes, if you or your family are enrolled in Medi-Cal, CalFresh, CalWorks, or California Healthy Families, you are automatically prequalified for the California Cool Air Rebate Program. You must still have a car manufactured between 1993 and 2019 or have a vehicle that has been retrofitted with R-134a, meet the income requirements, and your vehicle must be LEAKING R-134a refrigerant, but you are one step closer to completing the application process.
What documentation is required to qualify for the program?
To determine your eligibility and process your application, we require the following documentation:
Proof of Income: Please provide a copy of your most recent pay stubs, dated within the last 6 months. Alternatively, you may submit a copy of your 2024 tax return, your 2024 W-2, or a Social Security benefit letter.
Proof of State Benefits: If applicable, please provide a current letter from the Department of Social Services, within the last 6 months, showing your enrollment in Medi-Cal, CalFresh, or CalWORKs. State benefit cards (e.g., Medi-Cal, Medicare, or Golden State) may also be accepted, but only if accompanied by income verification, as these cards do not show current eligibility or income.
Important Reminders:
- Avoid submitting blank screenshots, photos that don’t meet the program’s guidelines, bank statements, or handwritten letters stating no income without state benefit verification.
- All income verification documents must be dated within the last 6 months from the date of application. Tax returns before 2024 will not be accepted.
- Screenshots MUST clearly show your name, current income, or coverage, including the pay period, date, and gross amount on pay stubs.
How can I find a participating automotive repair shop?
Visit https://coolairrebate.org/shop-locator/ to find a shop near you. The Cool Air Rebate program will be expanding into other parts of California in the future.
What services are covered by the California Cool Air Rebate Program?
The program helps pay for AC repairs if your car is leaking R-134a refrigerant. First, you need a diagnostic test at a participating shop.
If your car qualifies, the program pays up to 90%, with a maximum of $1,500. You pay the rest to the shop.
Examples:
- Repair is $400 → Program pays $360, you pay $40 (90% covered)
- Repair is $2,000 → Program pays $1,500, you pay $500 (less than 90% covered)
What the program pays depends on the repair cost and program rules
What if my AC needs a part replaced in addition to fixing the leak—is that covered?
Yes, as long as there is a verified leak and your vehicle uses R-134a refrigerant, the program may cover the cost of additional parts needed for the repair, within program guidelines.
How much will it cost me to participate in the California Cool Air Rebate Program?
The cost of AC repairs can vary depending on factors such as the make and model of your vehicle, the type of refrigerant that your car uses (must be R-134a), the specific issue with the AC system, the region you live in, and the labor rates of the repair shop.
- In order for your vehicle repair to be eligible under the program, your vehicle must be LEAKING R-134a refrigerant. Not all vehicles use this refrigerant and not all air conditioning failures are due to refrigerant leaking. You may want to call your shop ahead of time to ensure your vehicle uses R-134a.
- If repairs are eligible under the program, the Cool Air Rebate (CAR) program will pay 100% of the testing and diagnosis of your vehicle. However if repairs are not eligible for the program or you elect not to move forward with repairs, you will be responsible for 10% of the diagnostic fee.
- Lastly, if vehicle repairs are eligible, the program will cover 90% of the repair costs up to $1,500 and pay the repair shop directly. You will be responsible for the remaining amount, which is paid directly to the repair shop.
Examples:
- Repair is $400 → Program pays $360, you pay $40 (90% covered)
- Repair is $2,000 → Program pays $1,500, you pay $500 (less than 90%)
What the program pays depends on the repair cost and program rules.
Are there any limits to the 90% covered by the program?
The program pays 90% of the repair cost up to $1,500. You are responsible for the remaining amount. Non-airconditioning parts and labor are not included. Some supplies used by your shop are not included. You will be responsible for any of these additional items and labor.
Where can I get more information or apply for the California Cool Air Rebate Program?
The website provides detailed information about the program and a pre-qualification tool to determine eligibility. Or you can call to speak with someone directly at 888-534-4728.
Do I need to submit a new application to add a second vehicle?
No, you do not need to submit a new application to add a second vehicle. Simply send us an email with your request, and we’ll update your information accordingly. You can submit your request at info@coolairrebate.org
What should I do if no repair shop is available in my area?
If no repair shop is currently available in your area, please continue to check the Shop Locator as availability is updated regularly.
If your approval letter expires while you’re waiting for an available shop, we can issue an extension upon request. Just send us an email at info@coolairrebate.org
My approval letter has expired. Do I need to submit a new application?
No, you do not need to submit a new application. You can request an extension by emailing us at info@coolairrebate.org.
In your email, please include the reason why you were unable to use your approval letter before it expired. We will review your request and get back to you as soon as possible.
