The AC TIMe Program
The AC TIMe program was created to provide residents easy and inexpensive access to energy savings through Advanced Diagnostic Tune-ups and the installation of high efficiency air conditioners.
In order to conduct an Advanced Diagnostic Tune-up your central air conditioner or heat pump must be functioning properly, i.e, delivering cool air and not have any refrigerant (FreonTM) leaks. If the air conditioner is not delivering cool air or has a history of refrigerant leaks, then the air conditioner must be repaired prior to a tune-up. Call a qualified air conditioning contractor of your choice to repair your air conditioner (the repairs are not part of the AC TIMe Program and you will be responsible for these costs). An AC TIMe-qualified contractor is capable of performing such repair work at your cost. Once repaired, an AC TIMe contractor can perform an Advanced Diagnostic Tune-up.
Advanced Diagnostic Tune-ups are designed to optimize the efficiency of air conditioning systems through correction of airflow, adjustment to refrigerant charge and proper duct testing and sealing.
Just like your car, if your A/C isn’t running at peak performance, you could be running up higher operating costs by using a larger amount of energy then necessary. A poorly-tuned system produces irregular wear on system components. Even new systems that are set-up incorrectly will run below peak performance. The AC TIMe Program offers two services, RCA and DTS, to improve the energy efficiency level of your A/C system.
Benefits
• Reduce your energy usage by improving the efficiency of your A/C system
• Reduce the air leakage from your home’s duct system
• Increase indoor comfort
• Conserve natural resources
Participating Contractors
All participating contractors and technicians are qualified and specially trained in advanced diagnostics. Our program requires all contractors to have the following:
• Work under an active California C-20 license
• Be properly insured and bonded
• Have an EPA Certification
Please view our Participating Contractors Page which provides each contractor’s C-20 license number and a link directly to their license information on the California State License Board website.
The Advanced Diagnostic Tune-Up
The Advanced Diagnostic Tune-Up consists of two different energy-saving tune-up services (Refrigerant Charge & Airflow and Duct Test & Seal). Homeowners can receive BOTH tune-up services during the technician’s visit. By combining these services, you get a more efficient air conditioning system, while also reducing cool air loss through your duct system. This will optimize your energy efficiency while minimizing the amount of time your equipment operates. The two types of services are detailed below.
Refrigerant Charge & Airflow (RCA)
Trained technicians use computerized diagnostic equipment to test the operation of your air conditioner. After analyzing these results, the technician tunes up your air conditioner, making any needed adjustments to the airflow and refrigerant charge. All air conditioning units will have the condenser coils cleaned and the air filter replaced. This comprehensive service is designed to restore your A/C operating system to a higher efficiency level.
Duct Test & Seal (DTS)
Qualified technicians use computerized diagnostic equipment to find the percentage of air leaking out of your duct system. The equipment pushes air into the ducts at a specified rate. This allows the technician to locate leakages and disjointed duct pieces. Once located, the technician will seal these leaks. An average home has a significant amount of duct system leakage and loses cool air as a result. The DTS service will help reduce air loss, allowing your home to maintain a comfortable temperature. Note: At this time the DTS service is limited to single family homes.
Qualifications
• Must be a SDG&E® customer
• Residence must have been built before 2006
• Only single family homes qualify for Duct Test & Seal
• Residence must have a central air conditioner or heat pump THAT IS FUNCTIONING
• Single Family residential customers in climate zones 6, 7 and 8 must receive both DTS and RCA services to qualify
• Homes that have had work completed by federal, state, and utility-funded RCA incentive programs are ineligible for five years from the date of the service
• Homes that have had work completed by federal, state, and/or utility-funded DTS incentive programs are ineligible for eighteen years from the date of the service
Information on energy efficient equipment rebates coming soon.
FOR A RESIDENTIAL A/C TUNE UP
or call us at 1-800-289-2440
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The AC TIMe Program is funded by California utility customers and administered by San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E®) under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission, through a contract awarded to KEMA Services Inc. California customers who choose to participate in this program are not obligated to purchase any additional services offered by the contractor. The trademarks used herein are the property of their respective owners.
This program is in effect from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009 or until funds are depleted, whichever comes first as funding is limited. This program is subject to change without prior notice.
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