Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

Who is eligible for AirCare Plus services?

PG&E commercial electric customers with packaged and split system HVAC equipment between three and 60 tons are eligible for our Program. ↩

Does it cost me anything?

No, AirCare Plus services are provided at no cost to PG&E commercial electric customers. The Program is funded by California utility ratepayers under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). ↩

Are repairs included?

No, the AirCare Plus HVAC tune-up Program is intended to complement your regularly scheduled preventive maintenance visits, not replace them. If the AirCare Plus Certified Technician identifies necessary repairs, which are outside the scope of the tune-up, he or she will advise you accordingly. ↩

Will the filter be changed? Will the coils be cleaned?

Filters are not provided as part of the tune-up Program. However, if you supply a filter, the Certified Technician would be more than happy to install it for you. Coils may be cleaned, depending on the as-found conditions of the HVAC unit. ↩

If the thermostat settings are adjusted, will I be too cold or too warm?

Only unoccupied thermostat settings are altered. This should not affect your comfort level during times scheduled as occupied. ↩

I am also interested in SmartAC, can I receive services from both programs?

Yes you can! AirCare Plus and SmartAC coordinate to maximize your energy savings. If you know you will receive SmartAC services, please let your AirCare Plus contractor know prior to service. ↩

How do I sign up?

If you are working with a PG&E Sales & Service Representative, please ask him or her to sign you up. If you are not working with a PG&E Sales & Service Representative, please call PG&E at 1-800-468-4743. ↩

Who do I contact if I have questions?

Call the AirCare Plus toll-free hotline at 1-866-222-7344. ↩

Why does my HVAC equipment need to be tuned-up?

Even if your HVAC equipment has received regular maintenance, you may still be able to realize savings in your HVAC energy usage. Space heating, cooling, and ventilation comprise 48% of the average office building’s energy usage. [source: Energy Information Administration: Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey, 2003]. By increasing the efficiency of your HVAC equipment, you could significantly reduce your utility bills.

Field studies covering more than 500 HVAC units find that 90% have at least one serious maintenance problem that reduces efficiency. The AirCare Plus Program is designed to address these critical areas to maximize performance and energy efficiency. ↩

What Happens During AirCare Plus Tune-up Services?

When an AirCare Plus Certified Technician performs tune-up services on your HVAC equipment, all major components will be thoroughly inspected and adjusted for optimal performance and energy efficiency.

• Thermostat Inspection and Optimization

  Thermostat controls are verified to ensure proper settings based on the occupancy schedule, guaranteeing that the unit is running only when it needs to be. Manual and non-functional thermostats are replaced with programmable thermostats at no cost to the customer.

• Economizer Inspection and Optimization

  Working with the AirCare Plus tools, the Certified Technician can diagnose the current operating condition of the economizer and, in most cases, repair or adjust it to provide as much “free cooling” as possible, resulting in lower energy bills.

• Refrigerant / Airflow Inspection and Optimization

  Our automated tools evaluate the refrigerant charge and perform an analysis to identify problems. Proper charge will extend the compressor’s life and reduce energy consumption. ↩

How can I find out what the AirCare Plus Certified Technician did during the tune-up?

Once AirCare Plus services have been performed, you can request an Energy Savings Report (ESR) from the contractor or your utility representative (if you were referred). This report will break down the energy savings by each unit serviced as well as give an overview of pre- and post-tune-up conditions. Energy savings are deemed based on an average unit size in our Program. Your actual energy savings may be a bit lower or a bit higher, depending on the size, age, and condition of the unit, as well as the climate zone you are located in. ↩

Will I be eligible to receive additional AirCare Plus services in the future?

No. ↩

What is a post-tune-up inspection? Will I have one?

After receiving AirCare Plus services, you may be chosen to receive a post-tune-up inspection. If you are, you will be contacted prior to the inspection. Inspections are intended to review Program measures performed on your unit(s) and ensure you receive quality service. ↩

If I received AirCare Plus services without contacting my utility representative, do I need to contact them after service?

No. If you received AirCare Plus services through your maintenance contractor or through direct communication with an AirCare Plus contractor other than your contractor of record, you are not required to contact your utility representative. ↩