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Fairfax County’s new, innovative AC Rescue program has installed nearly 40 portable and window air conditioning units so far, providing vital relief to residents in dire need.
Designed to bridge the gap for residents ineligible for traditional cooling support programs, AC Rescue offers a lifeline to those facing dangerously hot conditions in their homes. The program is operated by the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination as part of the county's Resilient Fairfax initiative, in collaboration with the non-profit Rebuilding Together-AFF.
Rebuilding Together volunteer installing a window air conditioning unit
Focusing on the unique needs of residents unable to access existing state and county cooling programs like Cooling Assistance or Senior Cool Care, AC Rescue has quickly made an impact since it was piloted in summer 2024 at Harmony Place Mobile Home Park in the Franconia District.
Following the successful 2024 pilot, AC Rescue was transformed into an ongoing county program, using Resilient Fairfax funding. Programs like AC Rescue are growing in importance as temperatures continue to rise. Extreme heat is a silent but deadly threat, as exposure to high temperatures can lead to life-threatening conditions.
“AC Rescue is about more than providing comfort—it’s about protecting lives, as heat is the most fatal natural hazard in Fairfax County and in the U.S.,” said Allison Homer, program manager for Resilient Fairfax and AC Rescue.
Unlike other programs that primarily assist with utility bills or cater to limited groups, such as seniors with very low income, AC Rescue is available year-round to Fairfax County residents of all ages and abilities who do not have working AC at home. Its eligibility criteria include households earning up to 80% of the area median income, making the program accessible to a wider range of county residents. The program primarily operates through referrals from the county’s safety net providers. All AC equipment is provided free of charge for eligible residents.
While nearly 40 installations have been completed to date (including the 2024 pilot), another dozen households are in the process and referrals continue to come in. By partnering with Rebuilding Together-AFF, the program ensures safe, energy-efficient equipment installations that families can rely on, and access to other home repairs that Rebuilding Together provides.
County officials hope the program’s ongoing efforts will not only offer immediate relief by filling a gap in cooling access but also contribute to a more climate-resilient, sustainable Fairfax County for all.
Residents seeking assistance can call Rebuilding Together at 703-528-1999. Those looking for general information about the program can visit the AC Rescue program page or call 703-324-7262.
Many places, including Fairfax County, are seeing hotter weather and more extreme heat than in previous years.
When heat strikes, neighborhoods with less greenery and more buildings and pavement can get much hotter than surrounding areas. These hot spots, known as Urban Heat Islands, can have warmer temperatures during the day and at night, making it difficult for people to keep cool in these areas.
The county is working to reduce urban heat islands and help keep residents safe in the heat in several ways.
Read More on County NewsCenter
With a 30% Federal Tax Credit Expiring, Now May be Best Time to Go Solar
Solarize Virginia has extended its sign-up deadline to August 15, 2025, providing homeowners and businesses with additional time to secure solar installations by year’s end. Switch Together, another solar group purchasing program, will launch its latest campaign on July 23 and will accept sign-ups through September 3, 2025.
Residents who join either program can get a free assessment and take advantage of discounted rates, access to trusted installers, educational events, and ongoing support throughout the process to ensure a seamless experience, from the initial consultation to installation. Registration is free and there’s no obligation to proceed with an installation.
In light of the federal tax credit, possible net metering changes, discounted pricing and rising electricity rates, homeowners who delay may miss the opportunity to take full advantage of the biggest incentives available for going solar:
Solar systems installed by December 31, 2025 are still eligible for the 30 percent federal income tax credit, a significant savings opportunity that will no longer be available starting in 2026 due to recent changes in federal legislation. But time is running out: with installation timelines stretching to 3-4 months and increasing demand across Virginia, residents are encouraged to sign a contract by the end of August to ensure completion by year’s end.
Virginia residents are also facing significant increases in electricity rates. By going solar now, homeowners can sharply reduce their power bills in the future.
The current net metering rates are at risk. Dominion Energy has proposed reducing these credits starting in 2026. Systems installed by the end of this year will be grandfathered into current rules, receiving a full 1:1 energy credit for the electricity they send back to the grid.
Fairfax County also offers incentives for solar, such as waived permit fees and a 5-year solar energy equipment property tax exemption. Visit Going Solar in Fairfax County to learn more.
Solarize Virginia is a community-based outreach initiative managed by the Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in Charlottesville, Va., that makes solar energy more accessible and affordable. For more information, visit www.SolarizeVa.org
“We’ve seen firsthand the positive impact that going solar has on households and the environment,” Katie VanLangen, Co-Executive Director of LEAP and long-time leader of the Solarize Program, states. “By switching now, Virginians can lock in significant savings and protect themselves from rising utility rates, all while contributing to climate goals.
Switch Together is supported by a partnership between national nonprofit Solar United Neighbors and multiple cities and counties throughout the United States. As well as making rooftop solar installations more affordable, Switch Together offers home battery storage and EV chargers easier to access. The program offers a reverse auction with qualified installers who compete to offer their most competitive prices. The most recent auction secured an average discount of $6,958. For more information, visit SwitchTogether.com/Solar/FairfaxCounty