In 2004, the Air Frais program doubled its participation and expanded its partner base. In Toronto and Montreal, 507 RACs were collected during the two week program. gift cards for ENERGY STAR® qualified models from Panasonic and Maytag were redeemed at four different retailers – Future Shop, Leon’s, the Bay and the Home Depot. In addition to these manufacturer and retail partners, the program brought together Budget Car and Truck Rental, the Canadian Energy Efficiency Alliance, City of Montreal, City of Toronto, Consumers Council of Canada, Green$aver, Greenwin Property Management Company, J.W. McConnell Foundation, Natural Resources Canada, Ontario Ministry of Environment.

By internalizing the recycling portion of the program, the Clean Air Foundation was able to accurately report that approximately 274,000 kWh was saved during the program, resulting in reduced greenhouse gas emissions of over 244 tonnes, reduced N0x emissions of 384 kg and reduced SO2 emissions of 1,756 kg. Additionally, 229 kg of freon (ODS) was recovered.

Through a creative marketing campaign – showcasing an old West “Wanted” poster (“Wanted: Your Old Dirty Room Air Conditioner”) – and educational materials, the Air Frais program was well received by the public.