Bay Area Air Quality Management District adopts new rules, banning the sale of gas-powered furnaces and water heaters starting in 2027
On March 15th, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) overwhelmingly passed amendments to Rules 9-4 and 9-6, requiring that natural gas water heaters and furnaces, when replaced, be switched to zero-NOx alternatives like heat pumps beginning in 2027.
Natural gas-fired space and water heaters generate significant nitrous oxide (NOx) emissions, which are linked to health issues including asthma and other respiratory conditions. These rulings are expected to improve overall regional air quality from the outdoor venting of these appliances by lowering nitrous oxide emissions and community exposure to particulates (PM2.5).
The rule amendments will only apply to new appliances, and do not require retrofitting of existing appliances. The rule also does not apply to gas stoves. The compliance timeline will be as follows:
- Starting in 2027: only zero NOx water heaters can be sold or installed in the Bay Area.
- Starting in 2029: only zero NOx furnaces can be sold or installed in the Bay Area.
- Starting in 2031: only zero NOx large commercial water heaters can be sold or installed in the Bay Area.
High efficiency water heaters and space heaters are available today. Incentives are available from East Bay Community Energy and BayREN. Additional information and resources about the benefits of electric appliances are available at The Switch Is On.
For more information on the upcoming regulations, please visit this website.
