What Are These Standards?

The Bay Area Air District passed the nation's first standards to ensure that when gas water heaters and furnaces need replacement, families get clean, efficient electric heat pumps instead.

These standards will cut deadly pollution from fossil fuel heating equipment — a major driver of poor air quality in the Bay Area — while lowering energy bills. Previously, the board had set limits on NOx emissions, but those standards weren't strong enough to adequately protect health.

The Air District is governed by a 24-member board composed of locally elected officials from across the Bay Area, tasked with tackling air pollution through a transparent, democratic process focused on protecting public health and the environment.

For more information or to contact the Bay Area Air District Board, visit the Air District website.

The Simple Version

When your old gas water heater or furnace breaks down, these standards encourage you to replace it with modern electrical heat pumps that heats your water, heats your home, AND cools it too — all while saving you money and eliminating harmful pollution.

No one is required to replace working equipment — these rules only apply at the time of replacement, making the transition flexible and manageable.

Built-In Flexibility

The Bay Area Air District is in the process of incorporating flexibility measures for situations where electric heat pumps might not be immediately feasible — such as homes with unique installation challenges — and for low-income households where the upfront cost might be burdensome. The goal is encouraging the transition while ensuring it works for every family.

Timeline

  • January 1, 2027
    Residential Water Heaters — Standards begin with most home water heaters

  • January 1, 2029

    Furnaces — Standards apply when residential and commercial furnaces need replacement

  • January 1, 2031

    Large Commercial Water Heaters — Standards cover larger systems primarily used in commercial buildings