Bay Area Air District approves strict water heater standards to cut pollution

The Bay Area Air District voted to implement some of the nation's strictest clean appliance standards for water heaters in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The new rules require households to install water heaters that meet clean air standards starting in 2028 as old gas units expire. The District approved exemptions for low-income households and installations that are technically complicated. This move aims to replace gas water heaters with zero-emission alternatives like heat pumps.

The District estimates that these standards for water heaters and furnaces could prevent 15,000 asthma attacks and up to 85 premature deaths every year. Officials noted that gas appliances in the region produce more nitrogen oxide pollution than all passenger cars in the area combined. Local leaders and environmental groups say the transition will also lower costs for residents. Research from RMI suggests that switching to a heat pump can save households $360 annually.

Additionally, SPUR projects that $315 million in rebates will be available over the next three years to help people improve home energy efficiency.