San Francisco Bay Area will Phase Out Natural Gas Heaters

Beginning in 2027, the San Francisco Bay area will phase out natural gas-powered furnaces and water heaters to enhance local air quality and public health, aligning with California's broader effort to eliminate natural gas from heating systems. The California Air Resources Board set a target for all new space and water heaters to have zero emissions by 2030, pushing for a transition to electric alternatives like heat pumps.

In a recent vote, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) established rules mandating zero emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) for new water heaters and furnaces. NOx exposure is linked to respiratory issues, motivating this move to improve air quality. The rules exclude gas stoves but aim to reduce premature deaths by up to 85 annually and save approximately $890 million yearly in health-care and productivity costs. Compliance deadlines are staggered to allow for the availability and affordability of zero-emission equipment.

Source: Reuters