San Francisco Phases Out Gas Water Heaters: A Push Toward Cleaner Air
Jul 8
1 min read
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San Francisco is leading a regional effort to eliminate the sale and installation of natural‑gas tank water heaters by January 1, 2027. This bold move comes as part of Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) rules requiring only zero‑NOₓ appliances—mainly electric or heat‑pump models—on the market codelibrary.amlegal.com+10philbarnettplumbing.com+10sfchronicle.com+10. The shift aims to reduce harmful nitrogen‑oxide pollution, which contributes to smog, acid rain, and respiratory illnesses .
Key points:
What’s banned and when: From 2027, no new gas‑fired tank water heaters can be sold or installed in San Francisco and the broader Bay Area. Faucets and furnaces follow in 2029, with larger commercial water heaters in 2031 cbsnews.com+11sfchronicle.com+11philbarnettplumbing.com+11.
Existing units stay, and homeowners can repair failing gas heaters—but once they’re beyond repair, only electric or heat‑pump replacements are allowed .
Why it matters: BAAQMD estimates the ban could reduce nitrogen‑oxide pollution by nearly 90% by 2046, preventing up to 85 premature deaths and saving hundreds of millions in health costs annually daniellelazier.com+3gasoutlook.com+3sfchronicle.com+3.
To ensure fairness, San Francisco offers programs such as free electric heater installations and rebates—especially supporting low‑income residents through its Climate Equity Hub nbcbayarea.com+8sfenvironment.org+8cbsnews.com+8. As the city pushes toward its 2040 net‑zero goal, this ban represents a major step in reshaping local infrastructure—and cleaner, healthier air for all.