Starting January 1, 2027, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) will require all newly installed water heaters to meet zero-NOx standards. Conventional gas water heaters will no longer be permitted for new installations.
BAAQMD adopted Regulation 9, Rule 4, phasing out high-NOx appliances including residential gas water heaters. After January 2027, Bay Area contractors cannot install standard gas water heaters.
Does this affect existing heaters? No — only new installations are affected.
Heat pump water heaters are BAAQMD-compliant, 2–4x more efficient than gas, and eligible for up to $4,900 in rebates through TECH Clean CA and the federal IRA 25C tax credit.
Water Heater Boys is a registered TECH Clean CA contractor — we apply the rebate directly to your invoice.
Do I have to replace my gas water heater before 2027?
No. The rule applies to new installations only.
Can I get a gas water heater after 2027?
After January 2027, Bay Area contractors will not be permitted to install standard gas water heaters.
Call Water Heater Boys at (415) 888-4428. We handle all rebate paperwork.
