If you live in California, you may have heard of the state’s newest initiative to ban the sale of gas heaters and water heaters by 2030. But what does that mean for you and your family? While things will change, those shifts may not be felt for quite some time.
For over 15 years, we’ve installed gas and electric water heaters in homes throughout the Los Angeles area and beyond. While we can say that every house is different and every homeowner has preferences, many homeowners may be wary of being forced into having fewer choices.
In this article, we’ll touch on the proposed ban, the groundwork laid for this proposal, and what it means for you. After reading, you’ll better understand how we got here and where we’re going so that you can temper expectations and have a good idea of how this proposed change will affect you.
Let’s start with some background to get us centered.
How We Got Here
California has been on a green streak, opting for initiatives aimed at lowering emissions and keeping in line with standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). As we’ve seen, these moves include small to large-scale changes.
The green push ramped up when, in 2018, former Governor Jerry Brown signed in a bill to ensure California’s electrical grid is powered solely by renewable sources. Along with the bill came an executive order to make California a carbon-neutral state by 2045. But his efforts carried through to his successor.
In 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom announced a plan to decrease reliance on combustion-based engines. Later, in August 2022, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) handed down Resolution 22-12, which sees the ban on gas-powered cars by 2035. The hope here is that the new rule will lower light vehicle and truck emissions by 50% by 2040.
Now, the state of California is shifting gears to make a change on the household level.
What is the Gas Heater and Water Heater Ban?
In September 2022, CARB voted to ban gas heaters and water heaters. While many residents and organizations are on board, there are those who still don’t see the need. Some residents NPR spoke to feel the ban puts an unfair financial burden on the state’s citizens.
While the ban is still a ways off, you can count on the sale of gas heaters and water heaters being a thing of the past come 2030. The change aims to bring California in line with EPA standards, specifically limiting the ozone present in the atmosphere to .70 parts per million.
What Does the Gas Heater and Water Heater Ban Mean for You?
While the change sounds just about as scary as a ban on gas-powered vehicles, there’s nothing you need to do right now. The state is not requiring residents to retrofit their existing models at this time. You just won’t have the option of buying a gas heater or water heater come 2030.
Luckily, the state will provide rebates on electric water heaters and heaters. It’s unclear what those rebates will look like at this time, but they will be in place once 2030 rolls around.
Another way this change will be felt is in the building sector. As pointed out by NPR, CARB found that 5% of nitrogen-oxide emissions originate from buildings, with 90% being from space and water heaters. In response, the state is phasing out government incentives to put in gas lines in new constructions this coming year.
Now You’re Up to Speed on the Gas Water Heater and Heater Ban
We’ve touched on how we got to this point, the ban, and what it means to you. Now, you can plan accordingly and check in on the lifespan of your current heater and water heater. With this information, you’ll be able to navigate the change confidently and develop an informed stance.
After 15 years of servicing Los Angeles County and its surrounding area, we understand that limiting choice can feel threatening. But there are some great alternatives out there that will fall in line with California’s new rules.
If you want to get a leg-up and start researching now, understanding the difference between gas and electric water heaters is an ideal place to start. You can also get up to speed on hybrid water heaters and see if they’re right for you to explore all of your options.
