Bay Area regulators approve sweeping ban on gas furnace and water heater sales
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BWednesday’s vote by area regulators saw that natural gas-powered water heaters were to be phased out. This is one of the most aggressive measures in the country to curb gas appliances to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The rules were approved by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District board on Wednesday night with a 20-0 vote. One abstention was recorded. Prohibited The sale and installation of gas-powered water heaters within single-family homes will begin in 2027.
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This rule will be applicable to gas-powered furnaces starting in 2029, and large commercial water heaters starting in 2031.
Regulators said that nearly 2,000,000 gas-powered appliances found in Bay Area homes and buildings were a major source in pollution in the region. Statement This rule will improve airquality, reduce particulate matter and save residents $890 million annually on health care due to their exposure to air pollutants.
“This groundbreaking regulation will phase out the most polluting appliances in homes and businesses to protect Bay Area residents from the harmful air pollution they cause,” Dr. Philip Fine is the agency’s chief executive officer. After the vote.
But the strict regulations have sparked pushback from the industry and Bay Area residents, who note they could sharply drive up housing costs in the region — already among the highest in the U.S. — and limit consumers’ choices when their gas-powered appliances break or need replacement.
Moving to “zero-NOx,” Residents will be paying thousands of dollars for electric appliances or gas-powered furnaces. According to the Air Quality Management District estimates, switching from a gasoline-powered furnace to an electric heater will cost consumers on average $8,030. It will cost $2,820 to replace your gas-powered furnace with a zero-NOx heater.
A 2022 Study The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory discovered that electric heat pumps at mid-range cost almost $3,000 more than gas furnaces.
The installation of new appliances can also prove costly, especially when the homes are required to upgrade to electrical panel.
The regulators stated that the additional cost for zero-NOx space heaters could be as high as $2,630 and $960 respectively.
Yesterday’s board meeting saw Kyle Bergeron, an engineer regulatory with the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute, tell members that he is. “gravely concerned” Be aware of the high installation fees.
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He also attacked regulators for failing include support for emergency scenarios, when residents may find themselves suddenly without heat or water and can’t switch to an electrical system quickly.
“What are residents supposed to do?” He said.
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