The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) has passed new rules that will ban gas water heaters and gas furnaces in all homes, both new construction as well as existing.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Jan 1, 2026 – Home sellers must disclose the gas appliance ban and potential electrical upgrade costs.
- Jan 1, 2027 – You can no longer replace a broken gas water heater with another gas unit.
- Jan 1, 2029 – You can no longer replace a broken gas furnace with another gas unit.
- More gas appliances like stoves, ovens, fireplaces, and dryers may be banned next. Eventually, gas lines may have to be removed entirely.
Why This Matters:
Most homes were not built to run large electric appliances. Switching to all-electric requires major electrical upgrades that can cost tens of thousands of dollars — sometimes over $100,000 for older homes.
Examples of Potential Costs:
- Electrical panel upgrades: $10,000–$50,000+
- New wiring & 220-volt outlets: $10,000–$30,000+
- Major full-home electrical renovation: $100,000+
The Risk:
If your gas water heater or furnace breaks after the ban takes effect — and your home isn’t ready — you could be without hot water or heat for weeks or months while waiting for permits, electricians, and upgrades.
📍This affects homes in these Bay Area counties:
Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma.
What You Can Do:
We urge you to speak up and ask the BAAQMD to rescind these rules (Rules 9-4 and 9-6). You can do so at the Too Costly Bay Area website here – let your voice be heard.
