California's Gas Appliance Ban Explained
How the Gas Appliance Ban Is Going To Work
You’ve probably heard that California is planning a gas appliance ban. There’s no need to panic. Existing gas appliances can stay in service. The rules that are in place or in development apply when a space or water heater is replaced, or when a home is built.
Let’s take a closer look at what California’s gas appliance ban means to you. In this post, we will examine:
- Why a gas appliance ban?
- What the California gas appliance ban actually says
- What are your options?
- How Ongaro and Sons can help you make a successful transition from gas appliances
Why a Gas Appliance Ban?
Natural gas combustion creates nitrogen oxide (NO2) and methane, greenhouse gas pollutants that affect health and the environment. A primary source of these pollutants is natural gas space and water heaters. Consequently, banning these gas appliances is expected to help create a healthier environment for California citizens and a smaller carbon footprint.
However, as we shall see, there’s a significant gap between theory and execution.
What the California Gas Appliance Ban Actually Says
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is developing a statewide zero-emission standard for new space and water heaters, as part of its plan to meet federal ozone standards. The standard has not been adopted. CARB scaled back its proposal in December 2025, and a 2030 start is still under consideration. If it is adopted, new space and water heaters sold in California would need to be zero-emission, which in practice means heat pumps.
To be clear, these rules do not cover gas ovens, cooktops, or ranges, although all of these are considered sources of indoor pollution, notably benzene, even when turned off.
Note, however, that Los Angeles voted in 2022 for a gas appliance ban for new construction, requiring electric stoves, water heaters, furnaces, and clothes dryers. Similarly, in 2023 the Bay Area Air District adopted zero-NOx standards for new furnaces and water heaters sold and installed in the Bay Area, including Marin, Napa and southern Sonoma County. They apply when an appliance is replaced, and they do not cover gas stoves. Berkeley passed the first city ban on gas in new buildings in 2019, but a federal appeals court struck it down in 2023 and the city repealed it in 2024.
Critics raise the objection that the state lacks the electrical power and transmission infrastructure to fully accommodate the transition to all-electric appliances in commercial and residential buildings. The Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles has also stated its opposition to the gas appliance ban.
What Are Your Options?
If your gas furnace or water heater is near the end of its life, check which rules apply where you live before you replace it. In Marin, Napa and southern Sonoma County, the Bay Area Air District’s zero-NOx standards will limit new gas furnaces from January 1, 2029, and gas water heaters on a schedule the Air District is reviewing now. Existing appliances can keep running until they are replaced.
That said, if you are thinking of replacing a furnace, at least consider a heat pump, which is powered by electricity. Heat pumps are more energy efficient (up to 50%) than conventional gas combustion units. An added bonus of high-efficiency heat pumps is that they dehumidify better than standard air conditioning, which not only lowers energy consumption, but provides greater cooling comfort.
Programs change frequently. Information below reflects October 2026. Verify current availability before scheduling.
The federal tax credits for heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, insulation, electrical panels, solar and home batteries ended on December 31, 2025. Most statewide rebates have also closed. TECH Clean California and the federally funded home electrification rebates for single-family homes are fully reserved, and the SGIP battery rebates for PG&E customers are closed or waitlisted.
Local programs are still running:
- MCE (Marin and Napa County) offers rebates on heat pump water heaters and heat pump heating and cooling. Ongaro & Sons is a participating contractor and can apply for them while funds last.
- Sonoma Clean Power offers rebates on heat pump water heaters, with larger amounts for income-qualified customers.
- BayREN’s EASE Home program covers most of the cost of efficiency upgrades for income-qualified households.
- PG&E’s Energy Savings Assistance program provides no-cost upgrades for income-qualified customers.
Check The Switch Is On or your energy provider’s website before you schedule work, and ask which programs apply to your home when you request an estimate.
For those with new construction, note that the California Public Utilities Commission ended ratepayer subsidies for new gas line extensions in July 2023. California is the first state to fully end the subsidies. It is important to point out that the order does not ban new gas line connections. According to one commissioner, the edict is intended to promote electrification and decarbonization.
Ongaro and Sons: We’re Here to Help
Ongaro and Sons sells and services both gas- and electric-powered appliances to heat and cool homes and businesses. We aren’t taking sides on the gas appliance ban controversy. But we are here to help you make choices on appliances that best suit your needs and your budget to ensure maximum comfort with the highest efficiency.
Family owned and operated since 1932, Ongaro and Sons is dedicated to achieve 100% customer satisfaction with quality workmanship that surpasses any of our competitors. Ongaro and Sons technicians are experienced and highly knowledgeable in all the latest technologies. Whatever appliance you are considering, or if you have an appliance in need of repair, Ongaro and Sons offers quality advice and service.
