ABOUT THE STANDARDS

Building Healthier Communities Through Healthy Air Standards for Space and Water Heaters

The Goal

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) oversees one of the most polluted air basins in the United States. For over 30 years, this vast Southern California region has failed to meet federal air quality standards. To protect community health and comply with federal clean air requirements, SCAQMD is now strengthening its healthy air standards for furnaces and water heaters.

How It Works

When furnaces and water heaters need replacement, consumers will have access to a wide range of zero-emission options like heat pumps that:

  • Create zero pollution

  • Provide better comfort

  • Make homes healthier

  • Improve safety and efficiency

  • Provides both cooling and heating, including lifesaving cooling during extreme heat events

Healthy Air Standards

  • Revised Rules 1111 & 1121: New Standards for Clean Heating and Water Heating (Updated 2/13/25)

    These standards work through manufacturers to gradually increase clean air options in the marketplace.

    For Manufacturers

    Starting in 2027, manufacturers who offer both traditional gas and zero-emission options will gradually increase sales of their zero-emission products over time:

    • 2027-2028: At least 30% zero-emission models

    • 2029-2032: At least 50% zero-emission models

    • 2033-2035: At least 75% zero-emission models

    • 2036 and after: At least 90% zero-emission models

    The revised rules apply to smaller furnaces (up to 175,000 Btu/hr) and water heaters (less than 75,000 Btu/hr).


    For Consumers

    You'll continue to have a choice between gas and zero-emission options. Financial help is available through the Go Zero Rebate Program if you choose a zero-emission model.

Go Zero Rebate Program: Supporting Affordability for Pollution-Free Appliances

About the Program

Launching in late 2024/early 2025, Go Zero will help South Coast residents upgrade to clean heating and cooling with:

  • $70+ million in total funding

  • $21 million available in pilot phase

  • 75% of funds reserved for low-income households, including renters

What’s Covered

Financial support for clean technologies like:

  • Heat pumps for heating and cooling

  • Heat pump water heaters

Supporting Communities

The program provides:

  • Direct application assistance

  • Extra support for overburdened communities

  • Training for installation contractors

  • Guidance on choosing the right equipment