ABOUT THE STANDARDS

Building Healthier Communities Through Clean 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

Healthy Air Standards

  • Rule 1111: New Standards for Clean Heating

    What's Changing

    The Air District's updated standards will ensure only clean, zero-emission furnaces are sold and installed in our region, affecting 5.35 million residential and commercial heating units.

    Timeline for Change Clean heating standards begin:

    • 2026 for new construction
    • 2028 for most existing homes and commercial buildings
    • 2030 for mobile homes and high-altitude areas
    • 2032 for specialized high-altitude installations


    Flexible Implementation

    The plan includes accommodations for:
    • Emergency replacements
    • Technically challenging installations

  • Rule 1121: New Standards for Clean Water Heating

    What's Changing

    The Air District's updated standards will ensure only clean, zero-emission water heaters are sold and installed in our region, affecting 5.13 million residential units.

    Timeline for Change Clean water heating standards begin:

    • 2026 for new construction
    • 2027 for most existing homes
    • 2030 for mobile homes


    Flexible Implementation

    The plan includes accommodations for:
    • Emergency replacements
    • Technically challenging installations


    Related Updates

    Commercial water heaters and boilers are already transitioning to zero-emission standards under a separate rule passed earlier this year.

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