When is the Zero-nox Furnace Mandate Starting in San Francisco?

The transition to a zero-NOx furnace in San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area is currently being phased in, with specific deadlines established by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) Rule 9-8-302.

For homeowners in San Francisco, the mandate for zero-NOx units is proposed to begin in 2025-2026. During this transition period, here is what you need to know about compliance:

• Repair Allowances: We can continue to perform Furnace Repair on your existing traditional gas units until 2026.
• New Installations: Once the mandate takes effect, all new installations must be zero-NOx compliant. You will have two primary paths: a certified Ultra-low NOx gas furnace installation (meeting the 14 ng/J emission limit) or Zero-emission heat pump systems.
• Regional Scope: This mandate applies to the nine-county BAAQMD region, including San Francisco, Alameda, Santa Clara, and Contra Costa counties.
• Financial Support: To help offset the costs of upgrading to compliant equipment, there are significant incentives available. You may qualify for up to $7,000 in rebates through programs like BayREN and TECH Clean California when switching to a heat pump system.

We recommend assessing your current system now to avoid last-minute replacement needs. We provide factory-trained services to help you navigate these local codes and ensure your home remains compliant and efficient.

• Zero-NOx Furnace Bay Area: Essential Homeowner Guide