South Coast AQMD is in extreme nonattainment for the federal ozone standard and is working to improve air quality through the 2022 Air Quality Management Plan, which requires zero-emission technologies wherever feasible. The South Coast AQMD has recently amended its rules to establish the first zero-emission for certain commercial food ovens, large water heaters, small boilers, and process heaters. These new limits will be phased in between 2026 and 2033, depending on the equipment’s size and category. South Coast AQMD is also currently assessing the feasibility of zero-emission technology for residential space and water heating.
Zero-emission heat pumps provide consumers with a healthier option when choosing space and water heating appliances for their homes and businesses. Heat pumps operate like a refrigerator or an air conditioning unit by moving heat from one place (e.g., air, ground, or water) to another.
This technology is often three to four times more efficient than conventional appliances and can be used for space heating and cooling, water heating, or clothes drying, Offering potential operating cost savings for owners.
Consumers who choose cleaner appliances such as heat pumps can utilize incentives from federal, state, and local sources. Federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) rebates are anticipated to be administered by California and will provide rebates of up to $14,000 for the purchase and installation of qualified ENERGY STAR appliances. Additionally, IRA tax credits are currently available. TECH Clean California provides rebates for heat pumps used in residential and commercial space and water heating. Go Green Financing provides loans for appliance upgrades, and other local city or utility incentives may be available.
South Coast AQMD is developing a new incentive pilot program, Go Zero, to provide incentives to consumers, multifamily property owners, and small business owners, with an emphasis on overburdened communities, to install zero-emission appliances. Go Zero will also include outreach and education about zero-emission options, application assistance, and installer training. A Request for Proposal was released on August 2nd to solicit proposals to administer the Go Zero program. For updates on the forthcoming South Coast AQMD rebate program, visit the sign-up page and check the “Building Appliances” box in the Rule Updates section.