Zero-Emission Space and Water Heater Standards
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Direct pollution from space and water heaters causes about 10% of all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and 8% of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions in the state. These pollutants harm the environment and people's health.
Setting GHG-emission limits for new space and water heaters sold would reduce pollution that causes climate change, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). These rules would help meet state climate goals as discussed in California’s 2022 climate plan (see the 2022 Scoping Plan).
Using zero-emission space and water heaters would also lower harmful air pollution caused by NOx, particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), and other toxic chemicals. This would help California meet state and federal air quality standards and help protect people’s health.
We are developing potential rules for limiting GHG emissions from new space and water heaters sold in California as part of California’s clean air plan (see the 2022 State Implementation Plan or 2022 State SIP Strategy).
Reducing space and water heating emissions will help California reach its climate goals, improve air quality, and protect people’s health.
Zero-Emission Space and Water Heaters
Zero-emission space and water heaters do not release pollutants into the air where they are used. Some types of zero-emission heating technologies commercially available today include:
- Electric resistance space heaters
- Electric resistance water heaters
- Heat pump water heaters
- Heat pumps for space heating
- Heat recovery chillers for water heating
- Solar water heaters.
Other zero-emission technologies, like hydrogen fuel cell heat pumps, are being developed but are not yet commercially available in the U.S.
Environmental and Health Benefits
Pollution from space and water heaters causes about 10% of all GHG and 8% of NOx emissions in California. Reducing this pollution will improve air quality and human health. For example, lowering NOx pollution can reduce harmful smog, ozone, and particulates like PM2.5 in the air. Breathing these pollutants can:
- Make asthma and other heart or lung problems worse
- Lead to early death
- Increase hospital and emergency room visits.
Lowering this pollution can lead to:
- Fewer emergency room visits
- Fewer missed school and workdays
- More economic productivity
- Lower healthcare costs for Californians.
Climate Resilience Benefits
Zero-emission space and water heaters can help communities better handle the effects of climate change in several ways. For example, heat pumps used for heating can also cool homes during heat waves, which is helpful in buildings without air conditioning. This is important for people whose health can worsen in extreme heat[1]. In addition, smart heat pump water heaters can run when electricity demand is lower, which helps lower stress on the power grid during heat waves [2]. Using this kind of technology helps communities prepare for and recover from extreme climate events.
CARB’s Approach to Developing Zero-Emission Space and Water Heater Standards
Since late 2022, we have been engaging with interested parties, conducting technical analysis, talking with experts and community members, and working closely with energy and other public agencies to help develop zero-emission rules. We recognize the importance of coordinating with other state and local efforts, focusing on equity, and considering how these rules might affect housing and other costs.
[2]This Earth Day invest in a Heat Pump Water Heater and do the equivalent of planting a tree (or forest) - New Buildings Institute