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Reg 9 · Rule 6 New gas water heater installations end January 1, 2028 in the Bay Area. Existing units are unaffected. See how it affects your replacement →
Bay Area Rule Change

Last Chance To Choose A Gas Water Heater

Starting January 1, 2028, Bay Area regulators are banning new gas water heater installations. If your current unit is aging, this may be your last window to replace it with gas before the option goes away.
20,000+ Bay Area Installations Licensed & Bonded Water Heater Experts Replacement Check
Bay Area Air Quality Management District Regulation 9, Rule 6, Section 9-6-301.5 Existing gas water heaters are not being removed or banned. The rule applies to new installations after January 1, 2028.
2028 Water Heater Rule Change

Waiting Could Cost You Thousands

After the new rule takes effect, many Bay Area homeowners may need to move to electric or heat pump water heater options — and the installation may require more than just swapping the tank.

Electric Water Heater

After the rule change
Electric water heater installation
Total Estimated Cost $6,000 –
$9,500+

What may add cost to an electric water heater installation

⚡

Electrical Panel Upgrade

A larger panel may be needed to support a high-amperage electric water heater.

$1,500 – $3,000+
↯

New 240V Electrical Line

A dedicated circuit may need to be run from the panel to the water heater location.

$800 – $2,000+
▣

Wall & Drywall Repair

Running new electrical may require wall access, patching, texture, and paint.

$300 – $800+
☑

Permits & Inspections

Electrical permits, inspections, and related fees may be required.

$300 – $700+
▥

Electric / Heat Pump Water Heater Unit

The replacement unit itself may cost more than a standard gas storage tank unit.

$1,500 – $3,000+
$

Additional Costs That Add Up

Upgrades, unexpected issues, labor, materials, and contractor markups can increase the final cost.

$600 – $1,000+

Gas Water Heater

Before the rule change
Gas water heater installation
Total Estimated Cost $2,000 –
$3,000

The difference could cost you

significantly more.

Every home is different. But for many homeowners, waiting until after the rule change may mean more installation requirements, more planning, and more cost.

Harris can help you compare both paths.

We’ll review your current water heater, explain what the rule may mean for your home, and help you decide whether replacing now or planning for electric later makes more sense.

Don’t wait until it is too late — or too expensive.

Schedule a free consultation and find out whether replacing your gas water heater before the new rule takes effect may be the more cost-effective option.
Bay Area Air Quality Management District Regulation 9, Rule 6, Section 9-6-301.5

Gas Water Heater Installations Are Going Away in the Bay Area

This is a new Bay Area regulation. After January 1, 2028, homeowners will lose the option to install a new standard gas water heater.
01

What’s changing

Bay Area regulators are banning new gas water heater installations starting January 1, 2028.
02

Who it affects

If you have a gas water heater, this affects your next replacement decision.
03

What’s not changing

You can keep using your current gas water heater. The rule applies to new installations only.
If your water heater is nearing the end of its life, replacing before 2028 may let you stay with gas for the next 10 years. Harris can help you understand your options before the window closes.
Your Timing Matters

How Old Is Your Water Heater?

Gas water heaters last 10 years. Your unit’s age determines whether this rule matters now, later, or simply as something to be aware of.

0–3 yrs

Newer Unit
No immediate action needed. You should know the rule is coming, but replacement is likely years away.

4–6 yrs

Plan Ahead
Your unit is mid-life. There is no immediate urgency, but the window to choose gas is open now.

7–9 yrs

Consider Replacing
Your unit is getting close to its expected lifespan right as the gas option is going away.

10+ yrs

Replace Now
Your unit is at or beyond the typical replacement age. Waiting may limit your options after 2028.
Get In Touch

Give us a call. We’ll help you figure out what’s right for your home.

We will help you understand your water heater age, your replacement window, and whether the new rule matters for your home.

Request Your Water Heater Replacement Check

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Harris Water Heaters
Castro Valley, CA 94546
Licensed and Insured #1026214

Hours

Monday - Friday: 7:30am-5pm
Saturday: 8am-5pm
Sunday: 8am-3pm

We respond in 24 hours. Usually same day. Free estimate. No pressure — just straight answers about your options.
Response coverage

Fastest possible scheduling. Arriving ASAP to get your hot water back up and running.

Vans stationed across the region, stocked for the failures that actually happen. When you call, we get you on the schedule as soon as possible and give you a real arrival window — not an all-day guess. Typical windows by service area:

Harris water heater technician on a Bay Area installation
Bay Area
Service area
Cities covered
East Bay
Oakland, Berkeley, San Leandro, Castro Valley
San Francisco & Peninsula
San Francisco, South San Francisco, Redwood City
Tri-Valley
Dublin, San Ramon, Pleasanton, Livermore
South Bay
San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale
Sacramento / Placer Counties
Countywide
All cities and communities in Sacramento / Placer Counties
San Diego County
Countywide
All cities and community in San Diego County