What should you do about your water heater?
The 2027 Bay Area rule changes your options. Heat pump, gas, exemption, wait — there's a right answer for your house. Three minutes, no email, no sales pitch.
Question 1 of 8
What's going on with your water heater?
Or read up first.
The three questions everyone is asking. Plain answers. Sourced.
Rule guide
Does the 2027 rule apply to me?
Yes, if you live in the 9-county Bay Area. But your old heater is safe. The rule only kicks in when you buy a new one.
Cost guide
What does it actually cost?
Most installs run $4,400 to $7,800 before rebates. After rebates, you can get under $4,000. Older homes cost more.
Exemption guide
Could I get out of it?
Maybe. The Bay Area air board is finalizing rules that skip the change for older homes, tight closets, and tough electrical setups.
The real numbers
Heat pumps cost more upfront.
Here's how the math actually works.
The new rule is a one-time forced cost for most Bay Area homeowners. Our calculator finds every rebate, cheaper option, and exemption you might qualify for — so you don't pay more than you have to.
Up to $3,000
In active rebates
The federal 25C tax credit (30%, up to $2,000) and BayREN ($1,000) are open right now. We check eligibility for you.
$2,000–$5,000
Saved with the right model
A 120V plug-in heat pump can skip the panel upgrade most older homes need. For homes with old electrical, this often roughly halves the project cost.
Maybe nothing
If you qualify for an exemption
Older panels, tight closets, and emergency replacements may be exempt. The calculator flags every one you might qualify for.
Rebate amounts are current as of May 2026. We re-check them monthly.
We send one email a month.
When the rule changes, when a rebate opens up, when something matters. That’s it. No promotions.
Common questions
FAQ
We send one email a month.
When the rule changes, when a rebate opens up, when something matters. That’s it. No promotions.
Find out what your replacement actually costs.
Three minutes. Eight questions. Your options, your real cost, every rebate you qualify for, and whether you can skip the change.