Mountain View is committed to sharing information to help property owners prepare for the future in the most efficient way. California is phasing out the use of natural gas, including the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) rules that will phase out the sale of gas water heaters as early as 2027 and gas furnaces in 2029 in the Bay Area.

Homeowners can benefit by preparing for the eventual replacement of gas with electric appliances when completing improvements to their home now.

ARE YOU ALREADY DOING ELECTRICAL UPGRADES? If you are updating or modifying electrical circuits in your home, talk to your licensed electrician about some of the upgrades described below. This avoids the need to seek out another qualified electrician in the future. Plus, any work you decide to do can be included in your current building permit, even if your permit was already issued and construction has begun.

ANOTHER REASON TO PREPARE NOW? There are tax credits and local program incentives that can help cover the cost of going electric!

Water Heater

Recommendation: If not already present, add an electrical outlet within 3 feet of the existing water heater. The outlet should be connected back to the main electrical panel by either a 240 volt, 30-amp dedicated circuit or a 120 volt, 20-amp dedicated circuit. For households of 4 or more occupants, or 3 or more bedrooms, a 240 volt, 30-amp circuit is recommended when possible.

Why? Heat pump water heaters are not only incredibly efficient, they also reduce harmful emissions associated with increased health risks. Most water heaters are replaced in emergency situations when they start leaking or fail. By having an electrical outlet ready now, upgrading to a heat pump water heater can be done quickly and efficiently when the time comes.

Heat Pumps for Heating and Cooling (HVAC)

Recommendation: If you have an existing air conditioner system, it is likely that no changes to your electrical service will be needed. If you don’t have an existing air conditioner, running a new circuit for a heat pump can be done with the advice of a heat pump installer specifying the location and electrical load to be needed.

Why? Heat pumps reduce harmful emissions associated with air pollution and public health risks. By having an electrical connection ready now, upgrading to a heat pump can be done quickly and efficiently in the future.

Kitchen Appliances

Recommendation: If you are doing any kitchen remodeling, run circuits for a stove cooktop and oven now (even if you are keeping your existing gas appliance) to avoid the need to tear into tiled walls or cabinets in the future. A 240 volt, 50-amp circuit is commonly needed for an induction stove.

Why? Electric induction cooking appliances are rapidly growing in popularity because of their performance and the way they substantially improve indoor air quality and health.

Clothes Dryer

Recommendation: Many laundry areas already have an electrical outlet for an electric dryer. If not, now may be the time to consider adding one. A dedicated 240 volt, 30-amp circuit is typically all that is needed.

Why? Electric clothes dryers will be needed as gas is phased out. Classic electric resistance dryers work similarly to gas dryers. Alternately, heat pump dryers are more efficient, but currently have longer dry cycles. One advantage of a heat pump dryer is that they don’t need an outside dryer vent (you can go ventless!).

Other Gas Appliances

Recommendation: If you have any other gas appliance in the home, like fireplaces or barbeques, consider running electrical circuits to these areas now to avoid the need to do so in the future. 

Why? These appliances will need to be replaced as gas appliances  phase out to reduce air pollution and improve public health.

Electrical Service Panel Upgrade

Recommendation: Strategically plan for home electrification to avoid the need to upsize an electrical panel or service level from PG&E. This can be done by using efficient appliances, sharing circuits wisely, and using “smart” electrical load management devices when needed to stretch your existing service. A licensed electrician can determine if your existing electrical panel may be old and may only need to be replaced for safety reasons at the same service level or whether upsizing your electrical panel is necessary to meet your homes electrical demand. 

Why? Upsizing your electrical service can lengthen a project timeline and be costly. Many homes can electrify without upsizing their electrical service. 

More Information

Visit the SVCE eHub to find incentives or speak to a Go Electric Advisor (https://goelectric.svcleanenergy.org/) to get customized recommendations.

Always use licensed contractors and get a building permit when needed to ensure your project is done safely!