Thursday, September 4, 2025

South Coast AQMD Launches Incentive Program for Space/Water Heating Units

The South Coast Air Quality Management District Wednesday launched its Go Zero incentive program designed to help residents and businesses switch to cleaner, zero nitrogen oxide-emission space and water heating appliances.

The technologies are up to 3-4 times more efficient than traditional gas systems and can help reduce energy use and lower utility bills, according to AQMD.

NOx emissions are a nationwide problem that is especially urgent in Southern California, which has some of the worst air quality in the country, according to the American Lung Association.

Go Zero includes rebates for heat pump devices for space and water heating for single-family homes, multi-family buildings and small businesses, AQMD says.

Incentives are available for two separate technologies: replacing traditional gas furnaces and central heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems or replacing conventional gas or propane water heaters.

Application assistance is available to help applicants maximize and combine program incentives for further savings.

Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis while funds last. Rebates typically range from $1,000 to $2,000 per heat pump, with up to $3,000 available for homes in overburdened communities and $4,000 for small businesses, according to AQMD.

To address affordability, 75% of the program’s funding for homes is designated to benefit overburdened communities. To qualify for the Go Zero rebates, the newly installed unit must be a heat pump that replaces a gas or propane unit (furnace, water heater).

To learn more about the program, visit www.aqmd.gov/gozero.