It’s 2030. Your Gas Appliance Just Failed. Now What? - California's Gas Ban

It’s 2030: Your Gas Appliance Just Failed. What Now?

- California's Gas Ban

What San Luis Obispo & Santa Maria Homeowners Need to Know About California’s Gas Phase-Out

Posted by Elect Electric | Serving San Luis Obispo County & Santa Maria

You wake up on a chilly January morning in 2030. Your water won’t heat up. Maybe your gas furnace just stopped working overnight. You call a plumber or HVAC technician only to hear something unexpected:

“Sorry—we can’t replace your gas unit. California law now requires zero-emission equipment.”

This isn’t science fiction. It’s the new reality for homeowners across San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria. California’s aggressive push toward an all-electric future is reshaping how we live. At Elect Electric, we’re helping homeowners navigate the gas ban and this shift before it escalates into a crisis.

Here’s what’s happening—and what to do if you’re facing the gas ban in 2030.

Why You Can’t Just Replace That Gas Appliance Anymore

As of 2030, California law—driven by the California Air Resources Board (CARB)—bans the sale of new gas furnaces and water heaters. It promotes zero-emission alternatives like electric heat pumps. Gas stoves may also face further restrictions, especially with legislation like Assembly Bill 2513, proposing warning labels on gas cooking appliances.

In San Luis Obispo, changes began even earlier. Since 2022, the city has banned gas hookups in new construction entirely. No gas furnaces, stoves, or water heaters are permitted. Morro Bay and other communities are following this trend. In Santa Maria, while there’s currently no outright ban, most new developments are already going electric to meet state and regional climate goals.

The Impacts of the Gas Ban on Homeowners

You might wonder how the gas ban directly affects you. First, gas appliances don’t last forever. Most water heaters have a lifespan of 8–12 years, while furnaces may last 15–20 years. This means many homes in our region will face the transition soon, especially those built before 1970 with outdated gas infrastructure.

When your gas appliance fails after 2030, here’s what happens:

• You must replace it with an electric alternative (a heat pump water heater or furnace).

• Your existing electrical system may not support it—most heat pumps require 20–50 amps of dedicated power.

• You’ll likely need a panel upgrade or an alternative solution, such as load management or battery storage.

  
  

The Real Cost of Waiting Until 2030

Waiting until your gas appliance fails can lead to various stressors, both financially and emotionally. Common issues you might encounter include:

• Long wait times for electricians and inspectors due to high demand.

• Higher retrofit costs if you rush into the process (panel upgrades can range from $5,000–$30,000).

• Delays from PG&E in energizing upgraded service or metering new panels.

• Code compliance issues if your older panel or wiring doesn’t meet current standards.

  
  

The reality is that California’s energy grid and construction pipeline weren’t designed for a statewide rush to electrify after systems fail. Planning ahead gives you more control, more options, and better access to rebates.

How Elect Electric Helps You Avoid a 2030 Headache

Whether you're dealing with a small panel, living in a historic home, or unsure about the next steps, we’re your electrification partner. Our services are focused on keeping your home safe, compliant, and comfortable.

✅ Electrical Panel Upgrades

Many homes in San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria still rely on 100A or older Zinsco panels. These panels can't safely support modern loads, including heat pumps and EV chargers. We upgrade to reliable 200A panels, ensuring your home can handle electrification demands both now and in the future.

✅ Battery & Smart Panel Solutions

Is a panel upgrade not feasible? No problem. We offer Tesla Powerwall and FranklinWH batteries that store and shift loads to reduce peak demand. We also install smart panels like SPAN. This smart technology gives you app-based control over which appliances run—and when.

These advancements can help you:

• Avoid full panel upgrades by managing loads.

• Keep critical appliances running during blackouts.

• Reduce reliance on PG&E’s strained grid.

  
  

✅ Heat Pump Preparation and Partner Installations

We prepare homes for electric heat pump systems by installing the necessary 240V circuits and upgraded breakers. Through licensed HVAC subcontractors, we coordinate full installations that are efficient, compliant, and eligible for rebates.

✅ Rebate Navigation: Don’t Leave Money on the Table

We ensure you take full advantage of available incentives:

• TECH Clean California: Up to $4,885 for heat pump water heaters.

• Central Coast Community Energy & Tri-County Regional Energy Network: Rebates for appliances, panels, and batteries (residents of Atascadero can enroll in 2025).

• PG&E incentives for energy efficiency and electrification.

  
  

Future-Proofing Your Home—Now, Not Later

The clock is ticking, and homeowners who act early will benefit the most. Consider the following:

• San Luis Obispo plans to build 4,600 all-electric homes by 2035.

• Santa Maria’s population has more than doubled since 1970—new homes will be electric by default.

• Older homes face bigger hurdles and higher costs when rushing into compliance.

  
  

Don’t get caught off guard in 2030. Take advantage of today’s rebates and the availability of contractors before demand spikes.

We’re Here to Help—Before, During, or After Your Gas Appliance Fails

At Elect Electric, we believe in educating and empowering homeowners, not just wiring homes. Whether your gas appliance has already failed or you’re planning ahead, we offer solutions that fit your home, your timeline, and your budget.

Ready to Electrify?

📅 Book Now: Visit www.electelectric.com to schedule your panel upgrade or heat pump prep.

📞 Call Us: Reach our friendly team at (805) 438-4357.

Don’t wait until the law leaves you with no choice. Get ahead of California’s all-electric future with Elect Electric—serving San Luis Obispo County and Santa Maria.

About the Authors:

This blog post was originally written by Grok 2 and/or ChatGPT prompted by Daniel Ehinger, an experienced electrician dedicated to promoting electrical safety and best practices. The content was edited and enhanced by Daniel Ehinger, who provided valuable insights and improvements to ensure accuracy, clarity, and readability.