California New Furnace Emissions Standards
You may or may not have heard that parts of California are enacting new standards for both residential and commercial furnace emission levels. The purpose of these new standards – officially known as California’s South Coast Air Quality Management District’s (SCAQMD) Rule 1111 and San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District’s (SJVAPCD) Rule 4905 – is to limit the amount of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions released into the air by natural gas-fired, fan-type central furnaces.
What are nitrogen oxides?
Nitrogen oxides are a group of gases and compounds composed of nitrogen and oxygen that are emitted from vehicle exhaust, and the burning of coal, oil, diesel fuel, and natural gas – including natural gas furnaces. Nitrogen oxides react with sunlight and other chemicals to form smog, a major issue in southern California. They also cause ground-level ozone, acid rain, water quality deterioration and global warming, as well as respiratory issues like asthma.
Who do these new rules apply to?
Rules 1111 and 4905 apply to manufacturers who sell or distribute natural gas-fired, fan-type central furnaces.
So what do these rules mean for me?
It means that all furnaces installed as of October 2019 must meet 65% lower NOx emissions (from 40 to 14 nanograms/joule or less). Up until October, if you have a furnace installed that does not meet this new requirement, you must pay a fee, which ranges from $225 to $400.
Does Liberty Plumbing install these new furnaces?
Yes. We are proud to carry high-efficiency, ultra-low NOx gas furnaces from American Standard, like the one pictured below.
Ultra-Low NOx 80% AFUE furnace family, L8X1
You can even receive a $500 rebate when installed in SCAQMD, which includes all of Orange County, Los Angeles and Los Angeles County, San Bernardino County, and Riverside County, by filing for the rebate at www.cleanairfurnacerebate.com/ while funds last.
If you have any additional questions, or are considering having a new, ultra-low NOx gas furnace installed at your home or business, call the HVAC pros at Liberty Plumbing!
