The City of San José conducted research and stakeholder engagement on the prospect of a “Replace-on-Burnout Ordinance”. The focal points of this analysis were heat pump water heaters and heat pump heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems which are energy efficient substitutes for gas water heaters and furnace/central gas heating systems.   

The City's consultant, New Buildings Institute, provided staff with an Analysis of Barriers and Solutions and Peer City Examples for “Replace-at-Burnout Ordinance” as a result of this initial work effort.

This FAQ document provides answers to commonly asked questions. For additional questions, please reach out to climatesmart@sanjoseca.gov.

Public meetings 

During October 2022, City staff held four Replace-on-Burnout presentations on the background of the City's efforts to decarbonize buildings to date, the Replace-on-Burnout policy, barriers and solutions for electrification upgrades, what other cities are doing to electrify their buildings, and potential greenhouse gas emissions reductions.

Resources

• Replace-on-Burnout Analysis FAQ Document 
• Replace-on-Burnout Analysis Webinar Presentation