Cesar Chavez St. Apartment Building Embraces Clean Energy Revamp

In 2023, a six-unit apartment building located on Cesar Chavez Street in San Francisco teamed up with the BAMBE program for a transformative remodel. Initially facing a gas supply line location issue, the owner planned to relocate the gas supply line to maintain service. However, with upcoming regulations banning the installation of gas water heaters starting in 2027, the property owner saw an opportunity to get ahead of the curve.* With a $54,375 rebate, the owner replaced natural gas appliances with cleaner all-electric alternatives, significantly enhancing indoor air quality, safety, thermal comfort, and quality of life. The removal of the interior gas distribution system is also enabling the owner to create open concept kitchens for existing renters, most of whom are low to medium income. Other upgrades include heat pump HVAC for added cooling across all six units, in-unit heat pump water heaters serving five apartments, hot water pipe insulation, and electric ovens with induction cooktops for five units. Both common and in-unit electric panel upgrades were implemented for all six units, along with Energy Star refrigerators in three apartments. Additionally, a common area heat pump water heater now serves existing laundry room washing machines. The overall shift towards sustainable energy solutions resulted in a positive impact for the tenants and the building owner. 

*Upcoming zero-NOx regulations by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District will only allow zero-emissions water heaters to be sold and installed in the Bay Area starting in 2027.