SoCalGas pays $80 to $1,500 for a high-efficiency tankless water heater that replaces a tank, and $300 to $575 for a qualifying storage model. Funds are first-come, first-served through December 31, 2026.
So the amount depends on the type of water heater you install. Here's what SoCalGas's rebate page showed on October 9, 2026.
How Much Are SoCalGas Water Heater Rebates in 2026?
As of October 9, 2026, SoCalGas lists $80 to $1,500 for high-efficiency tankless water heaters, $300 to $575 for high-efficiency storage water heaters, and $2,500 to $5,000 for a solar thermal water heating system. Funds are first-come, first-served until December 31, 2026.
| Water heater (SoCalGas's page) | Rebate | Key requirement |
|---|---|---|
| High-efficiency tankless | $80 to $1,500 | Must replace a tank-type unit in a single-family detached home |
| High-efficiency storage | $300 to $575 | UEF 0.64 or higher, 55 gallons or less, not bought from a statewide participating retailer |
| Solar thermal system | $2,500 to $5,000 | SUEF 1.8 or higher, with a new ENERGY STAR water heater; limit 1 per household |
SoCalGas says the program can be modified or ended without notice, and funds may run out before December 31, 2026.
Who Qualifies for a SoCalGas Water Heater Rebate?
SoCalGas says you must buy and install a new, qualifying natural gas appliance within the calendar year in an existing residential property. Tankless rebates need a tank-type unit replaced in a single-family detached home, and storage models must come from SoCalGas's qualifying list.
So new construction doesn't qualify, and a tankless unit in a condo or townhome doesn't meet the single-family detached rule. Check the model against SoCalGas's lists before you buy.
How Do I Apply and When Is the Rebate Paid?
Apply online from SoCalGas's rebate table with a photo of your receipt and the model tag, or by mail with the program application. SoCalGas says payment arrives within six to eight weeks if all requirements are met, as a digital or physical prepaid card.
Applications selected for verification can take longer. SoCalGas also offers a status-check tool using the enrollment number you get after applying.
Does SoCalGas Offer a Heat Pump Water Heater Rebate?
Not on its rebates page. As of October 9, 2026, SoCalGas's Home Energy Efficiency Rebate Program lists natural gas appliances only, such as tankless and storage water heaters. Heat pump water heater rebates come from electric utilities, such as LADWP or SMUD.
The heat pump water heater rebates guide covers those programs. SoCalGas's storage minimum (UEF 0.64) is lower than ENERGY STAR's gas storage minimum of 0.81 (medium draw) or 0.86 (high draw) for tanks of 55 gallons or less, so a model can qualify for the SoCalGas rebate without being ENERGY STAR certified.
Has the Federal Water Heater Tax Credit Ended?
Yes, for 2026 installations. The federal 25C credit, which covered qualifying water heaters, ended for property placed in service after December 31, 2025, according to IRS Fact Sheet FS-2025-05.
Water heaters installed during 2025 can still go on the 2025 return. The guide to the federal home energy credits that ended covers the details.
Official Sources
Every SoCalGas amount and rule on this page comes from SoCalGas's own rebates page, checked on October 9, 2026.
- SoCalGas Rebates and incentives, current rebate amounts, requirements and how to apply
- ENERGY STAR Water Heater Key Product Criteria, UEF minimums
- IRS FS-2025-05, the IRS table showing when each federal credit ended
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the SoCalGas tankless water heater rebate?
SoCalGas lists $80 to $1,500 for a high-efficiency tankless water heater, as of October 9, 2026. The tankless unit must replace a tank-type water heater in a single-family detached home, and the model must qualify. Funds are first-come, first-served through December 31, 2026.
How long does a SoCalGas rebate take?
SoCalGas says the rebate payment arrives within six to eight weeks if all program requirements are met. Applications selected for verification may take longer. Payments are issued as a digital or physical prepaid card by a third-party processor on SoCalGas's behalf.
Can I get a SoCalGas rebate for a new home?
No. SoCalGas says the appliance must be installed in an existing residential property, bought and installed within the calendar year. New construction doesn't meet that rule, and tankless rebates also require replacing a tank-type unit in a single-family detached home.
Replacing a water heater? See the verified rebates for your address with the free rebate calculator.