What are Clean Heat Rules?
Thanks to an Executive Order from Governor Wes Moore, Maryland is developing Clean Heat Rules — two complementary policies to make our air healthier, homes more energy efficient and energy bills more affordable while working toward the state’s climate goals:
The Clean Heat Standard (CHS) will provide funding to help households make energy efficiency upgrades, weatherize their homes and upgrade to modern, state-of-the-art efficient electric equipment. For-profit oil and gas corporations will be accountable for providing these clean heat services.
The Zero Emissions Heating Equipment Standard (ZEHES) will phase in zero-emissions heating equipment, ensuring future furnaces, boilers and water heaters are clean and efficient. When families replace furnaces, boilers, or water heaters after a certain date, this rule will ensure they have healthier and more affordable options available.
Together, the Clean Heat Rules mean cleaner air, lower bills, and healthier communities.
What Are Heat Pumps?
Heat pumps are highly efficient systems that do the work of both a furnace and an air conditioner, keeping Marylanders warm in the winter and cool during the summer. Unlike furnaces and boilers that burn methane gas or oil, heat pumps use electricity to move heat in and out of your home more efficiently, delivering comfort with lower bills.
Heat pumps are increasingly popular in Maryland because of their greater efficiency -- remaining up to three times more efficient than gas furnaces even in Maryland's winter weather -- providing energy savings for consumers. By 2030, more than 50% of Maryland households are on track to adopt heat pumps.
What are the benefits of heat pumps?
Healthy Air
By phasing out the use of polluting equipment, Maryland leaders can deliver healthier air for every community.
Safer Communities
By promoting policies that help households upgrade to zero-emissions equipment, Maryland can protect residents from the risk of gas leaks or explosions.
Lower Bills
Maryland residents can stabilize their bills by upgrading to high-efficiency heat pumps. For residents who rely on outdated, expensive technologies like electric resistance, propane, and heating oil, heat pumps can deliver even deeper savings.
Greater Resilience
Thirty people in Maryland died as a result of extreme heat in 2025, the highest number in more than a decade. Heat pumps are 24% more efficient than standard AC, meeting a critical need to keep residents safe and cool in their homes without breaking the bank.