NRCan has worked with manufacturers and dealers in the gas fireplace industry to develop the EnerGuide Fireplace Efficiency Rating for Gas Fireplaces. "This new fireplace efficiency rating will help ensure that consumers will be able to identify the most energy-efficient gas fireplaces in the marketplace, just like they do for other appliances," said the Honorable R. John Efford, Minister of Natural Resources Canada. "Energy efficiency is one of the most cost-effective ways to meet the long-term demand for energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change."

"EnerGuide for Gas Fireplaces is an important step for HRAI and other stakeholders in raising consumer awareness of gas fireplace energy use," said John Murphy, chairman of HRAI. "An important step in the consumer-awareness process is to provide hearth retailers and heating, ventilation and air conditioning contractors with program knowledge to share with the consumer during the purchase decision."

"The hearth industry is pleased to join with the government of Canada in the launch of this new initiative, EnerGuide for Gas Fireplaces," said Pat Bourque, president of HPBAC. "It will provide Canadian consumers with the information they need to make better informed choices."

The manufacturers representing these industry groups produce approximately 80 percent of all fireplaces sold in Canada. Consumers will be able to find EnerGuide ratings on the back of manufacturers' brochures. They can also visit the NRCan Web site at www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca/equipment/english/gas_fireplaces.cfm to see a list of products and their ratings. This list will be updated as new models are rated.

The ratings are based on test results under the new Canadian Standards Association P.4.1-02 standard, introduced in Canada in 2003.

Publication date: 04/19/2004