The US Department of Energy (DOE) has announced new efficiency standards that apply to vented gas hearth products. The goal of new efficiency standards is to reduce use of natural and LP gas to promote fuel conservation and reduce emissions.
Currently there are 3 basic categories for vented gas hearth appliances (those that vent fumes to the outdoors): room heaters, decorative appliances and gas logs. While our industry association - the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association (HPBA) has been involved with the pending new standards, they had little concern about the pending regulations because they were led to believe these standards would only apply to the most efficient group of appliances, those designated as ROOM HEATERS. Documentation shown on the DOE website confirms that as late as April 2010, the standards in development would only apply to ROOM HEATERS, as decorative appliances and gas logs were considered a wholely different type of appliance.
HOWEVER, now that the new efficiency standards have been decided and published, the DOE opted at the last minute to include vented decorative gas appliances and vented gas logs. Beginning 2013, these appliances must also meet a 67% AFUE conservation standard if rated at 9,000 btu's or more to be sold in the USA. These standards do not apply to outdoor fireplaces, by the way.
What this means to our customers is that if you want a gas fire, it will have to be (as of 2013) highly efficient (read: glass window), or be so low in btu consumption as to provide little flame or heat. This standard will eradicate decorative gas fireplace units, vented gas logs and vented gas coal baskets as you know them today.
It is my hope that 3 years is long enough for our industry to develop and bring to market the decorative appliances like the vented gas logs at left that many homeowners still want today and will want in 3 years. In the meantime, if you've been considering purchase of decorative gas logs or similar decorative gas appliances with a significant flame then I urge you to consider finalizing your shopping and get the installation completed while the products are still available and "legal" to buy.
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