Proposed Regulations for Vented Gas Fireplaces

Bulletin Update – February 2003

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is proposing to amend Canada's Energy Efficiency Regulations (the Regulations) to require that the fireplace efficiency (FE) of vented gas fireplaces be tested and verified using a recently published Canadian Standards Association (CSA) test method. The information reported to NRCan by Canadian dealers will enable NRCan to produce an EnerGuide Directory for Gas Fireplaces. This directory will be similar to the existing one for major household appliances and will help consumers make an informed decision when purchasing a gas fireplace.

For point-of-sale consumer information, the industry has agreed to participate in a voluntary EnerGuide rating program that builds on the successful collaboration between the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) and NRCan in administering similar programs for residential heating and air-conditioning equipment since 1996.

The purpose of this document is to provide stakeholders with background information on the content of the Regulations and the EnerGuide program.

Background

The proposed Regulation follows more than 10 years of research, standards development and consultation with industry.

NRCan issued a bulletin dated July 10, 2000, which outlined a proposal to amend the Regulations to require the design, verification and labelling of vented gas fireplaces traded interprovincially or imported into Canada.

Subsequent consultations with industry culminated on October 17, 2002, with a joint news release by NRCan, HRAI and the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association of Canada (HPBAC), announcing that by summer 2003 the gas fireplace industry in Canada will be required to verify the fireplace efficiency of its products using the CSA P.4.1 test method and provide EnerGuide ratings to help consumers make energy-wise choices.

The news release also announced the EnerGuide rating program, to be administered by HRAI by summer 2003.

Product Description

NRCan is proposing that the Regulations apply to vented gas fireplaces, including fireplace inserts, that come within the scope of either ANSI Z21.50/CSA 2.22, "Vented Gas Fireplaces" or ANSI Z21.88/CSA 2.33, "Vented Gas Fireplace Heaters." This includes fireplaces fuelled by either natural gas or propane.

Energy Performance Test Procedure

CSA P.4.1-02, "Testing Method for Measuring Annual Fireplace Efficiency," is the proposed test procedure prescribed under the proposed amendment.

The document can be ordered from:

Minimum Energy Performance Standard

NRCan is not proposing a minimum energy performance standard at this time.

Verification, Reporting and Importing Requirements

The proposed verification, reporting and importing requirements are similar to those for other regulated products.

Verification Mark

The proposed Regulation will require each regulated fireplace to bear a verification mark from a certification organization as evidence that the subject model was tested and its energy performance verified. The certification organization must be accredited by the Standards Council of Canada and be recognized by the Minister of Natural Resources Canada as having an energy performance verification program.

Reporting

The proposed Regulation will require dealers in regulated gas fireplaces to file energy efficiency reports with NRCan, providing information on the products, including their energy efficiency.

These energy efficiency reports must be submitted to NRCan prior to a product's first importation into Canada – or shipment between provinces – for sale or lease. The proposed Regulation will require the following information for gas fireplaces:

Importing Requirements

The proposed Regulations will require that dealers importing regulated fireplaces into Canada ensure that the following information is provided to Canada Customs and Revenue Agency:

• Type of product (e.g., vented gas fireplace);
• Model number;
• Brand name, if any;
• Name and address of the dealer importing the product; and
• The purpose for which the product is being imported.

Effective Date

NRCan is proposing that the Regulation come into effect immediately upon proclamation. This is anticipated to be sometime in summer 2003.

Labelling Requirements

NRCan is not proposing a mandatory labelling requirement in the Regulation. Instead, NRCan will support a voluntary EnerGuide rating program, to be administered by HRAI, that will encourage dealers to use the well-known EnerGuide format in product literature rather than requiring a label to be affixed to each appliance.

There are two different label formats. One is for product literature that contains a single model; the other is for product literature that contains a number of models that have different efficiencies.

Dealers should telephone HRAI at (905) 602-4700 for information on participating in the EnerGuide program (also see the Web site www.hrai.ca).

Comments Invited

This bulletin is being issued for the information of the gas fireplace industry and other interested stakeholders. Comments or requests for additional information should be forwarded to

Anne Wilkins
Senior Program Manager
Natural Resources Canada
1 Observatory Cr., Bldg 1, 2nd floor
Ottawa ON  K1A 0E4
Tel.: (613) 992-3900
Fax: (613) 947-5286
E-mail: awilkins{AT}rncan.gc.ca
Web site: oee.nrcan.gc.ca/regulations