Buying a Gas Fireplace? Check the EnerGuide Rating

(195 words)

Are you in the market for a new vented gas fireplace? Look for the familiar EnerGuide rating – it’s your government-backed source of accurate information on the energy efficiency of a wide range of products.

Gas fireplaces are the latest product to be added to the EnerGuide labelling initiative, which also includes major household appliances, heating and cooling equipment, light-duty vehicles and houses. In the case of gas fireplaces, consumers can find the EnerGuide Fireplace Efficiency rating in the manufacturer’s literature.

The higher the rating, the more energy-efficient the fireplace – and that will translate into energy cost savings and fewer greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. The most energy- efficient units currently achieve ratings in the 50 percent to 70 percent range. The least efficient models, on the other hand, have ratings in the 30 percent range.

For more information, including EnerGuide Fireplace Efficiency ratings for gas fireplaces sold in Canada, visit the Web site of Natural Resources Canada’s Office of Energy Efficiency at oee.nrcan.gc.ca. Information is also available by calling toll-free 1 800 387-2000, or writing to Energy Publications, Office of Energy Efficiency, c/o S.J.D.S., Ottawa, Ontario K1G 6S3.