HPBA Takes Steps to Conserve Energy in Newly Manufactured Gas Appliances

Arlington, Va. (June 7, 2016) ––To help consumers conserve energy, HPBA and its members have begun a three-year initiative to phase out the use of continuous pilot lights in newly manufactured vented gas fireplaces, stoves, and inserts.

Continuous pilot lights, sometimes referred to as "standing" pilots, have provided an automatic, reliable mechanism to stop the flow of gas when no flame is present. However, consumers have always had to remember to manually extinguish pilot lights when they aren’t needed to conserve energy––until now. Technologies on the market now eliminate this step for consumers, offering increased ease of operation while eliminating unnecessary energy consumption when appliances are not in frequent use.

"HPBA is always looking for ways to ensure that our industry's standards are evolving with consumers' needs," said Ryan Carroll, HPBA's Director of Government Affairs. "That’s why we are working to ensure that the certification standards for vented gas fireplaces, inserts, and stoves are revised to further support energy conservation.”

On June 2, HPBA submitted a proposal to the CSA Group––the entity setting the technical standards worldwide for gas fireplaces products. The proposal seeks to amend the certification standards to disallow continuous pilots on newly-manufactured products currently covered under codes Z21.50 and Z21.88 after the effective date of the amended standard.

HPBA is an active member of the CSA Group. Its participation has led to other standard updates benefitting consumers, including amendments requiring certain gas fireplaces manufactured after December 31, 2014 to have protective barriers installed to help reduce the risk of burns from hot glass.

The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA), based in Arlington, Va., is the North American industry association for manufacturers, retailers, distributors, representatives, service firms and allied associates for all types of barbecue, patio and hearth appliances, fuels, and accessories. The association provides professional member services and industry support in education, statistics, government relations, marketing, advertising, and consumer education.

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Media Contact Carrie deGuzman at deguzman@hpba.org; 703-522-0086 X 116