Government of Canada 2004/08 March 15, 2004 GOVERNMENT AND INDUSTRY ESTABLISH EFFICIENCY RATINGS FOR GAS FIREPLACES OTTAWA - Canadians shopping for natural gas fireplaces will now have the information they need to make energy-wise choices. Today, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI), and the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association of Canada (HPBAC) announced a new rating program based on the well-known EnerGuide program. 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 Honourable 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, Chair 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 frequently 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. This standard is the first in North America for testing and validating the energy efficiency of gas fireplaces, and is a more accurate way to determine how a gas fireplace works in a house than previous methods. This initiative enhances our quality of life through the sustainable development of our energy resources - supporting the Government of Canada's agenda of strong social foundations, a strong economy for the 21st century and ensuring Canada's role of pride and influence in the world. For more information, media may contact: Alexandra Muir Ghyslain Charron Director of Communications Media Relations Office of the Minister Natural Resources Canada Natural Resources Canada Ottawa Ottawa (613) 992-4447 (613) 947-8246 Caroline Czajko Laura Litchfield Manager, Manufacturers Division Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Heating, Refrigeration and Association of Canada Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (705) 788-2221 (905) 602-4700, ext. 234 or 1-800-267-2231
