This report discusses proposed standards for gas hearth products in the Appliance Efficiency Regulations (California Code of Regulations, Title 20, Sections 1601 to 1609). These proposed standards are part of the 2018 Appliance Efficiency Pre-Rulemaking (Docket #18-AAER-06). California Energy Commission staff analyzed the cost-effectiveness and technical feasibility of proposed efficiency standards for gas hearth products. Statewide energy use, savings, related environmental impacts, and benefits are also included.
The proposed efficiency, design, and marking requirements for gas hearth products would take effect on January 1, 2021. The specific gas hearth products in the scope of this proposal are vented gas heating fireplaces, vented gas decorative fireplaces, vented gas logs, outdoor gas logs, and outdoor fireplaces. Staff also proposes to add definitions, a test procedure, test lab report requirements, and certification requirements to support the proposed efficiency and design standards. The proposal would save 105,157 million British thermal units (MMBtu) the first year the standards is in effect. By 2035, when the year that stock turns over, the proposed standards would have an annual savings of 2,429,175 MMBtu, which equates to about $31.4 million in annual savings.
Staff analyzed available market data and concluded that the proposed standards for gas hearth products would significantly reduce energy consumption and are technically feasible and cost-effective.
