5. Summary of Features to Look for in an Energy-Efficient Gas Fireplace

5. Summary of Features to Look for in an Energy-Efficient Gas Fireplace

When shopping for an energy-efficient gas fireplace, ask for the EnerGuide Fireplace Efficiency (FE) ratings of the fireplaces you are interested in. Using this information, narrow your choices to the fireplaces that have relatively high efficiencies and can supply the kind of heat output needed for the location you have chosen.

The most energy-efficient gas fireplaces have many of the following features:

  • a high EnerGuide Fireplace Efficiency (FE) rating as tested to CSA P.4.1-02, found in product brochures or on manufacturers' Web sites
  • direct-vent design, where appropriate
  • an intermittent electronic ignition system or an easy means of turning off and relighting the pilot light
  • a ceramic glass front
  • a quiet squirrel-cage-type circulating fan to help transfer convective heat to the room
  • secondary heat exchanger
  • insulated outer casing to prevent heat loss through the walls to the outside if located on an exterior wall
  • good turndown or other means such as ducting to prevent localized overheating

Figure 13. Typical Characteristics of an Efficient Direct-Vent Gas FireplaceTypical Characteristics of an Efficient Direct-Vent Gas Fireplace

  1. Ceramic glass
  2. Preheated combustion air
  3. Coaxial sidewall direct vent
  4. Cool room return-air convection inlet
  5. Heated air convection outlet
  6. Variable speed, squirrel-cage circulating fan
  7. Insulated outer casing
  8. Convection heat-exchange chamber

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Source: Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) - Office of Energy Efficiency