Proposed standards for gas fireplaces would eliminate pilot lights

A proposed rule issued by the Department of Energy (DOE) would eliminate continuously burning pilot lights for gas fireplaces. The new energy-saving standard would eliminate about 40% of the total annual energy consumed by fireplaces with pilot lights.

DOE estimates that the proposed standard would net the average consumer $165 in savings over the life of the product. Manufacturers would have to replace models using the continuously burning pilot light with those using electronic ignition. A final rule is expected in December 2015 with an expected effective date five years later.

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