Hearth Products
Currently there are no energy conservation standards for hearth products.
The Department of Energy (DOE) has proposed to define a hearth product as a gas-fired appliance that may or may not provide space heating directly to the space in which it is installed and which provides an aesthetic appeal by simulating a solid-fueled fireplace.
DOE is also currently conducting an energy conservation standard rulemaking for hearth products. DOE has proposed to disallow use of constant burning or “standing” pilot ignition systems for hearth products meeting the proposed definition for hearth product above. Preliminary estimates of the benefits of the proposed energy conservation standard are described in the proposed rule.
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DOE has published a Federal Register notice to extend the comment period concerning the proposed rule for hearth products. The comment period is extended until May 11, 2015. 80 FR 19569 (April 13, 2015). For more information please see the rulemaking page.
DOE published a Federal Register notice correcting the public meeting date for hearth products. 80 FR 9399 (February 23, 2015). DOE will host a public meeting Monday, March 23, 2015. For more information, please see the standards rulemaking page.
DOE published a Federal Register notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) regarding energy conservation standards for hearth products. 80 FR 7081(February 9, 2015) A public meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 23, 2015 in Washington, DC. For more information, please see the standards rulemaking webpage.
DOE published a notice of proposed determination regarding energy conservation standards for hearth products. 78 FR 79638 (December 31, 2013). For more information, please see the rulemaking webpage.
Standards for Hearth Products
DOE recently proposed energy conservation standards for hearth products. For more information, please see the standards rulemaking webpage.
There currently are no test procedures for hearth products. As part of the current energy conservation standards rulemaking, DOE will determine whether a test procedure is required for hearth products. For more information, please see the standards rulemaking webpage.
Because there are no energy conservation standards or test procedures for hearth products, the provisions of 10 CFR Part 430 and Part 1003 that apply to waivers, exceptions, state exemptions to federal pre-emption, and small business exemptions are not relevant.
Part A of the "Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products Other Than Automobiles" of Title III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA), as amended, mandates energy conservation standards for certain consumer products. (42 U.S.C. § 6291–6309) In addition to specifying a list of covered residential and commercial products, EPCA contains provisions that enable the Secretary of Energy to classify additional types of consumer products as covered products. (42 U.S.C. 6292(b))
EPCA established the Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products Other than Automobiles, covering major household appliances. DOE recently issued a Notice of Proposed Determination (December 24, 2013) that preliminarily determined that hearth products meet the criteria for covered products because classifying products of such type as covered products is necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of EPCA.
For the Secretary to prescribe an energy conservation standard pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 6295(o) and (p) for covered products added pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 6292(b), he must also determine that the products meet certain additional criteria. DOE will determine if hearth products satisfy the provisions of 42 U.S.C. 6295(l)(1) during the course of the energy conservation standards rulemaking.
Helpful Links and Contact Information
Helpful Links
Find tips and guidance for making your home, workplace, or vehicle more energy efficient visit EnergySaver.gov.
For more information related to the regulation of this product, please email:
hearth_products@ee.doe.gov
