Funding for the long-awaited revision of P.4, Canadian Efficiency Standards for Gas Fireplaces, has been secured. The project is slated to last two years at a cost of $110,000. HPBA Canada and HPBA have each contributed $3,250 to the effort. The inaugural meeting was held at CSA's offices in Mississauga on June 7, 2012. Issues covered included the correction of a calculation error, electrical consumption, an allowance for radiant heat output, an examination of the on/off cycling protocols, and the appropriateness of minimum efficiencies.

The second meeting was held on September 17^th in Mississauga. Four manufacturers are now represented on the committee as well as John Crouch from HPBA and me from HPBA Canada. Other manufacturers were contacted in advance and invited to put forward any concerns they had with the test protocols that had not already been identified. The issue of minimum efficiencies has been shelved for the time being and the committee is currently focusing on technical issues. The next meeting is scheduled for November 29^th and a factory tour of Wolf Steel's Barrie facility is planned for the day before. Representatives from Natural Resources Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Energy are expected to attend.

Our goals include a revised version of P.4 that is more accurate, appropriately tailored for fireplaces, and easier (and cheaper) to set up for. Also that any minimum efficiencies should not apply to non heater rated fireplaces, that a minimum efficiency for heated rated fireplaces be adopted that excludes as few appliances as possible and something close to the current EnerChoice FE numbers should be accepted as a premium efficiency level.

John Francisty Recognized for 20 Years as CSA Member

On another note, I would like to recognize John Francisty of Pacific Energy, an industry member who recently received a letter of appreciation and acknowledgement of his 20 years of service as a CSA member and his contribution to the development of standards from the President, Standards of CSA. 

Tony Gottschalk 

Register for EXPO now, including housing, badges and education.

March 13-16, 2013 | Orange County Convention Center | Orlando, FL

Visit the website at www.hpbexpo.com or click the links below:

Badge Registration 

Housing Reservations 

Education Schedule 

The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Expo is North America's largest indoor-outdoor living showcase. Every year, more than 350 leading hearth, patio and barbecue manufacturers and suppliers exhibit and demonstrate their latest home heating solutions; grills, grilling accessories and fully-equipped outdoor kitchens; casual patio furniture and outdoor accents; water and landscape features; all-weather entertainment products and more.

The show attracts more than 5,000 specialty and mass market retailers, and professionals interested in getting a first look at the indoor-outdoor living innovations that consumers will be asking for in the seasons ahead.

Just one of the fantastic aspects of the HPBExpo is the opportunity to network, catch up, and simply have fun with colleagues, friends, and customers. Tons of fun was had at HPBExpo 2012 parties & events and we'll be bringing back fan favourites and more for 2013! Be on the look-out for more information on:

• the Opening Ceremony
• Focus Canada
• the Tailgate & Cookoff
• the Industry Party
• the Vesta Awards 
• the Attendee Choice Awards