Awareness that suppliers are struggling with supply of the controls for intermittent and spark ignition fireplaces.  This has an impact on Energy Star and Netzero homes.  Some manufacturers have been given leeway from the province itself in regards to having pilot lights.  Still to be addressed with NRCan from a program perspective.

Supply Chain Issues Have HPBA, HPBAC Seeking Temporary Relief from Pilot Restrictions

On September 17^th, the Washington State Building Code Council (WSBCC) decided to extend emergency relief in the building code by allowing continuous pilots in gas fireplaces. The WSBCC action extends the temporary relief first granted in June. Since emergency relief can only be granted for 120 days, the WSBCC is also going to propose a formal extension of this relief until October 2022. The Northwest HPBA and HPBA have pushed for this relief and is gratified to see it granted.

North of the border, HPBA Canada is taking the lead on requesting relief from elected officials and regulatory bodies at the federal and provincial levels of the Canadian government. Electronic component and raw material shortages are hitting Canadian manufacturers and retailers very hard as regulations severely limit the sale of continuous pilots. Harmonized temporary relief from these regulations are vital for our industry during these global shortages.

With supply chain issues and shortages of components and raw materials projected to last well into 2022, HPBA’s Gas Hearth Appliance Section voted to have HPBA and HPBA Canada staffs seek short-term relief in all North American jurisdictions where no continuous pilots are permitted. For more information on WSBCC’s action or any component shortage-related issues, please contact Ryan Carroll or Jeff Loder.