Here's a quick update from us.

Hot News

JULY 2019

HPBA from the CEO's Perspective

Did you listen to the recent Firetime Podcast with HPBA CEO Jack Goldman? It’s well worth your time to listen and a get firsthand account into what HPBA is doing and his perspective on the hearth, patio, and barbecue industry. Thank you to Tim Reed, who creates this podcast and brought Jack on to share his views.

The Thrill of the Grill

After a successful National Barbecue Month, HPBA asked its followers on social media to tell us why they grill on Father’s Day. The answers were heartfelt and funny and simple and emotional. They were also personal. We’re tapping into these personal stories and connections to encourage consumers to get outside, use that grill, and share their love of grilling with us. Check out some of the responses we got on Instagram when we asked our followers to tell us #WhyIGrill for Dad.

Learn About Hearth

Our spring four-part video series on hearth products wrapped up earlier in June with a Facebook Live on outdoor hearth products. Hilary Reynolds from the Great Outdoor GreatRoom Company joined Eric Davis from our PR firm to talk about outdoor products such as fire tables and firepits. We’ve now produced videos that can help a consumer learn about the different types of fireplaces, stoves, outdoor products, where to buy them and what the benefits are. All of these videos are now available on our YouTube channel . You’ll also find the rest of our videos up there, ranging from #WhyIGrill material to NSPS educational discussions. We encourage you to share these videos on your own social media channels to educate your followers about the different types of hearth products and how to select the best one.

Research Expansion

In recent years, HPBA has worked to modernize its research programs and offerings by redesigning its existing programs and adding new ones. HPBA is interested in continuing to expand its research offerings in a more systematic and strategic fashion. Expanded offerings could include a wide variety of other services and content. Before HPBA proceeds much further, we need to know what our members would value and appreciate.

To do so, HPBA designed a short questionnaire to determine what types of market research and industry information would be most useful. If you have not already done so, please take a few minutes to take the survey by clicking below.

Survey

Please complete this five-minute questionnaire by 6 PM EDT, July 12, 2019.

If you have any questions about the questionnaire or HPBA’s research services, please contact Cameron Downs. Thank you in advance for helping HPBA develop solutions to its member needs.

Government Affairs

New EPA Woodstove Database

As announced last month, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released two new public databases, one for certified room heaters (wood and pellet stoves) and one for certified central heaters (wood furnaces and hydronic heaters). Some manufacturers, however, have discovered that the published information is not accurate. HPBA urges manufacturers to review entries on these databases and report any mistakes to EPA before the fall. The databases can be viewed below.

Click Here

For questions or more information, contact John Crouch.

Gas Hearth Regulation Considered in Multiple Jurisdictions

Several jurisdictions in North America have recently considered gas hearth appliance regulations. In June, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) published the final revisions to Amendment 15 to Canada's Energy Efficiency Regulations. Taking effect January 1, 2020, the regulation places a 50 percent minimum efficiency on heater-rated gas fireplaces and prohibits a continuous pilot on all vented gas fireplaces.

In the U.S., a California Energy Commission proposal includes a 70 percent minimum efficiency on heater-rated fireplaces and elimination of continuous pilots, but would also include gas logs and outdoor products in the regulation. HPBA is developing comments to submit by the Monday, July 29 ^th deadline.

Washington state is currently looking at minimum efficiencies on all vented gas fireplaces, stoves, and inserts (including decorative appliances) in the state’s building code. HPBA and NWHPBA are looking to engage the State Building Code Council prior to a series of fall meetings.

If you have questions on any of the North American gas hearth product regulatory issues, please contact Ryan Carroll .

ASTM Woodburning Subcommittees Restarting

In order to keep ASTM methods current, it is imperative that those in use by our industry be reviewed periodically. The following subcommittees will be reviewing, and potentially updating, these standards over the next several months:

ASTM E2515: Standard Test Method for Determination of Particulate Matter Emissions Collected by a Dilution Tunnel
ASTM E2618: Standard Test Method for Measurement of Particulate Emissions and Heating Efficiency of Solid Fuel-Fired Hydronic Heating Appliances
ASTM E3053: Standard Test Method for Determining Particulate Matter Emissions from Wood Heaters Using Cordwood Test Fuel

If you would like to be involved in the review process or are seeking more information, please contact John Crouch.

Get Ready to March Through All Four Seasons at the 2020 HPBExpo!

Still on the fence about whether to exhibit at next year’s HPBExpo? Hear from this year’s exhibitors on why you need to be there!

HPBExpo 2020

Exhibition: March 12-14

Education: March 11-13

Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

And, then check out the Exhibitor Overview for all the details to sign up!

Join the list of companies that are already signed up to exhibit at the HPBExpo 2020. To view the full list, check out below. Booth reservations can also be made by emailing Anita Derouin or by phone at 703.522.0086 ext. 117.

View List

Registration and Housing

Mark your calendar for September 3 ^rd when Registration and Housing open.

Check out all New Orleans has to offer!

Amazing cuisine. Alluring architecture. Vibrant culture. All kinds of music. Combine all of this with an industry that’s already passionate about food, community, and lifestyle, and it’s a home run! Start planning your trip to New Orleans and see all that there is for you to experience!

Connect with HPBExpo