Clean, Versatile and Eco-Conscious Fireplaces and Stoves Heat up the Market

The 30th Annual HPBExpo in Orlando Showcases Trends, New Products

ORLANDO, Fla., March 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Fireplace and stove manufacturers across North America and Europe are coming together to reveal their innovative and stylish products that meet the need for efficient, clean heat.  The hottest trends and designs are showcased at this year's Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association's (HPBA's) HPBExpo in Orlando from March 11-13.  

"Today's consumers want the latest fireplaces and stoves to help them save money on their home heating, create a welcoming ambiance and also be mindful of their environmental impact," said Jack Goldman, HPBA president. "Our member manufacturers have answered the call for quality, convenience and efficiency and we're proud to show them off at our 30th annual HPBExpo."

This year, a variety of clean-burning wood and pellet stoves and fireplace inserts qualify for consumers to earn a $1,500 federal tax credit for adding a 75 percent efficient biomass-burning stove to their homes.  The HPBExpo will display a number of these models that were designed to encourage energy-conscious purchases.

2010 Technology and Product Trends

• Green Heat: Manufacturers continue to explore new technologies and fuels to reduce the environmental impact of hearth products while increasing product efficiency. This year marks the HPBExpo's inaugural "Green Pavilion" – an area set up to showcase energy-saving products and educate show attendees on what qualifies as a certified green product.
• Alternative Fuels: From fireplaces fueled by ethanol gels to hearth products that are great for no-burn days, fireplaces, stoves, inserts and outdoor hydronic heaters are being designed to meet and exceed strict government emissions standards. Wood, wood pellets, corn and cherry pits are just a few of the other biomass fuel options that continue to gain in popularity.
• Pieces of Art: Adding or upgrading a fireplace can significantly contribute to the coziness and beauty of a home's design – indoors and out. This year, manufacturers are showcasing fireplaces with swirling flames, ironwood-sculpted faux wood logs for gas fireplaces, electric fireplaces where the flames dance to music and outdoor-fire pits that double as water features.
• Glass Is Hot: Manufacturers are switching out faux logs and rocks for glass fire beds in their latest versions of gas fireplaces. Options for outdoor appliances also include patio flames with colored glass options.
• Convenience Is Key: The newest products on display have consumer convenience in mind and include stoves that can be used as freestanding units or inserts, fireplaces that hang anywhere and extinguishable outdoor wood-burning fireplaces.

2009 Industry Shipment Statistics

The hearth industry is a $5 billion a year industry.  In 2009:

• Nearly 1.2 million hearth products were shipped across the United States.
• Gas-burning products continued to represent the largest number of products shipped at 635,820.
• Cordwood and electric appliance shipments also remained strong in 2009 at 235,647 and 245,800 units shipped, respectively.
• While pellet appliances only accounted for 4 percent of the shipments in 2009 (46,124), the numbers are still up significantly from where they were a decade ago, and the biomass tax credit will be an incentive to consumers to consider this option in 2010.

Additional industry statistics can be found at www.hpba.org/statistics.  

Additional information about the $1,500 consumer federal tax credit for 75 percent efficient biomass-burning wood or pellet stoves or fireplace inserts may be found at www.hpba.org/taxcredit.

About Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA)

The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association based in Arlington, VA, is the North American industry association for manufacturers, retailers, distributors, representatives, service firms and allied associates for all types of hearth, barbecue and patio appliances, fuels and accessories. The association provides professional member services and industry support in education, statistics, government relations, marketing, advertising and consumer education. There are more than 2,500 members in the HPBA. For more information, please visit www.hpba.org.

About HPBExpo

The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Expo is North America's largest indoor-outdoor living show featuring more than 450 exhibitors who display and demonstrate hearth products, pools and spas, casual furniture, barbecues and accessory products. Each year the show attracts more than 11,000 participants including specialty retailers, installing distributors, HVAC contractors, and LP and hardware dealers. HPBExpo is recognized by Tradeshow Week as one of the 200 largest trade shows in the United States. For more information, please visit www.hpbexpo.org.

SOURCE Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association