A self‐powered, gas‐fired, warm air furnace is evaluated as a candidate for the autonomous generation of electrical power. A popular, commercial residential furnace is analyzed for electrical power requirements. Available energy conversion concepts are considered for this application, and the thermophotovoltaic (TPV) option is selected due to reliability and cost. The design and the internal components peculiar to the TPV converter will be covered. Operating results, including NOxemission, will be summarized. This work was sponsored by the Basic Research Group, Gas Research Institute, Chicago, IL. ©1996 American Institute of Physics.