I wouldn't be surprised if pilot lights aren't illegal now. They're terribly inefficient, more so if your furnace rarely lights.

I think pilot lights are still pretty much standard on certain appliances, like water heaters and fireplaces. Probably deliberately so they can run without power. All my other gas appliances are electronic ignition, e.g. we have to use a lighter to start the range when the power is out.

In the case of gas fireplaces, all of the heat generated is used, so I would think it would be perfectly efficient. As long as you shut it off during the warm seasons, anyway.

What's the make/model? Presumably not forced air?

The house I live in has two gas fireplaces, both 20-30 years old. They work in the same manner described above, with no requirement for electricity. Each one also has a blower that is simply plugged into the wall (one runs continuously, the other is thermostatically controlled; both are very loud). The blowers are optional, and the house gets adequately heated even when they are off.

Not sure about make & model, I'd have to find the paperwork from when the house was built 8 years ago. It's radiant, not forced air. That's an option I could add but it would require electricity for that part.