When it comes to fireplace installation, it is important to hire a technician you can trust to do this job properly. Without proper installation, your new fireplace insert can have problems working efficiently and safely. These problems can lead to serious issues involving your entire chimney. Finding the right technician to hire can be challenging, especially if you are new to the area and do not have family and friends to ask for recommendations. This is why you should always check to see if the technician has been certified by the National Fireplace Institute (NFI). Ashbusters is proud to have a staff of NFI-certified fireplace technicians, and we would like to tell you more about this important professional industry credential.
What does NFI certification mean?
Indicating professional commitment and training, NFI certification is given to individuals who show their knowledge of properly planning and installing hearth products by passing an exam. A trusted name in the industry, the NFI was founded as the certification division of the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Education Foundation, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to educating the public in order to increase public safety.
What are the levels of NFI certification?
A hearth professional can choose among three certification specialties from the NFI: gas, wood-burning, and pellet. For each of these certifications, the professional must pass an exam that is based on the specific fuel type for that specialty area. The NFI also provides the option to become an NFI Master Hearth Professional, which is awarded to hearth technicians who successfully pass all three certification exams. The NFI also offers certification to those who design and plan hearth projects.
Why is it important to hire a technician who has NFI certification?
When you hire an NFI-certified hearth professional, you are ensuring that your fireplace installation has been performed with the highest levels of safety and professionalism. These hearth professionals have proven their knowledge and expertise in areas that include:
- safety guidelines and clearances,
- modern building codes and standards,
- combustion criteria,
- fuel delivery issues,
- and venting applications.
You can have the peace of mind knowing that your fireplace installation project is in good hands with an NFI-certified technician.
If you want to be sure that your new fireplace will work efficiently and safely, you should always hire an NFI-certified hearth professional to install your new fireplace. Contact us at Ashbusters today to learn more about our professional fireplace installation services.