Two men shaking hands at a business meeting

Fire and Safety: What is an NFI Certified Expert?

Find out why it’s important for hearth professionals to earn special certifications 
The link to Fire and Safety: What is an NFI Certified Expert? has been copied

By: Garrett Jamieson, NFI Certified Master Hearth Professional

Last Updated: November 7, 2024

Here at Woodland Direct, we emphasize the importance of working with an NFI Certified professional for any fire-related project. But what is an NFI Certification?  

Find out how industry professionals earn their certifications from the National Fireplace Institute (NFI), why it's important, and where you can find an NFI Certified expert in your area.  

What is the National Fireplace Institute?  

An NFI Certified technician installing a gas fireplace

The NFI is an organization that certifies professionals who install and maintain fireplaces, stoves, and other hearth products. It's a division of the Hearth, Patio, & Barbecue Education Foundation (HPBEF), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization for the hearth industry. 

An NFI Certification serves as a stamp of approval, indicating that a professional knows exactly what they’re doing when it comes to fireplaces and related equipment. They receive the training, knowledge, and skills necessary to safely install and service fire products.  

The NFI certifies professionals in four different hearth categories:  

  • Gas Specialist  
  • Wood Burning Specialist 
  • Pellet Specialist 
  • Hearth Design Specialist 

NFI experts who earn certifications in Gas, Wood, and Pellet fuels are recognized as Master Hearth Professionals. These individuals have reached the highest level of certification in the hearth industry. 

Why is NFI Certification Important? 

An NFI Certified Master Hearth Professional teaching a class for Woodland Direct's sales team

Expertise and Knowledge: NFI experts undergo rigorous training and testing, ensuring they have the technical knowledge needed to handle complex fire projects. This includes understanding fuel types, venting systems, and safety standards.  

Safety Compliance: Fireplaces and stoves can pose significant risks if not installed and maintained properly. An NFI expert is well-versed in the latest safety codes, which will help minimize fire hazards, carbon monoxide poisoning, and other dangers to your home or health.  

Quality Assurance: Working with an NFI expert ensures your fire feature is installed and serviced to the highest industry standards. This significantly improves the efficiency and longevity of your product, leading to better performance and lower energy costs.  

Peace of Mind: Hiring an NFI expert provides peace of mind that your project is in capable hands. You won’t have to worry about selecting the wrong components or troubleshooting complex issues; an NFI pro will know what to do. Whether you’re installing a new fire feature or servicing an existing one, you can rest assured that the job will be done correctly the first time.  

Increased Home Value: Properly installed and maintained fire features can add value to your home. Having work done by a certified professional will guarantee the installation is up to standard. This can be a huge selling point for potential home buyers. 

Where Can You Find an NFI Certified Expert? 

A Woodland Direct NFI Certified Master Hearth Professional on a phone call with a client

Woodland Direct’s sales team has more Master Hearth Professionals and NFI Certified technicians than any other company in the nation. When you work with us, you’re truly working with the experts!  

You can connect with a knowledgeable expert on our site or reach out by phone at 800.919.1904.  

If you’re still in the planning stages, we can offer valuable advice, guidance, and product suggestions, so you can get your project started ASAP. For installations and product after-care, our NFI experts are equipped with a wealth of tips and tricks to simplify the job.  

It’s essential to recruit a local pro to install any kind of gas appliance. You can use this handy search tool on the NFI’s official site to find a certified technician or Master Hearth Professional in your area.  

We’re Here to Help  

You don’t have to be an expert in fire. We are. Our NFI-Certified pros are ready to assist with your project from start to finish. Connect with our experts today at 800.919.1904.  

More Resources  

Learn why it’s important to work with a professional to install any kind of gas appliance.  

Did you know adding a fireplace increases your property value? Find out how to wow potential home buyers. 

The key to a safe and efficient wood fireplace is a clean chimney. Check out this simple chimney inspection checklist.  

Photo of Garrett Jamieson Garrett Jamieson has been a Technical Sales Representative at Woodland Direct for over a decade. As an NFI-Certified Master Hearth Professional, he's well versed in fire products and safety standards. He strives to help clients understand product features and best installation practices, so they can find products that fit their home and lifestyle. Outside of work, Garrett spends most of his time outside, riding bikes, bowling, camping, grilling, chopping wood, and tackling DIY projects with his family. Call him or one of our experts in fire at 800.919.1904.