Shopping Cart
NFI is an abbreviation for the National Fireplace Institute. The National Fireplace Institute is an accredited government entity that is responsible for testing and certifying installation and service professionals in three appliance categories- Gas Burning Appliances, Wood Burning Appliances, and Pellet Burning Appliances.
Why is it important?
Appliances in the fireplace industry differ from other construction related products. There is specific criteria that has to be taken into account from the selection process to installing the product. The last thing anyone wants is to have a product installed only to find out the building inspector will not pass it.
What types of products are an NFI certified professional certified to work with?
Gas Fireplaces, Gas Stoves, And Gas Fireplace Inserts- An NFI Gas Certified Professional will be tested on things like: The differences between natural gas and propane, gas supply line sizing, safe clearances to combustible materials, proper venting methods, the standards that each product type is tested to, and troubleshooting. The testing also covers the various ignition systems used by these appliances. This knowledge gives the NFI Certified Professional to help you select the product that is right for you. It also gives him or her the knowledge to be able to help you in case something goes awry.
Built-In Wood Fireplaces, Wood Stoves, And Wood Inserts- A car won’t run properly on poor fuel. The same is true with a wood burning appliance. A significant portion of this course is dedicated to the combustion of fire wood. The principals of wood burning can be applied to any appliance type. The fire needs proper incoming air for combustion. It needs good fuel. It needs to be burned in an appliance that is listed and tested to be safe. It needs to be vented with proper venting and in a safe manor. The appliance also needs to be installed with safe clearances to combustible materials. These are crucial elements that will make sure the appliance operates safely and will perform as expected.
Pellet Burning Appliances- Pellet burning stoves are very intricate. From the time the unit is turned on, a series of mechanical events begin to occur. The auger begins to drop pellets into the burn pot. The igniter increases in temperature to ignite the pellets. The exhaust fan turns on. Once the fire is ignited, the thermocouple shuts off the igniter. There are a number of other types of switches, vacuum hoses, and motors used in a pellet stove from turning it on to it shutting down. Having a NFI certified professional on your side though using a pellet appliance is essential.
What is a Master Hearth Professional?
An NFI Certified Master Hearth Professional is someone that has past all 3 tests given by the National Fireplace Institute. They are aware of all of the different types of appliances available. They will be able to help you select the right appliance based on your heating needs. They will know the proper questions to ask you when you decide on an appliance type. They will know based on your answers how to get you the right product that you will heat your home and allow you to enjoy one of if not thee most important human discovery- FIRE!
