You may be considering updating your old masonry fireplace to a more energy efficient way to heat your home by installing a new fireplace insert into the existing hearth opening. If you want to be sure your updated fireplace will work at its highest levels of efficiency and safety, you need to have the insert professionally installed by a technician who is certified by the National Fireplace Institute (NFI). If you live in the Elkton, MD area, the NFI-certified professional chimney and fireplace technicians at Ace Chimney Sweeps can help you with your installation needs. To help you understand why it is so important to hire an NFI Certified Specialist, we would like to tell you more about what this professional certification means. 
What is the NFI?
Established in 2002 by the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Education Foundation (HPBEF) as its professional certification program, the NFI has a mission of increasing public safety by providing meaningful credentials to professionals who plan and install residential fireplace appliance and venting systems. These professionals can become certified in four different areas: gas, wood burning, pellet, and hearth design. These certifications show that the professional is knowledgeable in his field and committed to excellence in the fireplace industry.
How does a fireplace professional become certified by the NFI?
In order to receive this respected professional credential, one has to pass the NFI certification exam for the area of specialty of his choice. A hearth professional can take the exams for all of the specializations to become a Master Hearth Professional, which is the highest level of certification in the industry. With more than 600 testing locations nationwide available to busy hearth professionals, the NFI also offers review courses to help in exam preparation.
Why is it so important to hire an NFI Certified Specialist?
One of the most important reasons why it important to hire an NFI Certified Specialist to install and repair your fireplace has to do with the experience and knowledge that an NFI-certified technician brings to every job. This can give confidence and reassurance to you as a customer. Manufacturers also prefer NFI Certified Specialists because they trust that their products will be properly installed.
If you are considering updating your old masonry fireplace, it is important to hire an NFI Certified Specialist to professionally install your new insert. Contact us at Ace Chimney Sweeps to learn more about how our NFI-certified fireplace technicians can make sure your new hearth appliance is installed safely and correctly.