r/Fireplaces • u/WoodlandDirect • 2d ago

Gas Appliance Owner Certification

I am not suggesting it would be a good idea for a homeowner to be certified or licensed to own and operate a gas appliance. But, if it were the case, what would you want a customer to understand? What about gas appliances in both a practical and theoretical way would you want them to understand before they took on the responsibility of owning, operating, and maintaining a gas appliance?

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u/CozyGlowStoves 1d ago

Safety, safety, safety. I’d want them to understand the importance of CO detectors and why it’s important to have them. I’d want them to understand why it’s important to leave it to the professionals when it comes to gas conversion or modification of the air shutter, valve train, or anything else involving the burner assembly.

Basically, I want my customers to understand that fire adds elegance to the home. But it needs to be respected. Especially when gas is involved.

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u/GeeEmmInMN 2d ago

I think they should sign a document stating that they should listen to trained and authorised dealers and installers rather than come to Reddit saying "the dealer/installer said we can't do it, but can I put xxxxxx in/on my fireplace"?

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u/WoodlandDirect 1d ago

After I was certified about 20 years ago, I had to take some continuing education classes to keep my certification. One of the classes I took was titled "The Consequences of Poor Installations". The consequences were extreme, some stories involved deaths. The ignorance was astounding.

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u/GeeEmmInMN 1d ago

Indeed. Our company has a training room and multiple programs to ensure that everyone who installs our product is fully conversant with install, troubleshooting and service. In that room there's a wall of 'this is what happens when you don't......' photos. I always find it ironic that when a house burns down, the chimney is the only thing standing. It's like a monument to the power of fire.

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u/WoodlandDirect 1d ago

I love to hear about the effort you put into training. We have been a supplier only, but our entire customer facing team has to be certified or working toward certifications. We work with NFI. Over the years, I have come to gain a tremendous amount of respect for solid, competent installers. Field technicians are the SEAL teams of the hearth industry. Thanks for weighing in.

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u/GeeEmmInMN 1d ago

Thanks for selling some of our product. 😉