Your wood-burning appliance should be professionally installed and maintained by a certified technician to ensure safe and proper performance. Critical manufacturer and building code requirements include:

• Proper clearances between the wood-burning appliance and venting system and combustible materials
• Proper protection of combustible floors
• Proper assembly of appliance and venting components

Errors in installation by a non-professional may not be visible, and problems may not be immediately apparent --and then only by a resulting home fire.

Experienced professionals can also properly size and place equipment for the best heat distribution. The venting system (or chimney) is the “engine” that drives the entire burning process—or causes it to perform poorly or fail. Professional decisions about the venting system include properly determing:

• Sizing
• Height
• Location and protection from extreme cold
• Configuration

A wood-burning appliance that is sized and placed properly with a venting system that delivers adequate draft will reduce wood consumption, produce more usable heat, and reduce maintenance from inefficient fires.

One of the best ways to find competent installation and maintenance professionals is to check their credentials. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) Exitcan help you find a certified chimney sweep. CSIA is a non-profit, educational organization dedicated to chimney and venting system safety.

The National Fireplace Institute® (NFI) Exitlists certified hearth system planners and installers.