How We Verify Professionals
Transparency is at the heart of TrustedHearth. Here is exactly how we source our data, cross-reference industry credentials, and what each verification tier means for homeowners.
Our Verification Process
Every business listed on TrustedHearth is sourced from public data and cross-referenced against industry certification directories. Unlike general directories that accept anyone who pays for a listing, we independently check professional credentials against the organizations that issue them.
We source business information — including reviews, ratings, and contact details — from Google Maps. We then cross-reference every listing against the CSIA and NFI professional directories to identify certified professionals. Business owners can also claim their listing through email verification to take ownership of their profile.
Verification Tiers
Each listing on TrustedHearth has a verification tier that tells you how much we have confirmed about the business. Here is what each tier means:
Unverified
Listed based on public data. Credentials not confirmed by the business owner. Unverified listings still display any certifications we have found through our CSIA and NFI directory cross-referencing, but the business owner has not yet taken ownership of their profile. Many newly added businesses start at this tier.
Claimed
Email verified. The business owner has taken ownership of their listing by confirming access to a company email address. Claimed businesses can update their contact information, service descriptions, and respond to homeowner inquiries directly through the platform.
Verified (Coming Soon)
Enhanced verification with document upload. Businesses will be able to upload proof of insurance, copies of certifications, and business registration documents for AI-powered review. Higher trust scores mean better visibility in directory listings. Launching soon.
What We Check
We cross-reference every listing against industry certification directories and public data sources. Here is what we check today:
CSIA Certification
The Chimney Safety Institute of America is the gold standard for chimney professionals. CSIA-certified chimney sweeps have passed rigorous examinations covering fire safety, chimney construction, proper cleaning techniques, and code compliance. We cross-reference the CSIA professional directory to identify businesses with current CSIA credentials and display this certification on their listing.
NFI Certification
The National Fireplace Institute certifies specialists in gas, wood, and pellet appliance installation and service. NFI-certified professionals have demonstrated expertise in specific hearth product categories through written and practical examinations. We cross-reference the NFI professional directory to identify certified specialists and display their credentials on their listing.
Google Maps Data
We source baseline business information from Google Maps, including business name, address, phone number, website, customer reviews, and ratings. This public data provides the foundation for each listing and gives homeowners an immediate sense of a company's reputation and customer satisfaction history.
What's Next: Trust Score & Self-Verification
We are building a Trust Score system that gives professionals more control over how they present their credentials. Here is what is launching soon:
- •Document upload — Businesses will be able to upload proof of insurance (certificate of insurance), copies of state licenses, and certification documents directly to their profile.
- •AI-powered review — Uploaded documents will be reviewed to extract and validate key fields like expiration dates, coverage amounts, and license numbers.
- •Better visibility — Higher trust scores will lead to better positioning in directory listings, rewarding businesses that invest in transparency.
Are You a Chimney or Fireplace Professional?
Claim your listing on TrustedHearth to display your verified credentials, respond to homeowner inquiries, and stand out from unlicensed operators in your area.
Claim Your Listing