Explaining the WETT Inspection Cost and What to Expect
A WETT inspection is a thorough inspection of wood-burning appliances such as stoves and fireplaces, it is important to have a WETT inspection to ensure that these appliances are functioning properly and safely, the WETT inspection cost varies depending on several factors, including the level of inspection required, the distance required to travel to perform the inspection, and the time required on-site to perform the inspection.
The WETT inspection cost can also vary depending on the province in Canada, for example, in Ontario, the average cost of a W.E.T.T. inspection ranges from $150 to $350, while in British Columbia, the average cost ranges from $250 to $500, however, the cost of an inspection is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your wood-burning appliances are functioning safely and efficiently.
What to expect during the inspection, the WETT inspector will thoroughly examine the wood-burning appliance and chimney to ensure that it is in compliance with local building codes and regulations, your inspector will also check for any defects or issues that could pose a safety hazard after the inspection is complete, the inspector will provide a written or email report detailing their findings and any recommendations for repairs or maintenance, this report is fundamental when talking to your insurance company.
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What is a WETT Inspection?
A W.E.T.T. inspection is an inspection of a wood-burning appliance, chimney, or venting system conducted by a WETT-certified professional, and the purpose of the inspection is to ensure that the appliance or system is installed and functioning safely and meets the applicable codes and standards in the WETT code book, Provincial building codes, and your manufacturers manual.
During a WETT inspection, the inspector will examine the appliance, chimney, and venting system to ensure that they are properly installed, maintained, and functioning safely, the inspector will also check for any visible signs of damage or deterioration, such as cracks or corrosion, that could pose a safety hazard, also the inspector will look at the clearances to combustibles.
There are three levels of WETT inspections, each with different scopes from basic to in-depth, and their cost, and the level of inspection required depends on the type of wood-burning system you have, the installation, and the reason for the inspection, for example, some reasons to acquire an inspection would be for insurance or when buying a home.
The cost of a WETT inspection also varies by province, in Ontario, for example, the cost of a level 1 inspection ranges from $150 to $300, while a level 2 inspection can cost between $300 and $500, in British Columbia, the cost of a level 1 inspection ranges from $150 to $250, while a level 2 inspection can cost between $250 and $500.
Generally, the cost is justified by the importance of ensuring the safety of the wood-burning appliance, chimney, and venting system, by identifying potential safety hazards, a WETT inspection can help prevent fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, and other health and safety risks, you would probably be very surprised that there are a lot of wood burning systems that are not installed correctly or are unsafe, an inspection will remedy any problem spots.
Why You Need a WETT Inspection
A WETT inspection is an important step in ensuring the safety and efficiency of your solid-fuel-burning system, it is recommended that you have your wood-burning appliance inspected at least once a year, or whenever you notice any issues with performance or safety.
Here are a few reasons why you need a WETT inspection:
- Safety: A WETT inspection can help identify any potential safety hazards associated with your wood-burning appliance. This includes issues such as creosote buildup, chimney blockages, and carbon monoxide leaks.
- Compliance: A WETT inspection is required by most insurance companies and local building codes. Ensuring your wood-burning appliance is up to code can help prevent any issues with insurance claims or building permits.
- Efficiency: A WETT inspection can help identify any issues with the performance of your wood-burning appliance. This includes issues such as poor combustion, leading to increased fuel consumption and decreased efficiency.
With that said, a WETT inspection is an important step in ensuring the safety of your solid-fuel-burning system, by identifying any potential issues early on, you can help prevent costly repairs and ensure that your wood-burning appliance operates at its best.
How Much Does a WETT Inspection Cost in Canada?
A WETT inspection is necessary for anyone who owns a wood-burning appliance in Canada, the price of an inspection varies depending on several factors, including the location of the property, the number of appliances being inspected, and the age of the appliances. In this section, we will discuss the cost of a WETT inspection in different provinces across Canada.
Ontario
So in Ontario, the cost of a WETT inspection can be $150 to $350 per appliance, depending on the difficulty and time involved in the inspection, for example, inspecting a wood stove may be less expensive than inspecting a wood-burning furnace, etc also, some WETT-certified professionals will charge extra fees for travel expenses or additional services, such as cleaning or repairs.
Quebec
In Quebec, the cost of a WETT inspection can range from $150 to $500 per appliance, depending on the complexity of the inspection and the location of the property, WETT-certified professionals in Quebec may charge extra fees for travel expenses or additional services, such as cleaning or repairs, and remember this is plus tax.
British Columbia
In British Columbia, the cost of a WETT inspection can be between $150 to $500 depending on how complex the inspection is and the location of the property. With some WETT-certified professionals in BC, it’s possible there will be extra fees.
Alberta
In Alberta, the cost of a WETT inspection can range from $150 to $500 per appliance, depending on the complexity of the inspection and the location of the property, WETT-certified professionals in the province of Alberta may there
may be expenses and added services, such as cleaning or repairs.
Saskatchewan
In the province of Saskatchewan, the cost of an inspection can range from $150 to $500 per appliance, depending on the complexity of the inspection and the distance to the job, WETT certified professionals in Saskatchewan will possibly charge some additional fees for travel expenses or additional services.
Manitoba
Also if you are living in Manitoba, the cost of a WETT inspection can range from $150 to $500, depending on the system and the inspection, and the location of the home, WETT certified professionals in Manitoba may charge extra fees for travel expenses or additional services, like any modifications.
New Brunswick
In New Brunswick, the cost of an inspection can range from $150 to $500 per appliance, depending on the complexity of the inspection and the location of the house, WETT-certified chimney sweeps in New Brunswick could charge extra fees for additional services, but they probably won’t be more than stated here.
Nova Scotia
So in Nova Scotia, the cost of a WETT inspection can range from $150 to $500 per appliance, depending on the complexity of the inspection and the location of the home, WETT professionals in Nova Scotia may charge extra fees for travel expenses or additional services, such as cleaning or repairs.
Prince Edward Island
In Prince Edward Island, the cost of a WETT inspection can range from $150 to $500 per appliance, depending on the complexity of the inspection and the location of the property, WETT professionals in PEI may charge a bit more for time and expenses.
Newfoundland and Labrador
In Newfoundland and Labrador, the cost of a WETT inspection can range from $150 to $500 per appliance, depending on the complexity of the inspection and the location of the property, WETT professionals in Newfoundland and Labrador may charge extra fees for travel expenses or additional services, such as cleaning or repairs.
Overall, the cost of a WETT inspection may seem high, but it is necessary to ensure the safety and efficiency of your wood-burning appliances, a WETT inspection can identify potential hazards and prevent costly repairs in the future, it is important to choose a WETT-certified professional who is knowledgeable and experienced in the field.
Factors that Affect the Cost of a WETT Inspection
Several factors can affect the cost of a WETT inspection, the cost can slightly vary depending on the location, type of appliance, level of inspection, and distance traveled by the inspector.
The location of the inspection can affect the cost, the cost of a WETT inspection in one province may be different from the cost in another province, for example, the price of a WETT inspection in Ontario may be different from the cost of the same inspection in Quebec, but the idea of this guide is to help you understand the average cost in your area of Canada.
The type of wood appliance being inspected can also affect the amount an inspection could cost, for example, a wood stove may differ from the cost of a masonry fireplace.
The level of inspection required can also affect the cost of an inspection.
Level 1: A visual inspection of the readily accessible components of the wood-burning system. This includes the stove or fireplace, chimney, and venting system. A Level 1 inspection is typically required for insurance and real estate transactions.
Level 2: A more in-depth inspection that includes a Level 1 inspection, as well as an inspection of the hidden components of the wood-burning system, such as the chimney flue and the chimney cap. A Level 2 inspection is typically required for new installations, after a chimney fire, or after a change in the type of fuel being burned.
Level 3: The most comprehensive inspection, which includes a Level 1 and Level 2 inspection, as well as the removal of certain components of the wood-burning system, such as the chimney crown or the chimney wall. A Level 3 inspection is typically required when a serious issue or hazard is suspected.
The distance traveled by the inspector can also affect the cost of a WETT inspection. If the inspector has to travel a long distance to perform the inspection, the cost may be higher to cover the travel expenses.
Overall, the cost of a WETT inspection may seem high, but it is important to remember that the inspection is necessary to ensure the safety of the system and the occupants of the property.
The cost of the inspection is a small price to pay for peace of mind and the knowledge that the system is safe and compliant with applicable codes and standards.
What to Expect from a WETT Inspection
A WETT inspection can be a thorough examination of all wood-burning appliances, such as fireplaces, wood stoves, fireplace inserts, pellet stoves, and even outside boilers, to ensure they meet the safety standards set by the Wood Energy Technology Transfer (WETT) program, your inspection will be conducted by a certified WETT professional, who will provide a detailed report outlining the condition of the appliance, chimney, and venting system.
The inspection will generally take between one and three hours, this depending on the type of appliance you need inspecting, also the condition of the appliance, and the complexity of the installation, during the inspection, the WETT professional will assess the condition of the appliance, including the firebox, flue, chimney, clearances and check for any signs of damage.
If any issues are identified during the inspection, the WETT professional will provide recommendations on how to address them, this may include repairs or upgrades to the appliance, chimney, or venting system, or recommendations for safe operation and appliance maintenance.
It is important to note that a WETT inspection is not a guarantee of the safety or performance of the appliance, rather, it is a snapshot of the condition of the appliance at the time of the inspection and provides recommendations for safe and efficient operation, homeowners should continue to monitor their wood-burning appliances and chimneys regularly, and have them inspected and cleaned on a regular basis to ensure they continue to operate safely and efficiently, generally an annual cleaning is recommended.
How Do I Prepare For a WETT Inspection?
Preparing for a WETT inspection can help ensure that the inspection goes smoothly and that the wood-burning system is in good condition. Here are some general tips to help prepare:
- Clean the wood-burning system: Ensure that the stove or fireplace and chimney are clean and free of debris. This will allow the inspector to properly assess the condition of the system.
- Remove any ashes: Remove any ashes from the stove or fireplace and ash pan. This will make it easier for the inspector to assess the condition of the system.
- Provide access to the wood-burning system: Ensure that the inspector has easy access to the wood-burning system, including the stove or fireplace, chimney, and venting system.
- Provide documentation: Provide any documentation related to the wood-burning system, including receipts for repairs or upgrades, and any manuals or instructions.
- Address any known issues: If you are aware of any issues with the wood-burning system, such as a damaged door gasket or cracked firebrick, address these issues before the inspection.
- Be present during the inspection: Be available to answer any questions the inspector may have and to provide access to the wood-burning system.
It’s important to note that the specific requirements for a WETT inspection may vary depending on the jurisdiction and local building codes and regulations. It’s recommended to hire a WETT-certified professional to perform the inspection, as they are trained to identify potential issues and ensure that the wood-burning system is safe and meets all regulations.
What Does WETT Certification Stand For?
WETT stands for Wood Energy Technology Transfer, WETT is a Canadian organization that provides education and certification for professionals in the wood-burning industry, a WETT certification is a designation given to individuals who have completed training and education in the installation, maintenance, and inspection of wood-burning systems, including stoves, fireplaces, and chimneys.
WETT-certified professionals are trained to identify potential issues with wood-burning systems, things like creosote buildup, improper ventilation, and other possible safety problems, they are also trained to provide solutions to these issues and to make sure your wood-burning system is operating safely.
How Do You Pass a WETT Inspection?
A WETT inspection is designed to ensure that a wood-burning system is safe and meets all building codes and regulations, to pass a WETT inspection, the wood-burning system must be in good condition and meet all requirements set forth by the inspector and local building codes.
Here are some general tips to help pass a WETT inspection:
Have the wood-burning system professionally installed: A WETT inspector can properly install the wood-burning system to ensure that it meets all building codes and regulations.
Keep the wood-burning system clean: Regular cleaning of the chimney and stove or fireplace can help prevent the buildup of creosote and other debris, which can be a fire hazard.
Use proper fuel: Only burn dry, seasoned wood that has been cut and split for at least six months, burning wet or green wood can create excess smoke and creosote buildup.
Maintain proper clearances: Ensure that the wood-burning system is installed at the proper distance from combustible materials, such as walls and furniture.
Keep records of maintenance and repairs: Keep a record of any repairs or upgrades made to the wood-burning system, as well as any maintenance performed, to show the inspector that the system has been well-maintained.
It’s important to note that the specific requirements for a WETT inspection may vary depending on the jurisdiction and local building codes and regulations, it’s recommended to hire a WETT inspector to perform the inspection, as they are trained to identify potential issues and ensure that the wood-burning system is safe and meets all regulations.
When Did WETT Certification Start?
The Wood Energy Technical Training (WETT) program was established in Canada in 1992, this program was created to promote the safe and effective use of wood-burning systems and to provide education and certification for wett professionals in the wood-burning industry, in this way promoting a uniform standard in the industry.
Since it was established, the WETT program has grown to become a leading organization in the wood-burning industry, providing education and certification for industry professionals in Canada, today, the WETT program offers a variety of courses and certifications for professionals, and continued training including, Site Basic, Wood Burning Systems, Certified Chimney Sweep, etc.
Do WETT Inspections Expire
WETT inspections do not technically expire, but it is recommended to have a wood-burning system inspected every few years, depending on usage and other factors.
Additionally, if any changes or upgrades are made to the wood-burning system, it is recommended to have the system inspected again to ensure that it still meets all regulations and is safe to use.
It’s important to note that some insurance companies may require a
WETT inspection is to be performed within a certain time frame, such as when a new policy is issued or renewed. In these cases, the inspection may be considered “expired” if it was performed outside of the required time frame.
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