What This Site Covers
PlainHearth focuses on practical, maintenance-oriented information about residential fireplaces, chimneys, and solid-fuel heating systems. The content is written for homeowners — not contractors — with enough detail to understand what needs to be done, when, and why.
Topics include chimney inspections and cleaning, wood stove installation requirements, creosote prevention, firewood moisture and storage, and how to improve heating efficiency without major renovation. All content is referenced against publicly available Canadian standards and government sources.
Canadian Focus
Heating requirements, building codes, and safety standards in Canada differ meaningfully from those in the United States or Europe. Provincial codes vary. WETT (Wood Energy Technology Transfer) inspection requirements affect insurance coverage. Air quality bylaws in cities like Vancouver, Calgary, and Ottawa restrict certain burning practices during high-pollution periods.
This site addresses those regional differences where relevant, with specific notes on provincial variations when they affect homeowner decisions.
Editorial Standards
Content on PlainHearth is written to reflect publicly available information from:
- Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)
- Canadian Standards Association (CSA) public documentation
- WETT Inc. published training materials
- Provincial fire marshal offices
- Municipal air quality authority advisories
Specific statistics or figures are not cited unless they come from a verifiable public source. When exact data is not available, the content uses neutral, descriptive language rather than invented numbers.
Disclaimer
Content on this site is for general informational purposes only. It does not replace advice from a certified WETT inspector, a licensed contractor, or a fire safety professional. Any work involving gas lines, structural changes to chimneys, or flue liner replacement should be performed by qualified tradespeople.
Contact
Use the form below to reach us with questions, corrections, or topic requests.