SimpleHearth is a reference site focused on three connected topics: selecting the right firewood for a given climate and appliance, storing and drying wood to an appropriate moisture level, and maintaining chimneys and fireplace systems to Canadian safety standards.
What This Site Covers
The articles on this site address wood species characteristics, heat output comparisons for hardwoods and softwoods found across Canadian provinces, practical stacking and seasoning methods, and the standards that govern chimney inspection in Canada — specifically the WETT (Wood Energy Technology Transfer) program and how it relates to residential insurance requirements.
Content is written to be factually consistent with publicly available sources including Health Canada guidance on wood-burning, Natural Resources Canada wood heating information and NFPA standards referenced in Canadian fire codes. Where specific numbers are used, they are drawn from those public sources. Where exact figures are not available from a verifiable source, the text uses ranges or qualitative descriptions rather than invented statistics.
What This Site Does Not Cover
SimpleHearth does not provide advice on specific appliance models, installation work, licensed HVAC services or insurance assessments. For appliance-specific questions, a WETT-certified technician or the appliance manufacturer is the appropriate contact. For insurance-related questions about wood-burning systems, direct enquiries to the relevant insurer or broker.
This site does not sell products, refer to commercial services or accept paid placement within its content.
Contact
For corrections to factual content, source suggestions or general questions about the material on this site, use the contact form on the home page or write to info@simplehearth.org.
Submissions are reviewed periodically. This site does not offer individualised advice on specific properties or installations.
Disclaimer
The information on this site is provided for general educational purposes. Firewood storage, appliance installation and chimney maintenance involve conditions specific to each property and jurisdiction. Local building codes, manufacturer specifications and professional assessments take precedence over the general information provided here.