Blaze King: A Canadian Success Story
When it was learned a few years ago Wood Energy Technology Transfer (WETT) might be holding its 2025 annual AGM & Conference in BC — possibly in the Okanagan — Blaze King’s Alan Murphy was quick to commit their support. Given their Canadian manufacturing facility is located right in Penticton, it would be a natural fit. And good to his words, Alan carried through by quickly stepping up to commit Blaze King Industries to act as our Platinum event sponsor.
In the world of wood heat, the Blaze King name is legendary. They have hundreds of dealers all over North America. They even have dealers in New Zealand and Japan. While it might seem like they have been around forever, the company only got its start in 1977. It quickly carved out a cult following by producing their rock-solid, oversized free-standing King woodstove.
The firebox on this massive stove could gobble up 80 lbs of wood yet burn efficiently all night long thanks to catalytic combustion technology. Setting the appliance’s thermostat then allows the operator to dial down heat output while extending burn time up to a whopping 40 hours on a single load of wood!
It proved popular with rural, off-grid customers looking for a reliable yet efficient whole-home heating solution. The ability to reload the stove first thing in the morning, knowing it will still be burning after a long day’s work, was very attractive. Rural homeowners swear by these stoves. They wonder why you would want to use anything else.
Alan wholeheartedly agrees saying, “Heating with wood is more than just comfort. It’s about home security, independence, and peace-of-mind. In the event of a power outage, it feels good knowing you have a wood stove ready to keep you safe and warm when you need it most”.
While the brand was built on the King stove, the smaller Princess stove added in 1992 also proved to be a massive hit. The Princess was also offered as fireplace insert. In later years, Blaze King would expand their line-up by adding a full line of traditional & contemporary designs including the Ashford, Scirocco, Chinook, and Boxer.
Later this year, they are set to release the Sentry Wood Stove. This will be the first in a line of more affordable wood stoves that maintain the core values they are known for. And now, they are finally about to introduce their first ever factory-built fireplace using the same tried and tested technology. The F31 Wood Fireplace is scheduled to hit dealer showrooms in 2026.
For information on Blaze King Industries, visit their website at: www.blazeking.com.
Elevate your expertise in Penticton!
Wood Energy Technology Transfer (WETT) is proud to have Alan Murphy, President of Blaze King Industries, deliver the keynote address at our annual AGM & Conference, discussing how to navigate changing times and maintain foundational industry practices.
There will also be networking opportunities and educational seminars, as well as an exclusive exhibition hall showcasing systems and products from leading manufacturers and distributers in the country.
Click here to learn more: https://www.wettinc.ca/wett-2025-conference
Submit your Board of Directors Vote Now!
Voting for candidates for the 2025-2027 WETT Board of Directors is now open!
The Board is composed of a minimum of eight (8) (no more than 12) Directors, consisting of at least two WETT-certified advisors, inspectors, technicians and sweeps, with no more than five from any one category. Each term is for two years.
The new Board will be confirmed at the Annual General Meeting, scheduled for June 25, 2025.
This year, we have openings for four (4) directors.
The nominees are as follows:
Dalton Hooker- BC Gordon Little- BC
Patrick Mullen- NS Ian Myers- ON
Edward Nolan- BC Shawn Percy- NL
Ryan Renshaw- NS Benoit Soucisse- ON
Ron Wilkovesky- ON
Elections will take place electronically. If you have not received an email with instructions, or need a paper ballot, please email info@wettinc.ca
The schedule for the remainder of this process is as followed:
June 2: Ballot voting deadline
June 25: Annual General Meeting (AGM)
If you have any questions, please email the WETT National Office at info@wettinc.ca.
Your voice matters — use it today!
Submit Your WETT Board Nominations!
Nominations for candidates for the 2025-2027 WETT Board of Directors are now open!
The Board is composed of a minimum of eight (8) (no more than 12) Directors, consisting of at least two WETT-certified advisors, inspectors, technicians and sweeps, with no more than five from any one category. Each term is for two years.
A slate of nominees will be sent electronically on May 22, 2025, for voting. The new Board will be confirmed at the Annual General Meeting, scheduled for June 25, 2025.
This year, we have openings for four (4) directors.
Elections will take place electronically. If you wish to complete a paper ballot, you will be able to do so on May 22.
The schedule for this process is as followed:
May 16: Nomination deadline
May 22: Voting opens (make sure you have renewed your membership for 2025)
June 2: Ballot voting deadline
June 25: Annual General Meeting (AGM)
If you have any questions, please email the WETT National Office at info@wettinc.ca.
Your voice matters — use it today!
May 1st is WETT Sweep’s Day in Canada: Celebrating the Tradition and Safety of Wood Heating
WETT is proud to announce the official proclamation of May 1st, 2025 as Sweep’s Day in Canada — a day to recognize the importance of maintaining solid-fuel heating systems and the professionals who keep them safe and efficient.
Across rural Canada, many homeowners rely on solid-fuel appliances such as wood stoves and fireplaces for primary or supplementary heat — and often as a backup during power outages. These heating systems are not only essential for comfort and safety but also connect us to a tradition of gathering around the fire that spans generations.
But with warmth comes responsibility.
Performing routine inspections & maintenance is absolutely required to burn wood safely and responsibly. A clean and well-maintained chimney ensures better performance and significantly reduces the risk of a dangerous chimney fire.
That’s where Canada’s certified chimney sweeps come in. These professionals are trained to identify potential issues, improve system efficiency, and most importantly, help protect homes and families.
Whether you burn wood for heat, cooking, or simply the atmosphere, May 1st is a perfect reminder to book your annual inspection and sweep. Let’s keep this age-old tradition alive — safely and responsibly.
Let the fire burn bright, not your chimney.
This May 1st, support Sweep’s Day and thank your local certified chimney sweep.
Join us at the WETT Annual AGM & Conference!
WETT is pleased to announce that we will be hosting our annual AGM & Conference in Penticton, BC at the Penticton Lakeside Resort and Conference Centre from Wednesday, June 25 to Friday, June 27, 2025!
Why Attend?
Cutting-edge Presentations: Gain awareness and knowledge from industry experts, attend educational seminars, and participate in a full-day, hands-on pellet stove troubleshooting workshop.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry professionals, insurers, and manufacturers shaping the future of solid fuel burning.
Exhibition Hall: Explore the latest products and services in solid-fuel-burning technology from leading suppliers and manufacturers.
Collaboration: Engage in discussions on pressing issues and challenges to determine effective solutions.
What's Included?
Access to all conference sessions of your choosing on Thursday & Friday
Continental breakfast on Thursday & Friday morning
Thursday Lunch
Complimentary coffee, tea, and water during networking breaks
Optional Activities (not included)
Wednesday, June 25th - Formal WETT Pellet Heating Technology Course (PEC). Seating is limited. Registration and costs for this course are not included with the AGM & Conference.
Friday, June 27th - Okanagan Winery Tour scheduled for the afternoon and early evening. Pre-registration and payment for the winery tour must be made separately.
Interested in joining us? Click here to learn more.
Save on Every Day Purchases with Perkopolis!
WETT has partnered with Perkopolis, so you can save more on everything from clothes and groceries, to events and travel.
This perks program is free for you, so start enjoying members-only offers today!
How to Register:
1. Visit Perkopolis.com and click register in the top right corner.
2. Click register once more and enter your email address.
3. Within 30 minutes, complete registration using the link sent to your inbox.
4. Then, you will be asked for an ID. Use the word "WETT" + your Member ID number.
WETT Holiday Office Hours
Dear Valued WETT Members,
Due to the holiday season, our office hours will be limited. From December 24 to January 2, we will have limited access to emails.
If your matter is urgent, please email us at info@wettinc.ca, ensuring the subject line includes "Urgent" to prioritize your request.
On behalf of everyone at WETT, we wish you a safe and joyous holiday season. Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to serving you in the new year!
Warm regards,
The WETT Team
Stay safe this holiday season.
Wishing you a joyful and safe holiday season!
WETT and Canada’s Fire Safety officials remind you of the importance of inspecting and sweeping your chimney at least once a year. Routine maintenance plays a crucial role in preventing chimney fires.
As we approach the holiday season, here’s an important safety tip: Your home’s wood stove or fireplace is designed for burning firewood—not garbage. Avoid burning used gift wrap, ribbons, bows, boxes, or any other waste materials. These items can cause intense heat surges, which might ignite a chimney fire, especially if your system hasn’t been recently cleaned or inspected.
Stay cozy, stay safe, and enjoy the season responsibly!
Canada Post Strike
Please be advised that if you are awaiting a package containing course materials or declaration documents, there is a delay due to the ongoing Canada Post strike. For more information, please visit Canada Post.
If you have any questions, please contact info@wettinc.ca.
Taking a WETT Exam? Be set up for success now!
Are you taking a WETT exam and having trouble accessing the platform? Don’t worry—help is available! Visit the members page for a detailed, step-by-step guide to ensure you're fully set up for success before your upcoming exam. Follow the instructions and get ready to ace your test with confidence.
Call for Applications- SME Researchers
Request for Applications:
Subject Matter Experts Content Researchers.
Wood Energy Technology Transfer Inc (WETT) is looking for 6 Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) Content Researchers to join a roster supporting course development led by the Education Coordinator. We are looking for experts in the following areas:
· Inspections (2 positions)
· Installations / technicians (2 positions)
· Installations / technician – Masonry (1 position)
· Insurance professionals (1 position)
The Role:
As a SME Content Researcher, you will use your expertise, research and communication skills to produce short written reports on subjects requested by the Education Coordinator. It is anticipated that a SME Content Researcher will work for a minimum of 10 hours over the course of 2025. SME Content Researchers will be compensated at a rate of 75$ per hour.
What you bring to the role:
You will have:
· Current and demonstrable expertise in at least one of the subject areas listed above
· Excellent research and written communication skills
· Effective time management skills and availability
· Experience as a WETT member in good standing for a minimum period of 5 consecutive years.
· Ability to research and concisely explain answers to difficult questions.
How to Appy:
To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter to the WETT Office (certification@wettinc.ca) by December 31st, 2024.
Supporting WETT’s work:
WETT, a non-profit training and education association, oversees a program with the objective of developing, maintaining, promoting and delivering professional training courses within the framework of the Wood Energy Technical Training Program (WETT) for practitioners of trades related to the sale, installation, maintenance and inspection of systems using wood and other biomass fuels. WETT offers a series of core courses required for the certification of WETT members as well as continuing education courses to support WETT members as they continue to learn and develop their skills and knowledge of their industry.
Wood Energy Technology Transfer (WETT) believes that a diverse and pluralistic society is central to our association’s identity. Educators have a responsibility to contribute to a culture that recognizes diversity and fosters social inclusion.
WETT strives to deliver inclusive service. We recognize and energetically affirm the dignity of those we serve and employ, regardless of heritage, education, beliefs, race, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental capabilities, or income.
WETT understands that an acceptance of differences can place individual and collective values in conflict. We are committed to tolerance and understanding. We act to ensure that people can enjoy services and employment free from any attempt by others to impose values, customs or beliefs.
We encourage all Canadians to apply regardless of heritage, education, beliefs, race, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental capabilities, or income.
If you require accommodation in the hiring process please contact our Executive Director, Rudi Genovese at manager@wettinc.ca
Letter from the President, Matthew Harwood
Greetings from the WETT National Board! My name is Matthew Harwood, and I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself and share some of the latest updates taking place at our organization, as well as some of our goals for the next year.
In 1997, I started working on the loss prevention side of the insurance industry, completing inspections. After almost three decades in the vendor world servicing the largest insurers across Canada, I moved to the insurance side and became a Manager of Prevention at Wawanesa in 2023.
In 2019, I was first appointed to WETT National Board, and served as Treasurer for the past two years. Then, at the June 2024 board meetings, I became the new WETT President for a two-year term.
So, I think you could say that I’ve got a bit of experience from both the inspection side – writing reports and inspecting – as well as being on the consumer-end of the reports – reviewing and helping underwriters to accept the reports provided by WETT-certified professionals.
I’m looking forward to using this experience to help WETT evolve over the next two years.
New Management Company:
As you know, WETT National uses a management company along with the volunteer board to care for the needs of courses, certification, and initiatives to move our organization forward. In September, we transitioned from partnering with Funnel to a new company, Managing Matters. Please be patient with us as we try to get through this as smoothly as possible.
After over 20 years of serving our organization, we are sad to see Funnel go. Many of you have been assisted by Peter, Evonne, and the rest of the team over the years, and we will miss them. We would like to thank them for their many years of diligent service to help us grow to where we are today.
We are excited to work with Managing Matters, who have already shown a wide range of skillsets that will help us as we work towards our goals. Rudi Genovese will be our new Executive Manager, and has a lot of trade experience that will help him to understand and meet our needs.
You will also get to see or talk to Sarah Mackenzie who will be overseeing some of the board and committee meeting and Heitor Purcino who will be scheduling courses, as well as handling certification and education. There are a number of other members of the team who will be assisting, including those who will be responsible for planning events, helping with technology, and managing our communications.
Upcoming Year:
This year as President, my goal is to help us progress to the next level. I believe that this can be done by good communication between all, and working together as a board to listen to and address your needs as members.
Communication: As a board, we serve at your pleasure. None of the board members can dictate policy, and our goals should be your goals. To help with that, we have implemented a new plan to make sure there is clear communication between all board members and affiliate boards, so that everyone knows what is happening.
As you may know, each of the four affiliates has a representative on the National board to advocate for your needs. So, to make sure you are heard, a section of the board meeting will now be dedicated to hearing from the affiliate representatives.
Furthermore, all WETT National board meeting minutes will be circulated to the affiliate board members to bring awareness to new developments. This communication will ensure that whether you are talking to someone from the office, a board member, or an affiliate board member, the same information will be passed on to you.
Strategic Focus: In the near future, a subsection of the board will be tasked with working with Managing Matters to prepare a strategic plan for WETT going forwards. This will allow us to progress and put the effort where it’s most beneficial. Once this plan is prepared, it will be brought to the full board for approval and action.
Some of the key things we are exploring as part of that strategy include:
Communication with the insurance companies and understanding their needs
Investigating development of an app to make filling out reports easier
Updating and streamlining the WETT forms to address comments from members
Providing additional training opportunities and skill-development programs
Researching government grants that could help expedite our growth
Seeking collaborative opportunities with similar organizations
Updating courses to meet current needs and technologies
Educating all stakeholders in the inspection, sweeping, and installation industry on the requirements of WETT certification
Increasing organizational awareness by attending various industry events
Planning special events that incentivize member attendance
In Summary:
We look forward to sharing with you the developments we have achieved at the 2025 AGM in Penticton, BC. There are many exciting plans for that event, including a tour of a manufacturer, a visit to a winery, new educational opportunities, and exhibitors that will make it a remarkable event.
I believe we are at a great place in our organizational development where we can make true, meaningful change for our members, but also for the industry. I am looking forward to this journey with you! Thank you for your support!
Sincerely,
Matthew Harwood
President
Are the Cracks in My Clay Tile Chimney Liner That Big of a Deal?
Reprinted with permission from Steve Sobczak, Total Chimney Care
In the fall and winter, chimneys see pretty extensive use, especially when the home’s heating relies on a fireplace or wood stove. To help keep everything functioning smoothly and safely, the National Fire Protection Association has mandated annual chimney sweeps and inspections. For chimneys experiencing heavier use, more frequent attention could be of benefit. As a homeowner, you must be involved in the inspection process by asking questions and understanding the basics. Request a video scan as part of the inspection and, if the inspector does not mention the condition of the chimney liner, then ask. As it turns out, cracks and gaps in the chimney liner are quite serious!
The chimney serves a vital function for the home, which is to expel toxic fumes produced by the fire out of the home. In an ideal state, hot air filled with smoke and other poisons rises through the chimney, safely away from the living space. To assist in the safe transfer of these fumes, every chimney should contain a chimney liner made of heat-resistant metal or ceramic. This liner acts as a protective barrier, shielding the chimney and house from the hazardous smoke. When the liner is not sealed all the way up, it can start to cause some trouble.
As tiles expand and contract with heat, you may think that a hairline crack is not a problem; it can be. With every heating of the flue, this crack will expand and allow smoke to pass through its opening. If this continues to happen, problems can arise because smoke is a gas. It expands to fill its container/chimney and any surrounding spaces. Therefore, when the smoke rises through the chimney and passes by a gapped seam in the liner, some of the smoke will spread out into that space and will create soot deposits in an unsweepable area OR a stray ember could actually pass through the crack and ignite the soot and lead to a devastating fire.
Aside from this risk, the acidic nature of the chemicals in the smoke will start corroding whatever material it touches, masonry or not. Over time, this acidic deterioration degrades the strength of the individual materials and of the entire structure, which could lead to partial or complete collapse.
Also, over time if this crack is neglected, the crack will fill with soot and creosote and be prevented from fully closing when the chimney cools. This will exert pressure on the neighbouring tiles and this pressure could cause what I like to call the Domino Effect. Pressure from the cracked tile will possibly crack the tile above or below it, and so on and so on.
The other problem with smoke leaking into the chimney cavity behind the tile liner involves the smoke travelling back into the living space. Smoke contains a variety of harsh chemicals, including carcinogens like creosote and soot. Additionally, all types of smoke have the invisible toxin known as carbon monoxide. In high enough concentrations, carbon monoxide in a living space can cause loss of consciousness and even death in a matter of minutes. The movement of air back into the house can also reduce the strength of the draft and even reverse it with a large enough leak. This is made evident by smoke stains on the hearth or face and around the fireplace from smoke backing up into the house.
Fortunately, all of these problems are preventable by annual inspections during your chimney sweeping appointment. The only way for a chimney inspector to properly determine the state of the liner is with a video scan. Regular inspections only reach as far as the eye can see from inside or from the roof, but a video scan reveals every imperfection. Top to bottom.
Repairs could involve resurfacing the inner liner or replacing a chimney liner with a large-bore stainless steel liner that has been mathematically sized for your fireplace dimensions and height, or installing a fireplace insert with full stainless steel chimney liner attached.
In any of the above scenarios, a cracked or broken flue tile renders the chimney non-code compliant and the system should not be used until addressed with a reparation solution geared to your specific needs and problems.
Contact your local WETT-certified chimney professional to get advice on all your chimney needs.
Is Your Continuing Education Credit Due in 2024? Register Now for the SITE™ Inspection Course!
If you haven't already completed the SITE™ Inspection course, this is the one you must complete for your next continuing education (CE) credit.
The scope of this course is to create more uniformity in inspection activities and reporting. Included in this course are five case studies. Guided by expert instructors, you will be asked to work through scenarios, mimicking an inspection, the process of documenting the inspection through the WETT Inspection™ forms and addressing common challenges. Through actively doing these inspections, you will both gain new knowledge and learn how to apply it.
This course consists of:
a pre-course (one-hour video plus quiz)
the classroom course (two days, plus evening study)
After you register and pay for the SITE™ Inspection course, you will be sent an email with instructions on how to access your pre-course.
You must complete the pre-course at least one week prior to your course start date in order to be allowed to attend the classroom part of the course.
Testing House Pressures
Let’s take a minute to revisit the physics of air flows in houses and chimneys for those new to our membership and the industry. Chapter 6 of the WETT Reference Manual, Section 3.1, covers the “why” behind Temperature Difference Produc(ing) Pressure Difference. Not only that, but it also provides a handy table “Pressure for Various Stack Heights & Temperature Differences.”
Pull out your manual for a quick recap so your learning doesn’t take a back seat!
We’d like to highlight to the membership WETT Reference Manual, Chapter 6 page 25-27 “…an increasingly important skill for wood-energy technicians (is the ability to conduct pressure tests of houses).” This section within the manual guides members through the process with suggested best practices and provides a sample Pressure Test Report.
Pull out your manual for a quick recap so your learning doesn’t take a back seat!
Log in to the Forum to discuss your questions about Conducting a House Pressure Test today!
Another topic of great importance is Make Up Air Supplies, as covered in the WETT Reference Manual, Chapter 6 Section 7. Most modern homes are quite energy efficient, which means that sometimes a home requires a make-up air supply to bring in fresh air to address the needs of the people who use the space and ensure the appliances installed are performing optimally. Review this section and its subsequent case studies to refresh your knowledge.
Welcome your 2024-2025 WETT National Board
The WETT National Board for 2024-2025 was confirmed at our AGM on June 13. Here are your representatives.
From top to bottom, left to right.
Matt Harwood, President; Ian Myers, Vice-President; Martin Aubé, Past President; Zigi Gadomski, Secretary
Pat Cormier, Treasurer; Jason Cramer, Director; Randy Hoeppner, Director; Dalton Hooker, Director
Peter Miller, Director; Ryan Renshaw, Director; Andrew Simpson, Director; Sandy Yorke, Director
What is a WETT Inspection™?
DEFINITION: A WETT inspection™ is the inspection of a solid-fuel-burning system, performed by a WETT-certified professional, for compliance with applicable codes and standards.
WETT (Wood Energy Technology Transfer) is recognized nationally as the self-regulating education body solely responsible for the standards-based education and certification of individuals. There is no national government agency that requires a solid-fuel-burning system to be installed, constructed, serviced or inspected by a WETT-certified professional.
A WETT Inspection™ is, however, a requirement that is being mandated by the insurance industry. The definition, therefore, should be communicated to all stakeholders to avoid the use of non-inspection terminology.
A WETT-certified professional does not and cannot certify, pass, fail or condemn a solid-fuel-burning appliance or system, nor render it (verbally or in written form) safe or unsafe.
A WETT-certified professional does not issue a WETT certificate.
A WETT-certified inspector cannot and should not guarantee that a solid-fuel-burning system will perform in a manner as claimed by the product manufacturer or builder. The inspector’s role is to verify compliance or non-compliance to applicable codes and standards, based on the type of inspection conducted.
Terms and terminology used in the body of the SITE Table are included in the definitions to ensure consistency and correctness.
Every WETT Inspection™ begins with a complete Visual Inspection. A WETT-certified professional, as a policy or a business practice, may choose to do only Technical Inspections. However, WETT requires that the Technical Inspection must include all the requirements of a Visual Inspection (see Technical Inspection Scope: What is required). This principal also applies to Invasive Inspections.
There is nothing to prevent the inspector who has been contracted to perform a specific level of inspection from conducting parts of a higher level of inspection. However, the level of inspection must be clearly communicated and understood. The documentation (report) must state the level of inspection performed.
It is absolutely necessary that members understand the SITE Table, definitions, guidelines and process. Most problems arise because WETT members do not understand or apply these principles when communicating with the client.
WETT 2024 Award of Excellence recipient: Patrick Bourque
The WETT Award of Excellence recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to advancing the objectives of WETT Inc. This year WETT is awarding two individuals for outstanding contributions.
Our second 2024 recipient is Patrick Bourque.
Patrick is a seasoned professional with a diverse background and a profound passion for the hearth industry.
In February 1980, Pat made a significant career move by acquiring A1 Chimney Sweepers, a venture that showcased both his business acumen and unwavering commitment to providing essential services to the community. In 1988 he formed Maritime Fireplaces. Since inception, he worked closely with local fire departments and served on several steering committees, ensuring safety and community needs were paramount.
Throughout the years, he actively participated in the development of the Canadian wood energy industry, collaborating on various initiatives for the Canadian Wood Energy Institute and Wood Energy Technology Transfer Inc. (WETT). His dedication to advancing sustainable energy practices and fostering safe industry growth remains unwavering.
A-1 Chimney Sweepers and Maritime Fireplaces staff have had over 30 years’ volunteer service as Board members and at least 8 years of serving Presidents through the generosity and guidance of Pat. He has always supported WETT, having all his sweeps and wood-product installers certified, at one time earning his company the distinction of having the most certified WETT technicians in one company. His WETT number, old 377, reflects his longstanding commitment to WETT and the industry as a whole. His daughter Sarah’s number is 11381.
Pat also dedicated significant time and expertise to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association of Canada (HPBAC), serving as a board member for several years before ultimately assuming the role of President.
Today, Pat continues to be a driving force in his industry, seamlessly blending experience, leadership, and a forward-thinking vision for a sustainable future. His daughter Sarah is now heading up the company, ensuring contributions continue to shape and inspire positive change within the industry and beyond.
WETT Certification vs. WETT Inspection™
By Cindy Buckle
To completely understand the difference, let’s first answer “What is WETT and what does WETT do?”
Wood Energy Technology Transfer Inc. (WETT Inc.) is a non-profit training and education association managed by a volunteer Board of Directors.
Through professional training and public education, WETT Inc. promotes the safe and effective use of wood-burning systems in Canada.
Objectives of WETT
To develop, maintain, promote and deliver professional training courses within the framework of the Wood Energy Technical Training Program (WETT) for practitioners of trades related to the sale, installation, maintenance and inspection of systems using wood and other biomass fuels.
To maintain a registry containing the names of holders of valid WETT certificates and those who are students under the program.
In accordance with the WETT Code of Ethics, foster and promote among certificate holders the highest level of professional conduct in the delivery of services to the public.
To encourage and promote the safe and efficient use of wood energy through the distribution of public information materials and through collaboration with government agencies and related industries.
To foster and promote research and education in the utilization of wood as a source of energy.
To promote the interests and activities of the members of the organization in a reasonable and legal manner.
To provide a forum for the discussion of issues of importance or interest to the members and to share information and opinions for the mutual benefit of the members.
To carry on such other activities as may, from time to time, be ordered by the Board of Directors of the organization and which are consistent with these objectives.
Through the Wood Energy Technical Training (WETT) program, industry professionals spend many hours to become sufficiently educated to perform their jobs in the field when installing, servicing or inspecting solid-fuel-energy systems. When taking the path to WETT certification, any person who wishes to hold a WETT credential agrees to abide by the WETT Code of Ethics that holds them to a higher standard of performance and professional behaviour.
Individuals who have achieved WETT certification and hold a current, valid WETT certification number may do the following:
Inspect a solid-fuel-burning system.
Report on the condition of the inspected fuel-burning system.
May, but are not required to, provide advice on how to bring the inspected solid-fuel-burning system into code compliance. However, this may require a higher level of certification or training.
WETT Inc. does not certify appliances.
WETT Inc. does not certify an installation of a solid-fuel-burning system.
Manufacturers of solid-fuel-burning systems certify their appliances by test laboratories, like CSA or Intertek.
A WETT-certified individual cannot certify an appliance or an installation.
A WETT-certified individual can only attest to the proper installation of said appliance and chimney according to both Manufacturers’ Written Installation Instructions and the Provincial/National Codes that apply to that installation.
To find a WETT-certified professional in your area to inspect your solid-fuel-burning system, check the Search for Professionals page on our website