Oil and fuel prices are skyrocketing, and more and more people are turning to wood-burning systems to heat their homes. While cheaper than oil, wood-burning stoves and fireplaces also bring with them a greater risk of fire. If you currently heat your home (completely or partially) with wood, it is in your best interest to have your system inspected by an Aero Wood Energy Technical Transfer (WETT) specialist.
Does my insurance company require a WETT Inspection?
Most insurance companies do require a WETT certification. You could be denied insurance, or end up with a claim the insurance company won’t pay out if you have damage related to a wood-burning appliance that hasn’t been regularly inspected.
A WETT inspection by a certified Aero technician ensures your wood-burning appliance, insert, or fireplace is installed and operating correctly. In addition, it certifies that your unit poses no threat to your home and family. An Aero WETT inspection report also helps guide you to properly maintain your wood-burning appliance or fireplace, to make sure your family is safe and healthy, with less risk of fire.
Get a WETT inspection, or you’re “playing with fire”
While most home and strata insurance policies require a WETT inspection at some regular interval, if you’ve lived in your home for a while without getting a WETT inspection, you may be in for some trouble.
Andrew Simpson, owner of Aero WETT inspection services, is a WETT certified inspector. “Ignoring the maintenance of your fireplace or wood stove is, quite literally, ‘playing with fire,’” he says. “Many homeowners love to ignore their chimney, fireplace, and stove maintenance, especially if they’re not using these features as the main source of heat for their home.” This, he says, can lead to an expensive, dangerous, and avoidable disaster.
WETT inspection necessary, even if not “required”
The danger of ignoring these seldom (or frequently) used wood-burning appliances is that it could lead to a chimney or stove fire that causes significant damage to your home, or even loss of life. And if a claim is made to the insurance company, the policy may not cover the damage, Simpson warns.
“As a certified WETT inspector, I can ensure your wood-burning appliance, insert, or fireplace is installed and operating correctly,” Simpson explains. “The most important thing about these inspections is that they help ensure your unit poses no threat to your home, health, and family.” And it’s also a good investment financially, too. “Required or not, you really don’t want to find out after a fire that your insurance company won’t cover the damage,” he says.
Make sure your family— and home— is safe and healthy, with less risk of fire. Contact Aero for a WETT inspection of your wood-burning fireplace or stove today. You’ll also get a fair quote to arrange for any necessary maintenance or repairs if the WETT inspection identifies them, and a recertification once these are complete.
