Published publicly on YouTube. Playback remains available here.
Love the North
September 28, 2026
Full Podcast: https://lovethenorth.ca/article/260218-carson-switch-insurance-home-commercial
Carson from Switch Insurance talks about something many Northern Ontario homeowners may not think about until it affects their insurance: the difference between a traditional wood stove and a pellet stove.
In the North, supplemental heat is common. Wood stoves have been used for generations, but from an insurance standpoint they can raise questions around installation, clearances, chimney condition, certification, inspections, and fire risk.
Pellet stoves can sometimes be viewed differently because they operate in a more controlled way, feeding fuel automatically and using a regulated combustion system rather than manually loaded firewood.
The key takeaway is that you should never assume either type of stove is covered the same way by every insurance company.
Before installing a wood or pellet stove, homeowners should talk to their broker and find out exactly what their insurer requires. That could include professional installation, a WETT inspection, proof of certification, photographs, or documentation showing the appliance meets current standards.
It’s especially important in Northern Ontario, where wood heat is often more than decorative — for many homeowners, it is a major part of winter heating.
Carson’s broader message is simple: understand what is actually in your insurance policy before there is a claim. The episode also covers home insurance, fire protection, sewer backup, water damage, contents coverage, and commercial insurance.
Whether you burn firewood or pellets, make sure your heating system is installed properly — and make sure your insurer knows it’s there.
#WoodStove #PelletStove #HomeInsurance #FireSafety #NorthernOntario #Sudbury #HomeHeating #InsuranceTips #SwitchInsurance #LoveTheNorth
Local Businesses