London WETT Connect
The Ontario Wood Heat ROI Calculator
Estimate whether switching to a wood stove could save money compared with natural gas, electric baseboard, or propane heat in Ontario.
The Real Cost of Heating in Ontario
Delivery charges, changing energy rates, home efficiency, and winter weather all affect heating costs in Southwestern Ontario. Some rural and suburban homeowners compare wood heat with their existing system to improve resilience or reduce purchased-energy use.
But does heating with wood actually save you money? The answer depends heavily on your current primary heat source, actual winter bills, delivered cord price, appliance efficiency, and installation and maintenance costs. Use recent bills and local written quotes rather than a generic market average. The calculator compares fuel estimates only; it does not promise a payback period. If you are planning a new appliance, first check your installation footprint with our Ontario Wood Stove Clearance Calculator.
Comparing BTUs: Wood vs. Modern Alternatives
From a raw British Thermal Unit (BTU) perspective, locally sourced firewood is one of the cheapest fuels available. However, gas and electric furnaces offer complete automation. Heating with wood is a lifestyle choice that requires physical labor: buying, stacking, moving, and loading the wood, as well as managing the ash. Before you shop for an appliance, use the Wood Stove BTU Sizing Calculator to estimate the output range your actual room or heating zone needs.
The financial math shifts dramatically in your favor if you own acreage and have the ability to fell, buck, and split your own firewood. If you can eliminate the cost of buying True Cords from a local supplier, your heating costs effectively drop to the price of chainsaw gas and your own elbow grease. If you are buying wood locally, use the Firewood Cord Volume Calculator to verify what you actually received.
Factoring in the Hidden Costs
To make an accurate financial decision, you must factor in the maintenance costs of a wood-burning system. Wood exhaust systems require strict regulatory upkeep. You will need to budget for:
Inspection and Cleaning
Ontario requires regular chimney and flue inspection, with cleaning as often as necessary to remove combustible deposits. Start with our chimney sweeping and fireplace safety guide.
WETT Inspections
Often requested by insurers or during real estate transactions. Learn why the term WETT Certificate is usually a myth.
Insurance Premiums
Your home insurance provider may increase your premium slightly for having a primary solid-fuel burning appliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my insurance company allow me to install a wood stove to save money?
Yes, but almost all Ontario insurance providers will require a passing WETT Inspection report (often mistakenly called a "WETT Certificate") before they authorize coverage for a new wood-burning appliance. The installation must strictly adhere to the CSA B365 clearance codes, including the minimum distances estimated in our wood stove clearance calculator.
How many cords of wood does an average house use in a winter?
For a standard 2,000 sq ft home using wood as a primary heat source in Southwestern Ontario, expect to burn between 3 to 5 True Cords per winter. This depends heavily on your home's insulation, the efficiency of your stove, and the severity of the winter. If you are comparing delivery sizes, our true cord calculator can help confirm the volume.
Are modern wood stoves more efficient?
Absolutely. Modern EPA-certified wood stoves use "secondary burn" technology, which re-ignites the smoke and exhaust gases at the top of the firebox. This extracts significantly more BTUs out of every log, drastically reducing the amount of wood you need to buy each season. Even with better combustion, monitor buildup carefully and review the 3mm creosote fire hazard rule.
Make Sure Your New Stove Is Insurance-Compliant
Before you rely on wood heat, book a WETT inspection to confirm the installation, clearances, chimney, and appliance setup meet the requirements your insurer expects.