The traditional fireplace is a notorious heat sink, Jerry, sending more heat up the chimney that it radiates out into the room.
It can also spew smoke and spit sparks into the living space.
But folks who love fireplaces have found modern materials and technologies that avoid these problems. Here's a "tehnical rant" from a fireplace afficianado.
Living in a state that's 85 percent forested, I'm a huge fan of wood heat. I live in a house heated exclusively by wood. In the winter, we cook with wood (kitchen cookstove) and dry our clothes on racks set up by the woodstoves. In spring, we spread the ashes in the gardens to raise the pH of our soil.
For the sake of efficiency, safety, and versatility, I much prefer an EPA-certified stove that's sized, located, and installed by a professional. Mos of them are sleek and attractive, and many have glass doors that allow fire-viewing.
The traditional fireplace is a notorious heat sink, Jerry, sending more heat up the chimney that it radiates out into the room.
It can also spew smoke and spit sparks into the living space.
But folks who love fireplaces have found modern materials and technologies that avoid these problems. Here's a "tehnical rant" from a fireplace afficianado.
Living in a state that's 85 percent forested, I'm a huge fan of wood heat. I live in a house heated exclusively by wood. In the winter, we cook with wood (kitchen cookstove) and dry our clothes on racks set up by the woodstoves. In spring, we spread the ashes in the gardens to raise the pH of our soil.
For the sake of efficiency, safety, and versatility, I much prefer an EPA-certified stove that's sized, located, and installed by a professional. Mos of them are sleek and attractive, and many have glass doors that allow fire-viewing.