[Ironhorse]

GOPOPA, okay, now I understand the situation more clearly with "the rest of the story" as the saying goes. Yup, the open gas fireplaces do more for just "the look" than actual heat. If and that's a big IF you like the fireplace I believe I would look into a wood burning insert or stove if you have the room. Pellet stoves have their features but along with everything else it seems the cost of pellets has gone up also. If you have the wood available to you I would think a true wood burner would have the advantage altho there is a bit of clean out and chimney maintenance along with cutting and splitting. With the wood stove you get the added feature of maybe a pot of beans, chili or stew sitting there simmering thru the day. Plus it's a constant coffee cup warmer for those cold days also.