Traditional fireplaces are large brick-lined enclosures with a chimney extending through the roof a structure.  Fireplaces often have elaborate brick or rockwork or other aesthetic features.

Fireplaces in cold climates

The traditional fireplace design is not efficient for cold climates because heat flows directly out the flue.  Furthermore, if the fireplace is installed on an outside wall of a structure, half the brick is exposed to the outside and heat will radiate through the brick and out of the home. 

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Heating Appliance Use Survey This project observed actual patterns of wood heating appliance use at twelve homes in Fairbanks to quantify the amount of wood heating compared to other heating sources.