[Greenbuilding] question about fireplaces, etc.

[Bobbi Chukran]

Hi all,

We finally got our large green-built home sold (not terribly easy, 
but it wasn't on the market long, thank goodness) and now I'm 
mourning the loss of my high-efficiency woodburning stove/fireplace 
with built-in shelves and mantle I had at the old house.  Our new 
house has no fireplace whatsoever, so I'm starting from scratch.

The issue, of course, is pollution from wood smoke, my allergies, 
etc.  I'm looking for an easier, less expensive GREEN 
option...looking at plug-in electric fireplaces, gas burning ones 
(vented and non-vented) and even saw some interesting new gel fueled 
ones.

I know that resistance heating is not very efficient at all, and I'm 
assuming that most of the electric ones out there use that, but maybe 
I'm wrong.

Basically, it's a design/focal point thing, and a little heating 
during the winter wouldn't be bad, either.

Any ideas?  Comments?

Thanks!

bobbi c.
Leander, TX