[Greenbuilding] question about fireplaces, etc.

[Speireag Alden]

Sgrìobh Bobbi Chukran:

>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.

     Resistance heating is 100% efficient at the endpoint.  It's the 
generation and transmission losses which get you.  If you have the 
option of buying green power, then that might be the way to go.

     Apart from that one, an efficient wood stove with a glass window 
can be very pleasant.  So can a masonry stove with a glass window.

-Speireag.

-- 
A wise man will make haste to forgive, because he knows the true 
value of time, and will not suffer it to pass away in unnecessary 
pain.
--Samuel Johnson, lexicographer (1709-1784)