When we went looking for a new house to buy, we had different outlooks on it.

• I was more interested in the arts things, and my husband was more interested in the building structure and quality.

I really wanted a fireplace. I have never had a fireplace, and I have always wanted one. I have imagined myself all curled up on a cold night reading a book by the fireplace, with my golden retriever by my feet. No matter that we don’t have a golden retriever! One thing at a time. Well, my husband insisted that a strong heater and modern HVAC system, in fact, is the most important thing related to keeping warm. I really do think that a fireplace can just be used as a heater. I mean, isn’t that what they used to use back in the day? My husband insisted that the reason we don’t still use fireplaces as heaters is because they are energy inefficient and a poor substitute for a furnace. I suppose that may be true, but you never read books about a man and wife curling up together next to the furnace! Anyway, I have looked into it, and even the realtor says that a fireplace is just a feel-good thing to have in a house. It serves no useful purpose at all. I even secretly asked an HVAC professional, and he showed me a study on how much waste there is with a fireplace. So, I guess I will just have to admit defeat and begin to care more about getting a good furnace. A fireplace isn’t a heater, but I still like it.

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