jhasit

Understood and makes sense This article argues the inefficiency of one: http://hearth.com/what/more/skip.html Fireplaces have long been a staple of North American households. Builders find it difficult to sell a new house without one. Yet the mythological attraction of cozy fireplaces rarely translates into reality. Most fireplaces are difficult to start, smoke, create unpleasant cold drafts, and cause a number of other unseen problems of which the homeowner is often unaware. In most homes, conventional wood-burning fireplaces are between -10% and +10% efficient. They supply little if any heat to the house, particularly with cold outside temperatures.

Like the title ask b/c I don't understand. From what I can tell ALL Houston homes, apartments and townhomes built in the 70's, 80's and even 90's have a chimney. There is one month a year (maybe) where you may think about lighting one up. I don't want to hear architecture of the day excuse b/c everyone knows they leak, attract birds, cause foundation issues, take up valuable space... Why?

Now we know where Hubert Vo made his money...he's a slumlord...I wish the Chronicle would investigate more of his properties. http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nb/ali...ws/5670538.html

The 8 br, 9 full ba, 23000 sq. ft. palace located on 31 W Rivercrest off Briar Forest. It's been under contruction for years but now for sale at $4.7 million. Where did the Tx State Rep Hubert Vo get his fortune??? Jim