jhasit

The energy crisis of the '70s caused a huge interest in using alternative heating methods, influencing many people to install fireplaces or woodburning stoves in new residential construction. This practice had more validity in colder climates, but Houston participated in the national trend.

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