New fireplace

What you see here is something we probably should have done years ago. Our old wood fireplace has today been replaced with a gas fireplace insert. This guy is an Avalon DVS GreenSmart Gas Insert, from North Country Stoves. The installers got this baby stuffed into the old fireplace in a day. Not bad, considering they had to run gas piping all around the house. Anyhow, the fireplace has a remote control, just like a TV. Only one channel, though. You can adjust the flame just like a volume control. Has a fan, and a thermostat, so you can set a temp, and let the fireplace keep the room temp at what you pick. The unit will run with no electricity, either, which for me was the deal maker. I couldn't see the point in getting something that wouldn't keep us warm if the power went out.

My loving wife has desired a gas fireplace for years, and we finally did decide to take the plunge. I really like wood fireplaces, but well, she doesn't. Admittedly, the ash and hassle of storing the wood is something I tend to forget about when thinking wood fireplace. Also, I must admit, even though we had a wood fireplace for what, 15 years, I never once cooked anything in it. So there goes that perceived benefit. Gas it is. I must say, it does look nice, and being able to point the remote at it and fire it up is nice, too. It should be sweet once Christmastime rolls around and it's getting below zero outside. Should have done this years ago, but at least by waiting we got the most energy-efficient unit available at this price range. We'll see if a warm fireplace hearth proves to be a kitty magnet.