We were lucky enough to have a fireplace in our Brooklyn apartment, but with kids underfoot we rarely used it. When we did, we usually used Duraflame-type logs. We're in the 'burbs now and have space to store firewood, but I got to thinking -- which is better: Duraflame-type logs or real firewood?
The short answer is: neither. I did some web searching, and found two relevant articles in the Ask Umbra archives. The first basically answers the question of which of the log types are better (they're both bad for the environment -- the column says it's best not to use the fireplace at all and explains why), but it also addresses the question of whether it's better to use a fireplace or wood stove to heat a house or to use the central heating system (the heating system is more efficient). However, if you do want to use your fireplace, a second column offers advice about which wood burns the best.
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