It took almost an entire year, but finally I got to use my brick fireplace! I live so far down south that occasionally a whole year will go by with no frigid weather at all, then our winters tend to be undoubtedly short and mild, which is why so multiple “snowbird” senior citizens flock here in the Winter months.
I purchased this apartment partially because it had a lovely brick fireplace in the sunken living room, however call it crazy if you must, but this is something I have constantly wanted. I lived here for 11 months before the two of us got our first frigid snap, and you better believe I got that fireplace blazing every single night the temps were low. I turned off the central furnace, and then cracked a window to let in a breeze. The fireplace catches so much faster if there is a crossbreeze to feed the flames. After a couple thirds I noticed how frigid the rest of the apartment was. The fireplace kept the entire room toasty and warm, but had no effect on the bedrooms or lavatorys. I had to turn the furnace back on, because I was too frigid to go pee! The following few mornings I built a fire every night, but this time I left the furnace on, just for the side rooms. I suppose it seems crazy to run the furnace while using the fireplace and having a window open, but so what? I won’t get to use the fireplace for another year, so I want to enjoy it while I can.