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Bob, I moved into a really run-down old farm house about 7 years ago. It had a wood burning stove that was vented into a masonry fireplace with a masonry chimney. I removed the wood burning stove and eventually installed central heat and air. I was interested in burning wood in the fireplace, but first I hired a chimney sweep to come out and inspect the chimney. He STRONGLY advised against burning in the fireplace since the chinking was missing throughout the height of the chimney. Rather than spend what would have been necessary to fix the chimney, I chose to have it capped at top and bottom, and I installed a vent-free propane insert. I like the appearance of the insert, but it provides no heat to the room and I can smell the burnt propane to some extent. I also have a propane stove in the kitchen. The amount of odor from the insert is about the same as the odor from the stove. If you don't mind the odor, the vent free insert might be pretty good for you. I don't remember the brand right now. I bought it at Home Depot. Good luck, Tom in TN
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