This may be an unpopular opinion, but I would rather use my fireplace in the winter season to stay warm than central heat… I do have the privilege of living in an part where the winters are mild enough that I can get away with this. Sporadically it will get actually frosty here, but that usually does not last long! Last winter, my nice friend and I had a cold week where my nice friend and I had to turn the central heat on and turn the fireplace on at the same time. I remember laying by the fireplace, with a blanket and numerous layers on! That was a rare occasion. Typically it gets cold here, but not so frosty that you need the central heat to live. I love the fireplace to central heat for several reasons. There is something so great about resting by the fireplace and feeling the natural heat on your skin. I savor to watch the elegant yellow colors of the fireplace and hear the crackling sounds of wood burning. Sitting by the fireplace is a great experience for me. I do not mind the central heat, but the first time my nice friend and I run it there is always a distinct smell that I do not love. I savor the smell of a natural fireplace. I also love the fact that you can save money on your electric bill when you use a fireplace instead of central heat. I love the cozy element of using a fireplace, the smell, the sights, the feel of the warmth on my skin. This opinion is unpopular because several people say that a fireplace is too much work, but you have to get the right type of wood to burn and know exactly what you’re doing so no one gets hurt.