This was part of my childhood in South Australia, too. The winters aren't as brutal as those in North America, but sub-zero temperatures in an under-insulated h

This was part of my childhood in South Australia, too. The winters aren't as brutal as those in North America, but sub-zero temperatures in an under-insulated house needs heating wherever you are. Firewood is certainly a PITA and I can't stand the smell of woodsmoke, but I still feel that fireplaces produce much more pleasant heat than any modern system. Plus there's much to be said for the ambience of a flickering fire.