Construction costs are currently skyrocketing

The heat reaches the adjoining room (kitchen) less effectively, so we are considering whether we should buy a stove fan.

If you want, you can have our stove fan. It works well and does not need electricity/battery. We no longer need it in the new house. :)

First of all, I want to apologize if my comments came across as stupid.

You are, of course, right and touch on a sensitive point in my argument. With our whole way of living, we consume more resources and burden the climate more than large parts of humanity.

Nevertheless, individual decisions can make a difference in specific cases. A heating method that is as environmentally, climate- and health-friendly as possible should be a desirable goal, if necessary with government support. Unfortunately, the opposite is currently happening in some cases.

All good. I also believe that everyone should try to heat as environmentally friendly as possible. Ideally, of course, with an air-water heat pump or something similar. But I find having my own fireplace especially in these times to feel like a sense of independence. That one still pays attention in everyday life to eat little meat (and if so, almost always organic) or uses public transport instead of a car is obvious to me. You just have to look at everything, and then everyone can choose what hurts them the least and thus protects the environment. But one thing is clear, which you also mention: Currently, heating the 280m2 millionaire villa with gas is subsidized by the taxpayer. The more gas you use for heating, the more money you get back. Actually absurd. That’s why I can well understand that the current situation is not satisfactory from a climate policy perspective. Because who buys an electric car or the organic meat I mentioned with the current electricity prices? Only those who can currently afford it. And many simply cannot.

Such nonsense.

I grew up in a house that was almost exclusively heated by the stove in the kitchen.

Of course, heating only with a fireplace would be too much work for me as well. It is to be considered as an additional heater. Especially for the afternoons/evenings and the mentioned coziness

I hauled wood from the forest for years, sawed, split, and stacked it.

Keeps you fit and you don't get fat ;)

My father once got his hand caught in the log splitter years ago and lost a thumb, the index finger was reattached and is so-so now. I know the problem with other rooms and refueling all too well. And the other problem is that the house cools down if no one is there during the day to constantly reload.

That’s how it is in old buildings. But in new buildings hardly at all. Even at sub-zero temperatures.

That's why there is now a second stove in the living room of the house so that it is cozy in the evenings.

I like making fires and am also thinking about making the sauna with a wood stove (if it ever comes...). But that’s all for the fun area. For living, I want a heating system that I don't have to constantly babysit.

Yes, exactly the topic of independence is playing an increasingly important role here!!

So generally, you can say that anyone who says something "against" heating with a fireplace here has never had one in the house/apartment.

Nope, we have one at my parents' house, my in-laws have one too. I still don't want it. I do find the warmth quite pleasant, that's not the issue. But when it comes to fine dust and so on, I don't want that for myself. Personally, I don't feel like I'm massively restricting myself because of that, but okay. I also find the idea "it always works in a pinch" quite appealing, but if we're honest, you wouldn't just use it during a power outage ;)

We have built and are currently blowing all our savings on consumption and vacation

are happy with it

When it comes to killing arguments, the topic should be closed. I could also say now "Anyone who doesn't drive a new car has never had one and doesn't know what they're missing"... But what good would that do? I recommend driving through Czech villages near Peterswald on a cold winter day. A lot of wood is burned for heating there and it smells awful. I used to be on business there often (yeah yeah, to save on tolls) and had a headache every time I arrived at the destination.