We heat our house with a wood pellet stove. It is on 24-7 from roughly Oct - April.
I just LOVE it. I sit in front of it with the lights off & watch the flames flicker & get toasty warm. Company always fights for the seat that gets the most warmth.
We installed the stove in the fireplace opening. I don't miss the fireplace. Smoke, carpet burned by sparks, bugs & spiders in the firewood, & the draft....
I love pulling up to the house after work in the dark.... seeing the flames glowing in the living room. I just KNOW my house is toasty warm inside.
The only thing I miss about the fireplace is hearing the snack, crackle & pop of the logs; & being able to roast marshmallows.