re: Fireplaces in S Louisiana

Wood-burning fireplace = wasted money. The doors are very leaky and the flume is a source of infiltration when not in use. When in use, they send most of the heat up through the chimney. This puts the house into a vacuum as air is displaced up the chimney and increases infiltration throughout the house. Thus, it's typically warm in front of fireplace, but lowers the temperature in the other rooms.

A properly designed and built wood-burner will have sealed glass doors (kept close during burning) with a dedicated fresh air source from outside. They are much more about ambiance and nostalgia than functionality.