I just purchased a condo that has two fireplaces, one in the Living Room and one in the master bedroom. While the one in the Master Bedroom works great, the one in the Living Room seems to have a problem with an initial downdrafting of cold air. When the fire is set, smoke will puff out into the room unless the doors are closed. However, once the fire gets going, it seems to reverse itself and the draft heads upwards. This doesn't solve the problem, though, because the draft then seems too strong and pulls up on the flames allowing little heat to emanate out into the room. In addition, the initial downdraft makes it difficult to light a natural wood fire. Only a fire made with a durflame-type logs can be created. I'd appreciate any input or advice. And by the way, the chimney was swept in November and the Living Room fireplace has only been used a handfull of times.

I would like to remove the interior wall of my fireplace and would like to know the best way. I live in the south where it is only cold enough for a fireplace a few days a year, even though it is still very common to build them as the focal point of our living rooms. I would prefer to use this area as an entertainment alcove, where the TV can be placed, leaving most of the firplace brick exposed as architectural interest. Since I cannot completely remove the chimney visible from the outside, due to our townhouse rules, I want to know how to remove the interior of the three walls.