That sounds great.

How / what thermostat did you use? I assume its just on a wall switch?

Yea, it replaces a regular wall switch, and installation was about that easy. Its a line voltage thermostat, specifically a Marley MS26, found on amazon for $10 plus $5 to ship. Temp differential is advertised as 5 degrees, but with the switch fairly close to the fireplace, it acts like 3.

http://ecorenovator.org/forum/attach...1&d=1416245038