As we all know Ondol has been the most efficient and comfortable heating system of the rural residence in the Northeast of China for hundreds of years. But recently, through field survey, it was found that some country people replace the Ondol with homemade heating blindly. The result of this replacement is that heating effect of residence in winter is worse. And at the same time, it aggravates air pollution and increases heating payout. According to our real situation of energy sources reserve, environmental pollution and economic income of rural people, it is not only inpractical but also unreasonable, that in the northeast of China Ondol is replaced by homemade heating completely in winter. Ondol has its unique heating and hygienic efficacy. And it stands for cultural tradition and life custom of the country's cold areas. So we should improve Ondol combining resident structure and material. And it can make the Ondol system flourish with vigor and promote sustainable development of the country's traditional Ondol residence.

• Shi Jun Sun(School of Architecture, Harbin Institute of Technology) Corresponding author
• Yong Yang(Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Heilongjiang Institute of Science and Technology)
• Yun Duo Zhao(School of Architecture, Harbin Institute of Technology)