Fireplaces, Heating Stoves, Flues and Chimneys - ballpark estimate for installed gas insert

I was just reading a couple of threads here where someone recommended a direct vent natural gas insert for a fireplace. That's something we have been considering for the future: we like the idea of our wood-burning fireplace but realistically are not likely to use it. An insert should give us most of the "atmosphere" much more efficiently and conveniently enough to use frequently. While I like to do almost everything myself, I stay away from gas, so I probably need to hire someone for the whole works

While it's being brought up, can someone familiar with them provide considerations I need to pay attention to and give a ballpark estimate (Boston area rates) on having one installed? Do they require a chimney liner or will it work if it's good enough for wood? Our water heater is in the basement below the fireplace, so we already have gas lines close by but not to the fireplace itself. We are already all gas (heat, hot water, cooking): should that be good, or are we at all likely to run into capacity issues? What else am I not considering? Is there a rough price range I should expect for all this?

I have a "tin" chimney fireplace in a townhouse that I have never used, but it looks like it was functional recently.

While at a fireplace store I asked for a casual "ballpark" price for a very good unit (possibly larger than I need or want). The installation would be on the bottom level of a split entry townhouse with the gas supply on the opposite side.

Heat n' Glow (spelling?) installed - appears to be a good unit
80% efficiency
Very nice front
Good logs
Thermostat
Remote control
Fan

They had some other brands that had a slightly lower list price, but this was on "special", so the "extras" were included.

The price installed was about $2600 (I think). That included running gas, and the appropriate chimney for a direct vent installed in my chimney. The salesman was familiar with the existing type set-up I had, which is common, cheap and short lived since it is not real masonry. They assume a flat $800 gas line installation cost (included) and claim to be able to do it almost anywhere. - I explained that there was no reasonable route (even for a mouse) since everything was finished, there are beams cutting access and a stairway to get around, over or under (concrete floor). He said they will look at it before any papers were signed. There would be no extras if they could install (guaranteed price essentially). If they could not do it, they would not make the sale. All gas work in my area muct be done by a licensed installer (local ordinance and townhouse association rules).

This outfit sells a lot of units. I do not know what would be possible if you have a gas source right next to the fireplace. Common sense says you could save some money on the installation when you let the installer know you are serious and not just a shopper.

I will be putting something in before winter and assume the summer may be a good time to get serious about buying.

I am getting a unit to provide a little better comfort in that area at certain times of the day during the winter. In the winter, my lower level is within 2 degrees of the upper level, but late in the evenings it is not as comfortable because the upper level does not need the furnace setting that high. I do not anticipate much of a gas increase (never over $100/mo for heat, hot water, gas grill and monthly service charge for 1500 sf for the 3-4 winter months in Minnesota).

The 80% efficiency of the fireplace inserts is reasonable, but not as good as a high efficiency 90+ gas furnace. I just put in a new 80% furnace because I could not justify the installation and operating cost of a 90+ furnace for my unit. Your rate structure and home configuration may be different.

Make sure you have proper venting - or you are dead!

Dick