newbie questions about installation & buying used

[MotoGuzzi]

First, thanks for a great forum. I've been reading posts for quite a while. I've spent some time searching and haven't been able to find a similar post, so please redirect me if the questions below are findable elsewhere.

My fireplace has a gas burner installed. Chimney swept/inspected a little less than 2 years ago. I haven’t burned anything other than candles in the fireplace for years. I’m interested in putting in a gas insert w/ blower fans but have been hit by sticker shock. $3000 to $5000 for an insert and $500 to $1000 for installation.

House was built in 1948 with fireplace in living room with chimney running up center of the house.

I did fire up the gas burner last weekend and left it on for a few minutes before shutting the gas line off again.

Now to show my true colors…I’m a closet cheapskate. (My friends would laugh that I’m not fooling anyone). I’d really prefer to do work myself but it is very hard to find a resource that tells what the proper steps are. I assume that is because every installation has its own nuances.

Can I just buy a second hand B-vent insert and connect the existing gas flex line? If the gas burner vented up the chimney, will the B-vent need a liner installed extending up to the roof? Are second hand purchases only ok if equipment has mfg & p/n label in tact?

If I should hire the install out, how do I go about finding an installer in the Seattle area? My assumption is that the local fireplace stores only want their installers working on equipment they have sold.

 

[webbie]

There are not a lot of second-hand gas units around - very little reason people would be selling them, so that's a tough market.

Small Direct-Vent inserts starting at about 1500 here
http://www.efireplacestore.com/gas-fireplace-inserts.html?sf=0#pagingContents

With B vent or D-vent inserts, you do have to line the chimney - but those materials are inexpensive. You are somewhat correct that you may be able to just replace the gas line with a flex connector and then hook it to the insert - you do need to have an easily accessible shut-off valve, though.

So, with a value insert and all the materials you can end up at less than 2K new......

 

[MotoGuzzi]

Great information. thanks for the quick reply. I do see a fair number of used units on Craigslist out here in Seattle.
John