A Regency CI2700 wood insert typically costs about $4,000-$5,500 for the appliance and $6,500-$10,500 installed, depending on the dealer, chimney condition, and installation scope. A new liner, masonry repairs, or a difficult fireplace opening can raise the quote substantially.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CI2700 insert | $4,000 | $4,750 | $5,500 | Appliance price before installation |
| Standard installation | $2,000 | $3,000 | $4,000 | Labor and ordinary setup |
| Chimney liner | $900 | $1,400 | $2,200 | Stainless-steel liner, depending on length and access |
| Typical installed project | $6,500 | $8,200 | $10,500 | Before major masonry or code repairs |
What a CI2700 insert costs with standard installation
The CI2700 is a large catalytic wood insert designed to fit an existing masonry fireplace. Appliance pricing commonly falls around $4,000-$5,500 before tax, delivery, and installation. Retail quotes depend on dealer pricing, included trim, and whether a blower or other accessories are part of the package.
For a straightforward replacement or installation with a serviceable chimney, a realistic project budget is $6,500-$8,500. Projects requiring a new insulated liner, additional hearth protection, or more complicated installation can reach $9,000-$10,500. Significant chimney rebuilding is usually quoted separately and can push the total higher.
For budgeting, use about $8,200 as a practical installed midpoint, not as a guaranteed dealer quote. This estimate assumes a typical U.S. labor market, a compatible masonry fireplace, standard installation access, and no major structural repair. Assumptions: standard trim, ordinary delivery distance, functioning masonry chimney, and no extensive code upgrades.
Which parts of the dealer quote add to the total
An itemized quote helps show whether the insert, liner, and installation are priced separately or bundled. Confirm whether the listed appliance price includes the blower, surround, delivery, and sales tax. Some dealers package labor and materials together, so a line-item quote may not be available for every task.
| Quote item | Typical price | Pricing basis | What can change it |
|---|---|---|---|
| CI2700 appliance | $4,000-$5,500 | Per insert | Dealer, trim package, and included options |
| Stainless-steel liner | $900-$2,200 | Per chimney run | Length, insulation, diameter, and access |
| Installation labor | $1,200-$2,800 | Per project | Crew size, fireplace fit, and removal work |
| Hearth or surround changes | $200-$1,200 | Per project | Clearance requirements and finish materials |
| Delivery and removal | $150-$600 | Per visit | Distance, stairs, and old insert disposal |
| Permit or inspection | $50-$400 | Per jurisdiction | Local requirements and inspection fees |
These ranges are planning estimates, not a fixed national rate. A liner is often the largest variable after the insert itself. Some chimneys need a full-height insulated liner, while others require extra work to adapt the flue or address deterioration. Ask whether the liner price includes insulation, a top plate, cap, and connection to the insert.
Separate appliance, liner, labor, and disposal charges before comparing two quotes. A low headline price may exclude required installation materials or work that another dealer includes.
How fireplace size and chimney condition change the price
The CI2700 needs to fit the existing fireplace opening and meet the manufacturer’s clearance and installation requirements. Opening dimensions, firebox depth, and the shape of the masonry can affect the surround, installation time, and whether modifications are needed. A tight or irregular opening may mean extra fitting work rather than a simple slide-in installation.
Chimney height is another direct cost driver. A liner run around 15-20 feet may fall near the lower end of the liner range when access is uncomplicated. Runs longer than about 25 feet, unusual flue dimensions, or difficult roof access can add several hundred dollars or more. An installer must confirm the liner diameter and configuration against the appliance instructions and the existing chimney.
Chimney condition can matter more than the insert price. A sound flue with no major masonry defects may need cleaning and a liner. Cracked masonry, a damaged crown, deteriorated firebox, or unsafe clearances may require separate repairs. Depending on scope, masonry work can add $500-$3,000 or more; extensive rebuilding is not included in ordinary installation estimates.
Measure the fireplace opening and have the chimney inspected before treating a dealer estimate as final. A site visit can identify fit problems and safety repairs before the insert is delivered.
How many labor hours does a CI2700 installation take
A standard installation commonly takes a crew of two about 4-8 hours on site, assuming the fireplace is accessible and the chimney is ready for a liner. Labor charges may be built into a package or effectively run about $75-$125 per technician-hour in markets that itemize time.
Removing an old insert, hauling a heavy unit through a narrow home, installing a long liner, or adjusting the surround can extend the visit to a full day. A second appointment may be needed if chimney cleaning, masonry repair, or a permit inspection must happen separately. Confirm whether the quote covers removal and disposal of the old appliance.
Installation is specialized work involving clearances, venting, and connection to the chimney. The installer should follow the appliance manual and applicable local requirements. A lower labor quote is not comparable if it omits liner installation, required protection, or commissioning checks.
Ask how many installers are included, what tasks the labor charge covers, and whether a return visit costs extra. These details help distinguish a genuinely lower price from a quote with exclusions.
What CI2700 projects cost in different U.S. markets
Local labor, dealer availability, travel distance, and permit rules influence the installed price. In smaller markets with nearby installers and uncomplicated jobs, quotes may be roughly 5%-15% below the national planning midpoint. Remote rural addresses can cost more when a crew has to travel farther or arrange special delivery.
Large metropolitan areas and higher-cost coastal markets may run about 10%-25% above the midpoint, particularly when labor demand is strong or access is difficult. These are broad comparisons, not fixed regional tariffs; nearby towns can have different dealer and labor conditions. The appliance price may also vary by dealer even when installation rates are similar.
Seasonal scheduling can affect availability more than the sticker price. Late summer and fall are busy periods as homeowners prepare for colder weather, and some dealers book installation weeks ahead. Scheduling during a quieter period may make it easier to secure a convenient date, but a discount is not guaranteed.
Compare at least two local, itemized quotes using the same liner length and installation scope. Regional comparisons are useful only when the quoted work is equivalent.
When liners, repairs, and delivery push the bill higher
A stainless-steel liner is commonly required when the existing chimney setup is unsuitable for the insert. Depending on flue height, insulation, and access, budget about $900-$2,200 for liner materials and installation. Ask whether the price covers a cap and other connection components, rather than assuming they are included.
Additional charges may include chimney sweeping, typically around $150-$350; old insert removal, around $150-$500; or delivery, often $150-$600. Actual fees vary with weight, distance, stairs, and disposal arrangements. If an existing insert is difficult to disconnect or remove, the dealer may price that work after inspecting it.
Hearth extension or surround changes can add about $200-$1,200 for ordinary alterations. More substantial masonry or firebox repairs are priced by the contractor and may run into several thousand dollars. If the project requires a permit, local fees often fall around $50-$400, though some locations have different processes or charges.
Have the quote identify repairs as required, recommended, or optional. A documented inspection helps prevent optional finish work from being confused with safety-related work.
How a CI2700 compares with repairing or replacing an insert
If a home already has a compatible wood insert, a repair may cost less than full replacement. Common service calls or minor repairs can run about $150-$500, while blower, gasket, or other component work may range from roughly $200-$900, depending on parts and diagnosis. A catalytic component or other major repair can cost more, so compare the repair estimate with the unit’s age and condition.
A new insert from another product tier may have a lower appliance price, but it still needs a compatible fireplace, appropriate venting, and professional installation. A lower-cost insert might reduce the equipment bill by $500-$1,500, while a premium model can add a similar amount or more. Ask for installed totals rather than comparing appliance-only prices.
Replacing a damaged chimney liner or repairing masonry without replacing a functioning insert may be the more economical scope when the appliance remains serviceable. Conversely, repeated repairs and poor operation can make replacement more practical. A qualified inspection can help distinguish an appliance problem from a chimney or installation issue.
Compare the cost of repair plus any near-term work with the full installed replacement price. A repair quote is most useful when it names the failed part and identifies any remaining safety or performance concerns.
Which choices can lower the installed CI2700 price
Keep the project scope to necessary work. If the existing fireplace surround and hearth meet requirements, retaining them can avoid finish expenses. Do not omit a liner or safety repair that the installer identifies as required; instead, ask for the reason, relevant specification, and a separate price for each item.
Compare quotes from dealers using matching assumptions: CI2700 model and options, liner length and insulation, removal, delivery, permit handling, and cleanup. A written scope makes it easier to identify whether one quote excludes a necessary part. Ask whether an existing suitable liner can be inspected and reused, but do not assume it is compatible.
Scheduling well ahead of the cold season can improve appointment choice and reduce rush pressure. If the dealer charges separately for delivery or removal, ask whether combining those tasks with the installation changes the fee. Check the local permit requirement before work begins so that a missed inspection does not create a return-trip charge.
The safest savings usually come from avoiding unnecessary upgrades and comparing identical installation scopes. Skipping required venting, clearance work, or inspection can create costs and safety risks later.