Most all inserts have blowers- it's how they get the heat into the house.

I converted a fireplace to an insert and am easily heating the entire house with wood- this is my third winter doing so.
That said, it was an investment as you will also need a stainless steel liner to ensure that the insert burns correctly, efficiently, and safely. My entire insert, install, and minor chimney repair ran me around $3200- I got a Pacific Energy brand insert. There are other good brands- it depends somewhat on your fireplace dimensions.

First you need to have your setup examined by a pro to see what is actually possible. While you are waiting for that get over to The Hearth Forums and pick their brains. Those guys can help with anything and many are installers themselves and are a world of information. There is a lot to consider, so I would read and learn all this season and opt for a summer/fall installation.

If you even remotely think you are going to do this start stockpiling wood now. Have correctly seasoned wood goes a long way towards a safe efficient burn and you cannot start too early or gather too much. Almost every new burner out there has a sad story to tell about their first year being annoying because of the poorly seasoned wood available to buy, or not having enough.

Go read the forums!
It is an active place and the advice is good.

Here is a link that might be useful: The Hearth Forums