Propane can be very expensive during the colder months and unless you buy your tank, you will be at the mercy of the company who owns the tank as to what they can charge per gallon to fill it, as well as when they fill it.

I have propane, (cooking and cloths dryer) and tank rent was $35 a year, and when I didn't fill it for quite some time (it was a bigger tank) the company then wanted to charge me a $65 low usage fee on the tank too. I ended up buying a used tank and can now purchase the gas from anyone at anytime I please.

Does your gas company have a monthly charge, regardless of whether or not you use any gas? Does the $3000 maybe take into account buying a smaller used tank?

Do you intend to use the fireplace all the time as a main source of heat, or only occasionally? I see you are located in the PacificNW. I'm not familiar with just how cold or windy it gets there.

I would consider gas costs aside from the initial installation costs.

Sue