[TheForge] Shop heat - hot water heater

[paul]

Hi Don
While you can use a water heater to supply hot water for infloor or 
radiator systems, a gas water heater is not very efficient, 60% to maybe 
85% at very best. If you purchase a higher efficiency condensing water 
heater the cost savings over a small boiler would be negligible. 
Electric water heaters a very efficient, but generally much more 
expensive to operate than gas.
Ron's infrared heaters are a good choice, but might be hard to find one 
for such a small space, and while they are pretty efficient, if your 
head is to close to the IR source, as it might be in a small shop with 
limited ceiling height, it can get uncomfortable.
I like infloor radiant heat systems, but even in a work space vs a 
residence, controls are required to keep the space comfortable. The coil 
temperature has to track the outside air temp to keep the system 
comfortable.
What ever you do, try for super insulated wall, spray or sheet foam, and 
since you have the luxury of a new structure, you might consider duro 
rock or other tile backer type product for the area around the forge or 
welding area. A small spark in between the drywall and the studs could 
be bad news. Years ago my uncle, a plumber, burned down a house that was 
being remodeled, no one lived there at the time but all that took was a 
little ember in a sealed wall... tiny sprig of wood... guess the rest. 
any small spaces can be sealed with fire rated caulk.

Good luck on the new shop

Paul Sperbeck
I'm no Rich Trethuwee, but I have been a plumber since 1968 and no fires...