small gas boilers are under $1000, are easily obtained at any plumbing
supply. Boilers are more efficient than water heaters.Water heaters are
designed to heat potable drinking water, boilers are designed for space
heating. When you consider the lifespan of a boiler is 4x that of a water
heater, (cast iron vs. thin enamel steel) the boiler is the winner. oh, and
don't forget to replace that anode in your water heater.

Tony

"Greg O" wrote in message
...


"Tony" wrote in message
news
I really don't understand why you are using a hot water heater to run
radiant space heating.


Simple answer? Initial Cost!
A gas water heater can be bought by anyone for around $400. A gas boiler
is
not as easy to obtain, generally you need to buy it from a HVAC company,
unless you have some connections, and a boiler will run $1500 and up,
depending on what you get.
Put the cost of each into the equation and in a moderate climate the water
heater may come out on top!
Greg