hot water tank element

[stingry]

So an electric furnace heating a shop or a HWT heating a shop or electric construction heater would all cost the same to heat the space?

No. The electric furnace and the space heater would theoretically cost about the same since they both heat the air and distribute the heated air throughout the heated space. The radiant floor, heated by the HWT, would heat the space by radiation. Spaces heated by forced air tend to lose more BTU's thru the ceiling and walls than spaces heated by a radiant floor. For this reason, a well designed radiant heat system will lose less heat to the outside than a forced air system, therefor making it less costly to operate.


Cheers
Steve

 

[Highbeam]

The cost PER BTU would be the same. How you managed the heat produced could vary.

Thanks alchy. Yes, the cost per btu is the same. With radiant heat, you can often feel comfortable at a lower room temp.