Homemade radiant heat

[Lindauer]

So I am building a small garage and installing a small bathroom. Dimensions are 6'x11' with 10' ceilings. Since i live in and area that can dip below freezing in the winter,I am only going to heat this small room consistently at around 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Call me crazy here but I have an idea for my electric water heater. I am thinking since it's only 660 cubic foot of space of using my hot water heater as a boiler. I want to add a recirculation pump that I can control via switch to a small radiator such as an older style baseboard heater. I will also install shut off valves with the supply a d return lines for everyday seasonal use. I usually run my water heaters higher than stand 120 degrees. Now I dont think I will keep it at 140 degrees as most boilers..


Has anyone done something like this or have any pointers

 

[Fitter30]

3.41 btu's per watt
3500 element 11,935 btu's
Most electric wh only use one element at a time
14.6amps at 240 vac
Use a line voltage t stat to operate the pump
With a 40 amp size 240 vac breaker and wiring and wh change could run both elements at the same time. Boiler anti freeze has to be used if needed. It is rated for slush or freeze both will give you protection from breakage. 30% minimum for the aditive package. 50% max delution.
Show me your piping diagram or a draw one. Going to need a expansion tank, air removal , t stat and pump

 

[Sponsor]

 

[RetiredInGueydan]

With such a small area, why wouldn't you use an electric baseboard heater?

 

[Reach4]

With an electric water heater, I think you would be better off just using a thermostatically-controlled electric heater. If you had a gas water heater, then it might be worthwhile getting heat from the WH.

 

[Lindauer]

Thanks for all your replies. I figured water hester would be more energy efficient and I like to tinker is why I was wanting to use the water heater

 

[Reach4]

Thanks for all your replies. I figured water hester would be more energy efficient and I like to tinker is why I was wanting to use the water heater

Resistance room heaters and conventional water heaters are both considered 100% efficient.

Heat pump water heaters can post numbers higher than 100%, but they are taking heat from the room. That would not help if your aim is to heat the room.