Kestenholz: All good points.

The alternative (for drinking water concerns)is to run 1 heater for hot water and another for heating. It's almost the same price and since they take up so little space (tankless) it's not a bad idea.

Any other advice is welcomed.

Kestenholz: All good points.

The alternative (for drinking water concerns)is to run 1 heater for hot water and another for heating. It's almost the same price and since they take up so little space (tankless) it's not a bad idea.

I'll look into the boiler.

Any other advice is welcomed.

Dear Inter,
The best hydronic system I've installed is the Weil-McClain gv series boiler with an Amtrol Hot Water Maker. The water heater runs off the boiler and has a recovery rate of 120 gal. per hour. The boiler burns 95% efficent and my customers tell me they cannot run the water heater out of hot water. Do a search for both companies and you will get the info you need.
Later, Len