Alde Heating Systems Servicing, Repairs & Installation
within 50km radius of 16390 St Severin, Southern Charente
The Leisure Vehicle Artisan (France) is proud to be an Alde-certified service agent. All repairs and servicing to the Alde 3010 and 3020 heating system boilers and accessories can be carried out to your motorhome, caravan or horsebox with the full back up of Alde UK.
The Alde central heating system is a hydronic system, with the same heating principle as in most of our homes. The heat source comprises an LPG boiler with a 230-volt immersion heater, which heats a liquid mixture consisting of water and glycol. Hot glycol water circulates around the system through radiators and pipes by means of a pump.
The convectors that are placed along the outer walls heat the air. This then rises and heats the walls and furniture. Since hot air rises, an air barrier is formed in front of the window, which keeps the chill off. When the warm air reaches the ceiling, it circulates down towards the floor and is reheated by the convectors.
The hot glycol water is much the same as that used in your car or motorhomes radiator and cooling system. It is a mix of glycol-based concentrated liquid (more commonly known as “Antifreeze”) that you mix with deionised water. As the name suggests, antifreeze prevents the glycol water from freezing in sub-zero temperatures. Anti-freeze also has corrosion inhibitors and biocides to help prevent scale build up and corrosion in the boiler and radiator system and improving heat transfer from the hot glycol water to the radiators.
After the first 2 years, Alde recommend replacing the blue antifreeze/glycol water in the system with a 5-year G13 spec product (usually magenta in colour) and thereafter every 5 years. G13 spec is backwards compatible. This must be done with the Alde Service pump kit to ensure a full system flush and to eliminate pockets of trapped air. The Leisure Vehicle Artisan (France) has invested in the Alde Service pump kit to provide the best care possible for your system.
Contrary to perhaps popular opinion, it is the anti-corrosive properties of coolant that start to degrade before the anti-freezing properties. This is why that in order to prevent internal corrosion, the glycol water requires changing at least at the specified intervals. G13 contains some silicate additives for that additional healing aluminium protection. This is contrary to some earlier specifications that use OAT-technology (Organic Acid Technology).
Services for Alde Heating Systems
During a Habitation Service of any Leisure Vehicle fitted with an Alde Heating system, the basic operation and safety fitments are thoroughly checked as part of that Service. However The Leisure Vehicle Artisan (France) can assist when systems go wrong or when it is time to replace the hot Glycol Fluid. The following two additional service options will help keep you system functioning and in good internal health
The Alde systems are very reliable, but when it does go wrong, a full fault diagnosis and rectification service of Alde heating systems is available to return your system back to full functionality
Full coolant flush, renewing the glycol antifreeze and deionised water on a 50:50 mix and flushing out any contaminants with the old glycol fluid. This is carried out using the Alde Service pump kit to ensure that the full system is flushed through and the system is bled and free pf air-locks. For reasons explained above the system should be flushed at the 2-year point and if long-life antifreeze is used, every 5 years thereafter. The 2-year flush is likely to be part of any new caravan/motorhome warranty Terms and Conditions, the 5-year part of any pre-owned warranty Terms and Conditions.
Upgrades for Alde Heating Systems
There are a number of useful upgrades that can be done to the Alde heating systems, all of which will enhance the user experience
For users with an older control panel for Alde Compact 3010, they can now update to the latest model, 3010 613.
An installation frame is included for those customers who upgrade from the older LCD panel 3010 213. For those upgrading from the black and white control panel 3010 413, only the vertical installation dimension of 10 mm needs adjusting.
Alde Smart Control. The app which makes life easier for those with an Alde heating system. It lets you do the following:
- Switch the control panel on/off.
- Set the desired temperature.
- Switch the hot water on/off/boost (“off” only for 3020).
- Switch the electric element on/off, and select the output.
- Switch LPG operation on/off
- Battery alarm via SMS.
- Temperature alarm via SMS.
- Additional outputs for controlling e.g. a fridge or alarm.
Alde Battery backup is used to retain the control panel settings when the vehicle’s main switch is off, or when the battery is disconnected or removed. Requires 2x AA batteries (not included). For control panels 3010 413 / 613 and 3020 113.
Alde Outdoor sensor with 2.5 m cable for measuring outdoor temperature. The temperature is indicated on the control panel display. For control panels 3010 213 / 413 / 613 and 3020 113
Alde Load monitor is used to limit power consumption of the caravan or motorhome when on electric hook-up It automatically reduces the output of the electric element in the boiler in stages if the load is too high, e.g. if a coffee maker or kettle is switched on. This stops the hook-up power pillar being tripped Cable length 6 m. For control panels 3010 213 / 413 / 613 and 3020 113.