Question
Can I use tap water to mix with my antifreeze to add to my Alde Heating System?
Answer
No - Only deionised water should be used. Tap water should be avoided whenever possible as it can cause corrosion.
Question
Why do I have to replace my Antifreeze in my Alde System?
Answer
After its recommended lifespan, the qualities of the fluid will degrade.
The qualities of the Alde G13 antifreeze are;
1. Antifreeze - at a 50/50 ratio it can perform down to -34C;
2. Coolant - The Alde Heating system is a balanced controlled system, the coolant is vital in removing the heat away from surfaces.
3. Corrosion Protection - Very important to keep your system running at it's optimal performance.
4. Bacterial Protection -This prevents microbe activity building up in your system. As the fluid degrades down to a 27% ratio then the antifreeze & coolant loses its quality which will result in cooling issues. At 20% ratio there will be bacterial growth where micro-organisms can build up in your system resulting in a fishy/rubbery smell in your system. At 10% ratio there is 100% chance that there will be bacterial growth!
Question
Why does my Alde system smell of fish / have a rubbery smell?
Answer
This is a result of too low concentration of the antifreeze fluid. If the levels get down to 20% concentration then the protection is very low and micro-organisms will build up in the system causing this smell. The only option to rectify this is a total flush out of the system. Alde do provide this service at their Wellingborough Workshop or your contact your local dealer.
Question
Why use Alde G13 Antifreeze, isn't there a cheaper option?
Answer
Alde G13 Antifreeze is a very high quality antifreeze mixed in the optimum ratio for your Alde Heating system. If you decide on a cheaper option then you will likely not receive the optimal performance from your system.
The qualities of the Alde G13 antifreeze are;
1. Antifreeze - at a 50/50 ratio it can perform down to -34C;
2. Coolant - The Alde Heating system is a balanced controlled system, the coolant is vital in removing the heat away from surfaces.
3. Corrosion Protection - Very important to keep your system running at it's optimal performance.
4. Bacterial Protection - This prevents microbe activity building up in your system. Weak antifreeze mixtures of less than 20% will have microbe growth resulting in bad smells.
Question
Can I mix blue & red Alde antifreeze?
Answer
The colour of Antifreeze is not important as you can have the same antifreeze but be two different colours. Thus, in theory the colour is not relevant. However, we would never recommend mixing two different Antifreezes together. What would likely happen is a chemical reaction between the antifreezes which would nullify the quality of them. This would then potentially damage your Alde system. Alde G12++ or Alde G13 can be added to any system and will not react with the antifreeze currently in your system.
Question
What is the difference between Alde G12++ Antifreeze and Alde G13 Antifreeze?
Answer
The Alde G12++ is exactly the same as the Alde G13 but the method of creating the G13 liquid is more environmentally friendly.
Question
What is Alde G13 antifreeze?
Answer
This is 50% silicated (OAT) Organic Acid Technology antifreeze and 50% deionised water. This is the optimum mix for your Alde System.
Question
I keep getting Overheat Red on my Alde Heating system control panel?
Answer
This is likely that you have a too strong ratio of the antifreeze or too weak. We recommend replacing the antifreeze well within its lifespan with Alde G13 antifreeze. If you leave it too long then the antifreeze will degrade resulting in overheating issues. Also, if you have mixed the antifreeze with water yourself and the ratio is more than 65% then this again will result in overheating issues.
Question
What happens if I put too much Alde antifreeze into my Alde Heating system?
Answer
If you put more than required (more than the minimum level) then the excess fluid (Alde Antifreeze) will drain from the expansion tank to the outside of the vehicle.
Question
When Will I Need To Swap The Antifreeze In My Alde System?
Answer
On a new van, the antifreeze used has a 2 year lifespan. We recommend changing it with Alde G13 Antifreeze after that point which has a 5 year lifespan.
Question
How much antifreeze is in my Alde system?
Answer
There is a total of about 14 litres in your Alde Heating system.
Question
When will my Alde Heating system need topping up?
Answer
On a new van after a month of use there is a good chance it will need topping up as air leaves the system. Ensure then system is showing that the Alde antifreeze level is at the minimum level when cold. To check for air, run the pump continuously for an hour and then bleed all the radiators.
Question
How do I top up my Alde antifreeze?
Answer
You can tip more Alde antifreeze into your system via the expansion tank, normally located in a wardrobe.
Question
I have an Alde 3030 fitted in my new motorhome. Do you have any tips?
Answer
Here is some important information that you should know:
- Do not run the system dry, empty of antifreeze solution. The boiler will be damaged beyond repair.
- Do not use greywater or desalinated water in the fresh water system. Only use potable drinking water to avoid corrosion of the stainless steel.
- Do not use a sterilising or winterising chemical in the fresh water system unless it is suitable for use with stainless steel. Puriclean by Clean Tabs is recommended.
- Do not rely on the central heating to prevent the fresh water from freezing, even if living in the vehicle. Always drain down for winter unless the vehicle is explicitly stated to be self-winterising.
- Do not mix incompatible antifreeze. Either top up with the same spec antifreeze, or use VAG G12++ or G13 Spec.
- Do not use hard water to mix the antifreeze solution. Deionised water is recommended.
- Do not dispose of antifreeze in any way except in accordance with PPG19, it is against the law.
- Do not open the bleed screws whilst the circulation pump is active. Air may be sucked into the system.
- Do not obstruct the air vents in the boiler compartment. The thermal fuse might cut out.
- Do not use gas heating whilst driving. Even with a crash sensor regulator fitted. Gas heating must be off when pulling into a fuel station.
- Do not rely on gas heating at high altitude. LPG combustion and performance is impeded above 1500 metres by the Laws of Nature. 3020 boilers in 2017 leisure vehicles have a High Altitude Mode on the control panel.
Question
I am thinking of installing an Alde 3030 boiler. What general maintenance and consumables are there?
Answer
The vendor should provide a maintenance schedule, though the following can be assumed:
The ethylene glycol antifreeze is a consumable and will need replacing before its protection expires. Most UK OEMs use silicate-containing antifreeze with 2-year protection from new.
Seasonally inspect the boiler's flue hoses. Check that the hoses are still secured and undamaged, and that they're clear and unobstructed.
When in constant use, completely drain and refill the fresh water system once a month.
Safety and emissions tests should be carried out in accordance with local codes and regulations.
Question
What antifreeze should I use with Alde boilers?
Answer
Most of the caravan/motorhome manufacturers in the UK supply their vehicles filled with 2 year antifreeze. This is normally blue; however please check with your manufacturer.
If topping up your system, or replacing the fluid in your system, we advise the use of Alde G13 spec antifreeze as this is backwardly compatible with any pre-existing antifreeze in your system. The main benefit is that it has a 5 year corrosion/frost protection, saving you time and money in the future.
The fluid in your system should be a mix of 50% antifreeze and 50% deionised water. This will provide optimum protection down to -37°C. (The strength of your fluid can be tested with a refractometer or hydrometer).