What is the Alde heating system?
The Alde “wet” heating system fitted to caravans and motorhomes is loved by owners, many saying they would never go back to a “blown air” system. It operates in the same way as a household central heating system creating hot water for your taps and heat for your radiators. But importantly, instead of using water to carry the heat around the “radiators”, Alde uses a specific Heating Fluid.
There are a number of reasons for this;
It protects the heating system from freezing so you don’t need to drain and fill the heating system, (though you must still drain down the hot water system so the boiler is not damaged by the fresh water freezing).
Prevents corrosion of the boiler and pipework so the system remains efficient.
Conducts the heat more efficiently.
AntiFreeze Blue or Pink?
As the heating fluid ages it becomes less effective and means that your system could be at risk of permanent and expensive damage.
When first built, most caravan and motorhome manufacturers will fill the system with heating fluid that will degrade and require changing after two years, this is the Blue fluid.
The system can be refilled with fresh Blue heating fluid which will then require changing again in two years, but Alde recommend that the original Blue fluid is replaced by a specific Pink heating fluid that lasts for 5 Years.
Whilst the Blue heating fluid is cheaper than the Pink, the cost of changing the Blue fluid twice in 5 years far outweighs the extra cost of the Pink fluid that is changed once in the same period.
It is not required to use Alde's own heating fluid, any fluid that meets the "G13" standard can be used.
Incidentally, for topping up purposes, a system filled with Blue fluid can be topped up with Blue or Pink fluid, but a system filled with Pink should only be topped up with Pink.
How is Alde heating fluid changed?
A special arrangement of pumps, valves and hoses supplied by Alde are used to complete a fluid change.
New heating fluid is pumped into the system which pushes out the old. Once all the old fluid is pushed out, the valve positions on the Alde tool are changed and the new fluid is then circulated around the caravan pipework at high speed to remove any air trapped in the system. After 15 minutes of running, the system may be bled at high points to ensure its air free.
After removal of the pump and pipes, the reservoir is topped up and the system run up to check even heat output.
How much does a fluid change cost?
This will vary depending on who carries out the task. We charge £250 including Alde approved pink heating fluid for a regular system.
What can happen If I don't get the fluid changed?
In the worst case scenario, when the inhibitors in the heating fluid become weak, the boiler can corrode to the point where it fails and will no longer work.
This is a super expensive item to replace. Parts of the system may no longer work (for example 240v heating) You may find that heat transfer is less effective or that fluid leaks into your vehicle from corroded pipe connections.
How do I know what fluid I have in my system?
If you have a look inside your Caravan or Motorhome you will find the header tank situated behind a panel with a viewing window. The colour of the heating fluid should be visible between the Min & Max marks. If it's had the newer pink fluid change there should be a sticker, pen note or tag to indicate the next replacement date.
How do I arrange to get my heating fluid changed?
Start by giving us a call on 01513740804 or email us at kamperbitz@gmail.com
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