FAQ

• Always enable the maximum electric and gas heating available. This reduces energy consumption.
• Don’t “whack up” the desired room temperature high if you’re cold. Always set it to a comfortable room temperature otherwise you’ll waste energy (getting too warm and having to open windows).
• Comfortable room temperature shouldn’t be shorts and t-shirt temperature. Wear a gillet or cardie and set the room temperature a couple of degrees lower to save energy.
• If you don’t use hot water at night, set the system to ignore hot water demand and save energy.
• Seasonally bleed air from the heating fluid and always ensure vents in cabinetry are unobstructed top and bottom. This reduces energy consumption.

From 12 VDC

The system is very dynamic, so the draw from the leisure battery fluctuates a lot. For off-grid planning, assume the heating will draw around 1 A from the leisure battery whilst active.

When the system is shutdown, parasitic drain is around 80 mA.

From 230 VAC

Although mains electricity in the UK is nominally 230 V, in reality its median is more like 240 V. That’s roughly:

• 1 kW = 4.8 A
• 2 kW = 9.5 A
• 3 kW = 14.3 A

It depends on the design and insulation of the vehicle, how cold it is outdoors and of course, how much power you have available. Power is heat.

These days most vehicle manufacturers aim for about an hour to reach comfortable room temperature from a cold start.

You can heat your vehicle over the winter but if you aren’t staying in it, is it worth the cost?

It’s your choice though. Hooked up to mains electric on the driveway, you could set the desired room temperature to 10 °C and 2 kW electric heating. Regularly check the interior for condensation and rodent infestation, and note that it’s likely some compartments won’t be frost protected.

• The heating fluid in your Alde heating system is consumable and it needs replacing when its corrosion protection expires. Alde-approved antifreeze products are magenta in colour and have a 5-year life.
• Bleeding air from the heating fluid occasionally will improve efficiency.
• Seasonally inspect the boiler’s flue hoses. They should be secured, undamaged, and clear of obstructions.
• If staying in the vehicle for 10 or more days, remember to replenish the air cushion in the boiler.
• Remember to drain the fresh water before freezing weather sets in. When draining, ensure the red breather valve isn’t scaled up.

Refer to the operating instructions for your heating system.

The law may require your vehicle has an annual service, especially if used as an annex to a permanent dwelling, for hire, or as a workplace.

Imagine a 24-hour clock face and it’s much easier than you think.

Yes, use your Alde system completely as normal. No harm will result, there are no heating elements in the hot water cylinder to burn out.

Simply set the desired room temperature to about 15 °C on the control panel. This is low enough to prevent the central heating from circulating most hours of the day and night in the summer. Hot water is unaffected.