Owner Support · Alde heating guide

Alde Heating Guide, Fault Codes & Troubleshooting

A practical owner guide to using, maintaining and troubleshooting Alde wet central heating systems in motorhomes, campervans and caravans.

Contact our workshop Call 01392 241504

Overview Controls Fault codes Common faults Maintenance FAQs

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Complete Campers Service Centre

Alde heating advice from our motorhome and campervan workshop in Paignton.

AldeWet central heating

GuideControls, settings and use

FaultsCommon problems explained

PaigntonTorbay & South Devon

Alde heating is different from many blown-air heating systems. Instead of simply pushing warm air through ducts, Alde uses a boiler to heat a glycol fluid mixture, which is then circulated around the vehicle through pipework and convectors. The result is a steady, comfortable heat that feels similar to domestic central heating.

This guide explains the basics of Alde heating, common control settings, typical fault messages, likely causes of poor heating or hot water, and simple owner checks before booking a workshop inspection. It is written for motorhome, campervan and caravan owners who want clear, practical advice without getting lost in technical language

Understand how Alde wet central heating works
Common Alde faults and possible solutions
Fault-code guidance in plain English
Maintenance advice for glycol, pressure and winter use

Wet Heating

Glycol fluid circulates through pipework and convectors.

Hot Water

Many Alde boilers also provide domestic hot water.

Gas & Electric

Systems can run on LPG, 230v electric hook-up or both.

Maintenance

Glycol condition, air locks and pressure all matter.

Using your system

Alde heating controls explained

The control panel fitted to your vehicle may vary depending on age and model, but the main functions are usually temperature, hot water, energy source and circulation settings.

Main control

Panel

Alde Control Panel

The Alde control panel is used to set room temperature, hot water, electric power level, gas operation and other user settings.

Set the desired room temperature
Select hot water mode where fitted
Choose gas, electric or combined operation
View warnings and fault messages

Energy

Gas, Electric or Both

Alde systems can often run on LPG gas, 230v electric hook-up, or a combination of both for faster warm-up.

Electric is useful on campsite hook-up
Gas is useful when touring away from hook-up
Combined mode can improve warm-up time

Circulation

Circulation Pump

The circulation pump moves heated glycol around the system. If it fails or traps air, some areas may stay cold.

Pump noise can indicate air or wear
Cold convectors may suggest poor circulation
Correct pump speed and settings matter

Fault guidance

Common Alde fault codes and what they mean

Fault messages vary between Alde models and control panels, so always check the correct manual for your boiler. The guidance below explains the common themes behind many Alde warnings.

Gas fault

Ignition

Gas Failure / Ignition Failure

The boiler has tried to light on gas but has not confirmed a successful flame.

Check the gas bottle is not empty
Check the isolation valve is open
Check gas has reached the boiler after bottle change

230v

Electric Heating Not Available

The system may be set to electric heating, but the vehicle may not have a suitable mains supply.

Check electric hook-up is connected
Check the site supply has not tripped
Reduce electric kW setting if supply is limited

12v

Low Battery Voltage

The boiler and control panel need a stable 12v supply. Low leisure battery voltage can cause faults or poor operation.

Check leisure battery charge
Check charger is operating
Check battery condition if faults repeat

Heat

Overheat Warning

An overheat warning can occur if circulation is poor, the pump is not moving glycol properly or the system has air trapped inside.

Allow the system to cool
Check glycol level in the header tank
Book an inspection if it returns

Sensor

Temperature Sensor Fault

The system may not be reading temperature correctly due to a sensor, panel or wiring issue.

Check whether the displayed temperature looks realistic
Check obvious damage around the panel
Professional diagnosis may be required

Fluid

Low Glycol or Poor Circulation

Alde systems rely on the correct glycol mix and level. Low level, degraded fluid or air locks can reduce performance.

Check the expansion tank level when cold
Look for signs of leaks
Bleeding may be required

Important: Fault messages should be checked against the correct Alde manual for your specific boiler and control panel. Gas, electrical and boiler repairs should be carried out by competent professionals.

Troubleshooting

Common Alde heating faults and possible solutions

These are the types of issues owners commonly experience. Some checks are simple, but repeated faults, gas concerns or leaks should be inspected properly.

Alde heating not getting hotCheck the room temperature setting, energy source, 230v hook-up, gas supply and whether the circulation pump is running. If the boiler is hot but convectors are cold, circulation or air locks may be the issue.

Some radiators or convectors are coldThis often points towards trapped air, poor circulation, low glycol level or balancing issues. Bleeding the system may help, but persistent cold spots should be checked.

Alde hot water not workingCheck that hot water mode is selected, the boiler contains water, the energy source is available and the system has had time to heat. If the heating works but hot water does not, further diagnosis may be needed.

Heating works on gas but not electricCheck the electric hook-up supply, RCD, fuse, control panel kW setting and site power limit. If the supply is good, the electric element or control side may need testing.

Heating works on electric but not gasCheck gas bottle level, regulator, isolation valve and whether other gas appliances are working. Do not dismantle gas parts. Book a gas-safe workshop check if the problem continues.

Alde pump noisy or gurglingGurgling or rushing noises can be caused by air in the system, low glycol level or pump wear. Check the expansion tank and arrange bleeding or inspection if it continues.

System losing pressure or glycol level droppingLook for signs of leaks around pipework, convectors, boiler area and expansion tank. Falling fluid level should not be ignored because poor circulation can cause further problems.

Alde heating slow to warm upWet heating can feel slower than blown air, but very slow warm-up may be caused by low electric power setting, poor circulation, air locks, low glycol or incorrect pump settings.

Care & maintenance

Alde heating maintenance advice

Alde heating systems perform best when the glycol, circulation and boiler are kept in good condition. A little preventative care can avoid cold trips and costly faults.

Essential

Glycol

Check Glycol Level

The expansion tank should be checked when the system is cold. The level should sit correctly between the markings for your system.

Low level can cause poor circulation
Repeated topping up may suggest a leak
Use the correct Alde-approved glycol specification

Fluid age

Glycol Replacement

Glycol protects against frost and corrosion. Over time it degrades, so replacement should follow Alde guidance and the coolant type fitted.

Old glycol can reduce corrosion protection
Incorrect fluid can cause system issues
Record the date and coolant type used

Air locks

Bleeding the System

Air trapped in the system can cause cold spots, noise and poor heating performance.

Cold convectors may indicate trapped air
Gurgling noises can be a sign
Bleeding should be done carefully

Winter

Winter Storage

Protect the fresh water side of the system and follow correct drain-down procedures before freezing conditions.

Drain fresh water if storing in frost risk
Check glycol protection strength
Do not assume heating protects every pipe

Pre-trip

Pre-Trip Checks

Run the heating before a cold-weather trip rather than discovering faults on site.

Test gas and electric operation
Check hot water operation
Check for leaks and unusual noises

Workshop

Professional Inspection

Book a workshop check if you have repeated errors, gas ignition problems, leaks, circulation problems or old glycol.

Heating diagnostics
Glycol checks and advice
Fault investigation at our Paignton workshop

Owner tip: Alde systems often feel very comfortable once warmed through, but they can take longer to heat a cold vehicle than a blown-air system. Start the heating early, use the correct energy source for the situation and check the glycol level before winter touring.

When to contact our workshop

1Repeated Fault MessagesIf the same warning keeps returning after basic checks, the system needs proper diagnosis.

2Poor CirculationCold convectors, pump noise or gurgling can point towards air, glycol or pump issues.

3Gas or 230v IssuesGas and mains electrical faults should be inspected by competent professionals.

4Maintenance DueIf the glycol is old, unknown or contaminated, arrange advice before relying on the system.

Paignton workshop

Alde heating help in Paignton

Complete Campers Service Centre is based at Unit 13 Torbay Business Park, Woodview Road, Paignton, Devon TQ4 7HP.

Our workshop supports motorhome, campervan and caravan owners from Paignton, Torquay, Brixham, Newton Abbot, Totnes and across South Devon. If your Alde heating is not working correctly, losing glycol, showing fault messages or struggling to heat the vehicle, contact us with your vehicle details and a description of the issue.

Alde heating FAQs

Common questions about Alde wet central heating systems in motorhomes, campervans and caravans.

Ask us a question Call 01392 241504

Why is my Alde heating not working?

Common causes include incorrect control panel settings, no gas, no 230v supply, low leisure battery voltage, low glycol level, air locks, circulation pump issues or a boiler fault.

Why are some Alde radiators or convectors cold?

Cold areas often suggest trapped air, low glycol, poor circulation or balancing issues. If bleeding and level checks do not solve it, the system should be inspected.

How often should Alde glycol be changed?

This depends on the glycol type and Alde guidance for your system. The important point is to know what coolant is fitted, when it was changed and whether it still offers proper frost and corrosion protection.

Can I run Alde heating on electric only?

In many vehicles, yes, provided you are connected to a suitable 230v hook-up and the electric power setting is appropriate for the supply available. On low-amp sites you may need to reduce the kW setting.

Why is my Alde pump noisy?

Pump noise can be caused by air in the system, low glycol level, pump speed settings or pump wear. Gurgling noises often suggest air or circulation issues.

Does Alde heating also provide hot water?

Many Alde boiler systems provide both space heating and hot water, depending on the model fitted. The boiler must contain water and the correct hot water setting must be selected.

Should Alde heating be serviced?

Alde systems should be maintained in line with the correct manufacturer guidance. Glycol condition, leaks, air locks, pump operation, gas operation and hot water performance should not be ignored.

Need help with your Alde heating system?

If your Alde heating is not working, losing glycol, showing fault messages or struggling to heat your vehicle, contact Complete Campers Service Centre in Paignton.

Contact our workshop Call 01392 241504

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Alde Heating Guide, Fault Codes & Troubleshooting