The Alde 3020 Compact HE combi boiler is heating technology designed for the fresh challenges and rigors of the UK weather.
The 3020 Compact is a wet central heating and hot water system based on the same principles as that found in a modern home. It's powered by gas (LPG) and/or electricity (230 V).
The convectors and radiators in the heating circuit are located around the perimeter, drawing cool air from floor height, heating it so that it rises to ceiling height. The air flows downwards as it cools, is drawn in and heated again, creating air circulation. Vents in the floor and roof keep the air refreshed.
As part of a well-designed heating circuit, the 3020 Compact boiler will create a pleasant sense of natural warmth in your living space, with no hot or cold zones.
The heating system its self has anti-freeze in it so does not need to be drained down in the winter, however, the water boiler will need to be drained to prevent frost damage, this can be done by flipping the yellow drain down valve to the vertical position.
The main menu is along the top of this control panel and starts with the on and off selection. To enter the menu, press the right hand arrow button and the Off/On word will flash. To swap from Off to ON, press the +on button or the -Off button and the selection on screen will change. To action your selection, press the left hand arrow button to come back out of the menu and the selection will stop flashing and the selection will be activated.
Temperature
Press the right hand arrow until the thermometer symbol is flashing. The current temperature setting will appear in the center of the screen. Press the + or - button to select the temperature you require, to set the new temperature press the left hand arrow twice to come out of the menu. The new setting will be shown in the center of the screen below a picture of a small house.
Hot Water
To enter the hot water menu, press the right arrow three times (you're getting the idea) until the tap symbol is flashing. Select on or boost, which will boost the hot water and stop the heating from working for 45 minutes, and then press the left hand arrow three time to exit the menu and action the change.
Energy input
Gas
Select the flame symbol so that it is flashing and press on to operate the gas system.
240v
There will be an isolation switch somewhere in the caravan which will have to be on to allow the system to work. A plug symbol is visible on the home screen when 240v is present. Scroll across to the box situated next to the flame icon and select either 1kw, (one lightning flash) which will be fine for non heating and occasional washing up duties or 2kw (2 lightning flashes) which will be the preferred setting for heating the caravan and using the shower.
On cold days when the water in the van starts at near freezing and the caravan is cold, I would recommend using the gas setting with the 2kw setting on 240v to get the systems up to temperature quickly. Once the desired temperatures are reached, turn the gas off and just use the 240v system to save on gas.
There is a sub menu along the bottom of the screen, refer to the handbook for a run down on the features such as timer and settings.
The new control panel, pictured below, gives a touch screen experience that we are now all used to.
To switch the system on press the button in the bottom left hand side of the control panel. The screen will light and a green light will appear on the button. Press the menu button and the above screen will be shown.
Heating
The temperature that you want the caravan to be can be set by pressing the plus and minus buttons at the top. The system is not calibrated so 15 may not give 15 degrees, it is a case of trial and error until you know what number suites your comfort level.
Hot Water
The buttons below the temperature will turn on the hot water, for normal use, say for washing up and one shower, press the plus button once and half the triangle will go dark. For extended shower use press the plus button again and the triangle will go completely dark. This will boost the hot water and stop the heating system for a length of time to allow the system to put all its power into the hot water. (For extra power put the gas on in conjunction with the 240v.)
Power Input
The third buttons down control the 240v power input. There will be an isolation switch somewhere in the caravan which will have to be on to allow the system to work. A plug symbol is visible on the home screen when 240v is present. 1kw will be fine for non heating and occasional washing up duties, 2kw will be the preferred setting for heating the caravan and using the shower, some caravans are equipped with 3kw but care has to be taken with this level to insure the park does not trip out. If this level of heating is required I would recommend using the gas along side the 2kw setting.
Gas
The flame button in the bottom left of the screen operates the gas, and will turn blue when on.
On cold days when the water in the van starts at near freezing and the caravan is cold, I would recommend using the gas setting with the 2kw setting on 240v to get the systems up to temperature quickly. Once the desired temperatures are reached, turn the gas off and just use the 240v system to save on gas.