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Aqua-Hot Heating System Antifreeze
Terms
Antifreeze and Boiler antifreeze. These two very
different. Boiler anti-freeze is intended for use in boiler systems and
has a different chemical composition than antifreeze intended for RVs,
automobiles and trucks. Camco has pink RV Plumbing and RV Freeze Ban
antifreeze in addition to their pink boiler antifreeze; be sure to use
the boiler antifreeze in your Aqua-Hot system.
Antifreeze and coolant
These terms are typically used interchangeably. Aqua-Hot heating systems use boiler-designated antifreeze that is rated GRAS — Generally Regarded As Safe.
GRAS
This is the Federal Drug Administration term for Generally Regarded As Safe. GRAS is the term to look for on antifreeze products. Anything else is likely to be harmful if swallowed.
Freeze Point is the temperature ice crystals will start to form in the antifreeze solution.
Burst Point is the temperature where damage will occur to the coach.
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Types Of Antifreeze In Aqua-Hot Heating Systems
Propylene Glycol Boiler Antifreeze In 2002, Aqua-Hot changed the system design and in 2003 systems started using Propylene Glycol-based boiler antifreeze rated Generally Regarded AS Safe (GRAS).
All Aqua-Hot Systems manufactured after 2002 must use Propylene Glycol antifreeze,
including Hydro-Hot™, Aqua-Hot 250P™, Aqua-Hot 250D™, Aqua-Hot 375D™, Aqua-Hot 375LP™,
Aqua-Hot 400D™, Aqua-Hot 400P™, Aqua-Hot 450D™, Aqua-Hot 525D™,
Aqua-Hot 600D™, and Aqua-Hot 675D™. DO NOT use Ethylene Glycol or Propylene Glycol automotive antifreeze in these Aqua-Hot systems.
Ethylene Glycol Antifreeze Ethylene glycol
antifreeze is toxic, does not have the GRAS label and is not suitable
for an Aqua-Hot system manufactured after 2002. Ethylene glycol was used
in pre-2002 Aqua-Hot systems with the exterior domestic hot water loop
design. Ethylene glycol can be used in these pre-2002 systems, as well
as GRAS-labeled propylene glycol boiler antifreeze.
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Why Does The Aqua-Hot System Use Boiler Antifreeze?
Unlike automotive antifreeze, boiler antifreeze has a higher
boiling point and higher viscosity that helps lubricate the system, as
well as the rust, scale and corrosion inhibitors. When properly used, it
is capable of efficient and high heat transfer.
Aqua-Hot heating systems use either the Camco (pink color) or the
Century (green color) brand products. The color your system has depends
on the coach manufacturer and the model year of your motorhome.
What Brands Of Boiler Antifreeze Are Recommended For Aqua-Hot Heating Systems?
Aqua-Hot heating systems typically use either the Camco (pink color) or the Century
(green color) brand products. The color your system has depends on the
coach manufacturer and the model year of your motorhome. TIP: Don't mix
colors in your Aqua-Hot system. Mixing pink and green boiler antifreeze
produces a brown color that maybe confused with corrosion, creating
unnecessary service expense.
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How Do You Confirm Your System's Antifreeze?
You can check the antifreeze color by looking at the expansion
bottle for your Aqua-Hot heating system or draining a little from the
drain valve. Aqua-Hot heating systems typically use either the Camco (pink color) boiler antifreeze or the Century (green color) brand products. The color your system has depends on the coach manufacturer and the model year of your motorhome.
Where Do You Buy Boiler Antifreeze For Your Aqua-Hot System?
Camco pink boiler antifreeze is available directly from Aqua-Hot as well as most RV dealers. Century green is available directly from Aqua-Hot.
How Do You Check Your Aqua-Hot Boiler Antifreeze Fill Level and Percentage of Propylene Glycol?
Antifreeze Fill levels are visually checked at the
expansion bottle when the Aqua-Hot system is warm and level; the proper
fill level is at the HOT line.
Run your Aqua-Hot system to operating temperature. When it is warm
and the coach is level, visually check the Aqua-Hot expansion bottle to
see if the antifreeze solution is at the HOT mark. This gives you a true
indication of the Aqua-Hot antifreeze solution level.
Check the percentage of propylene glycol antifreeze solution in your
Aqua-Hot system with a calibrated coolant/antifreeze refractometer.
Water will evaporate from the boiler antifreeze mixture over time,
concentrating the antifreeze mixture and changing the ratio in the
system.
The Aqua-Hot antrifreeze solution should fall between 35% and 50%
propolyne glycol boiler antifreeze to water. Too much antifreeze lowers
the heat transfer capability, causes sticking check valves in the
heating zone lines and may coat the system's interior surfaces resulting
in lower water and interior cabin temperature levels. DO NOT exceed 50%
propylene glycol in an Aqua-Hot system.
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Antifreeze Discoloration
Discoloration of propylene glycol antifreeze solution may occur
during normal operation of the Aqua-Hot system. This discoloration does not indicate a malfunction of the Aqua-Hot system or the antifreeze solution.
The following conditions may cause the antifreeze solution in your aqua-hot to change color:
Exposure of the antifreeze solution in the Aqua-Hot boiler tank to air
It is important to keep the overflow bottle filled to the proper
level*. If the Overflow bottle is empty, it must be refilled and
the tank must be bled of air*. Air in the Aqua-hot boiler tank may
cause the antifreeze solution to discolor.
Low Levels of propylene glycol in the antifreeze and water solution
The Aqua-Hot’s antifreeze solution should contain between 35% and 50%
propylene glycol. Operating the Aqua-Hot with less than 35%
propylene glycol may cause the antifreeze solution to discolor.
Please see the Aqua-Hot’s Owner’s manual for instructions on testing the
level propylene glycol in the Aqua-Hot’s antifreeze solution*.
Adding Tap or Well Water to the Aqua-Hot system
Adding tap or well water to your Aqua-Hot system may cause the
antifreeze solution to discolor. Aqua-Hot recommends using only
deionized or distilled water. Using tap or well water may cause
corrosion of the Aqua-Hot system.
Mixing Century Brand (Green) and Camco Brand (Pink) Boiler Antifreeze
Motorhome manufacturers generally fill the Aqua-Hot with Century brand
(green in color) or Camco brand (pink in color) boiler antifreeze.
Mixing these two colors together may cause discoloration of the
antifreeze solution in your Aqua-Hot.
Discoloration of the Aqua-Hot’s antifreeze Solution
does not indicate a malfunction of the Aqua-Hot system or the antifreeze solution.
*Please see
Aqua-Hot Owner’s and Service Manuals for instructions concerning all of the above items. These Manuals are available on the library page at www.aquahot.com
Flushing the System
Aqua-Hot does not recommend draining and flushing the system unless the wrong type of fluids were added to the boiler fluid.
For example, if your system uses propylene glycol “GRAS” antifreeze, but ethylene glycol was mistakenly added, the system would need to be flushed for safety reasons.
How To Get The Boiler Antifreeze Mixture Right
Determine the level of freeze protection you require
Use the Propylene Glycol-Based Antifreeze Protection chart to
determine the protection you require in your Aqua-Hot system. Freezing
Points are temperatures at which ice crystals form. Even below those
temperatures, a slushy condition exist which may flow. Burst point is
the temperature where damage will occur to the coach; at antifreeze
solution percetages above 35%, burst protection is below -50 degrees F.
The propylene glycol antifreeze level of the solution in the
Aqua-Hot heating system needs to fall between 35% and 50%. The Freeze
Point is the temperature at which ice crystals will start to form in the
antifreeze solution. Burst Point is the temperature where damage will
occur to the coach. DO NOT exceed 50% Propylene Glycol in an
Aqua-Hot System.
Check Your Aqua-Hot Heating System Antifreeze Fill Level Monthly
Inspect your Aqua-Hot system monthly. Run your Aqua-Hot system to
operating temperature. When it is warm and the coach is level, visually
check the Aqua-Hot expansion bottle to see if the antifreeze level is at
the HOT mark. This gives you a true indication of the antifreeze
solution level.
When you need to add antifreeze, determine the freeze protection
you need in the final antifreeze solution and mix your replenishment
solution accordingly. This will require a refractometer for accuracy.
How To Determine The Percent Of Propylene Glycol In The Aqua-Hot System
After you obtain boiler antifreeze with the same color as your
current system, it is critical that you determine the antifreeze mixture
of the Propylene Glycol boiler antifreeze in your system. Water will
evaporate from the boiler antifreeze mixture over time, concentrating
antifreeze mixture and changing the ratio in the system.
Use a calibrated coolant/antifreeze
refractometer and measure the ratio of Propylene Glycol in your antifreeze solution.
Caution: Automotive “ball type” hydrometers that
measure ethylene glycol in the engine’s coolant system will not properly
measure propylene glycol.
What Is The Correct Boiler Antifreeze Mixture Ratio?
The correct antifreeze solution mixture for protecting your
Aqua-Hot system depends on where you are and how cold it is — or can
be.
Use the Propylene Glycol-Based Antifreeze Protection chart to determine
the protection you require in your Aqua-Hot system. Freezing Points are
temperatures at which ice crystals form. Even below those temperatures, a
slushy condition exist which may flow. Burst point is the temperature
where damage will occur to the coach; at antifreeze solution percetages
above 35%, burst protection is below -50 degrees F.
Aqua-Hot recommends the antifreeze solution contain between 35% and
50% propylene glycol boiler antifreeze to water mixture. Too much
antifreeze lowers the heat transfer capability, causes sticking check
valves in the heating zone lines, and may coat the system's interior
surfaces resulting in lower water and interior cabin temperature levels.
DO NOT exceed 50% propylene glycol in an Aqua-Hot system.
Green Color Ratio? The green color Century
brand boiler antifreeze is pre-mixed at approximately 37% propylene
glycol and requires NO dilution and it is not necessary to mix Century
boiler antifreeze with water before adding it to the Aqua-Hot system’s
antifreeze solution.
Pink Color Ratio? The pink color
Camco boiler antifreeze comes two ways: There's a pre-mixed gallon and a concentrated quart.
The Camco pre-mixed gallon has approximately 67%
propylene glycol. DILUTION IS REQUIRED to achieve the proper antifreeze
to water ratio. Add one (1) gallon of Antifreeze to one (1) gallon of
deionized or distilled water to reach a 35%-38% Propylene Glycol Level.
Check the diluted level of Propylene Glycol with a refractometer before
adding the new solution to the Aqua-Hot system antifreeze solution.
The Camco 32oz. concentrate contains approximately
97% propylene glycol. DILUTION IS REQUIRED. Add one (1) quart of
Antifreeze to two (2) quarts deionized or distilled water to reach a
35%-38% Propylene Glycol Level. Check the diluted level of Propylene
Glycol with a refractometer before adding the new antfreeze solution to
the Aqua-Hot system.
TIP: Don’t mix colors in your Aqua-Hot system. Mixing pink and
green boiler antifreeze produces a brown color that may be confused with
corrosion, creating unnecessary service expense. Camco and Century may
not honor the warranty of their product if mixed with another comany's
product.
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What Happens If The Green And Pink Are Mixed?
Camco and Century may not honor the warranty of their product if mixed with another company’s product.
Motorhome manufacturers generally fill the Aqua-Hot with Century
brand (green in color) or Camco brand (pink in color) boiler
antifreeze. Mixing these two colors together may cause
discoloration of the antifreeze solution in your Aqua-Hot.
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How To Add The Fresh Antifreeze To The Antifreeze Solution
When your visual inspection level indicates a need to replenish the antifreeze solution:
1. Use the same color boiler antifreeze that’s in your heating system.
2. Determine the Propylene Glycol antifreeze protection level you want, using the chart below.
3. Make sure you have the antifreeze amount you need to fill your
system to the HOT mark on the expansion tank. See back for details on
mixture for your color of antifreeze.
4. Bring your heating system to operating temperature. This
prevents the overflow that will happen when coolant is added to a cold
tank.
5. Remove the expansion tank cap. TIP: Solution in the system is very, very hot.
Wear eye and skin coverings to protect against splashes or spray.
6. When refilling, open the Air Release Valve located on the
expansion tank connection on the Aqua-Hot system to release air pockets;
close the release valve when antifreeze appears at the Air Release
Valve. Fill until you reach the HOT mark on the expansion tank.
Fuel Filters
What type of fuel filter do I need?
Aqua-Hot carries two types of fuel filters. Please compare these two images with the fuel filter in your coach bay to determine which style you need.
FLE-120-100
FLX-R12-TRA
Fuel Filters that utilize a clear bowl
These are discontinued fuel filters, if your clear bowl breaks, please order part number FLX-120-000 to convert to the current style. Part number FLX-120-000 includes mounting brackets.
LTCO (Low Temperature Cut-Off) Thermostat
What does the Low Temperature Cut-Off Thermostat light indicate?
200/250 Models: When the D4 (LTCO) light is off, the unit is up to temperature and ready to make interior heat. When the D4 (LTCO) light is on, either domestic water is being used, or the system is not yet fully up to temperature.
400/450 Models: A green LTCO light means that the heater is up to temperature and ready to make heat. When the LTCO light is not illuminated, either domestic water is being used, or the system is not yet fully up to temperature.
600/675 Models: The LTCO light will always be illuminated and does not impact hot water or heat functions.
General Questions
Disinfecting the Water System
Can I use biofuels in my diesel Aqua-Hot system?
Diesel fuel containing a maximum of 20% Biofuel, commonly known as B20, may be used in diesel Aqua-Hot systems. However, please note that it may be necessary to change the fuel filter more frequently as B20 slightly cleans the fuel system.
Returning Parts
If you need to return parts, you may email
service@aquahot.com or call our customer service team at 800-685-4298, option 4. Please be sure to have your packing slip or order number ready. Returned parts are subject to a 20% restocking fee.
Warranty
Aqua-Hot Heating Systems Inc. warrants the Aqua-Hot Heater to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service for a period of two years on both parts and labor commencing upon the original date of registration of the vehicle. Replacement parts are warranted for the remainder of the Heater’s standard warranty coverage or for six months, whichever is greater. The intent of this warranty is to protect the Heater’s end-user from such defects, which would occur in the manufacturing of the product. Thus, problems due to improper specifications, improper installations, improper use, the use of accessory parts or parts not authorized by Aqua-Hot Heating Systems Inc., repair by unauthorized persons, and damage or abuse of the Heater are specially excluded from warranty coverage. For additional information or to obtain a warranty repair authorization, please contact the Aqua-Hot Heating Systems Warranty Administrator at 1-800-685-4298 (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Mountain Standard Time) or visit
www.aquahot.com.
Winterizing
Please follow these instructions when winterizing the Aqua-Hot’s Domestic Water Heating System:
1. Completely drain the fresh water storage tank.
2. Disconnect the domestic water demand pump’s suction line from the fresh water storage tank.
3. Attach an adequate piece of hose onto the suction side of the domestic water demand pump.
4. Place the opposite end of the hose into an adequate supply of FDA-approved “GRAS” RV Antifreeze and turn on the demand water pump.
5. Open and close all interior and exterior water faucets, one at a time, until only pure RV Antifreeze is present. Perform this procedure for both the hot and cold faucets.
6. Turn off Demand Water pump and remove the hose and reconnect the domestic water demand pump’s suction line to the fresh water storage tank.
An FDA approved “GRAS” rated winterization antifreeze must be used. YOU CANNOT BLOW DOMESTIC WATER COIL OUT WITH AIR TO WINTERIZE AQUA-HOT.
