Various Methods Of Motorhome Heating

It’s a simple fact that the human body operates better when it’s at optimum temperature – not too cold, not too hot. The perfect balance between those opposite ends of the scale is what you look for to be able to comfortably function in your physical life. So, just like with a bricks and mortar home, it’s important to keep things at a manageable temperature when you’re out on the road in your motorhome.

You should make sure that your motorhome has a reliable and efficient heating system. There are different ones available, including the Alde system, and we’ll run through them in this edition of our blog.

Hot air heating system

Forced-air heating works by sucking in the motorhome’s interior air, heating in a gas-powered burner and then distributing throughout the vehicle through outflow channels. This is a relatively inexpensive type of heating which is effective and lightweight and, therefore, particularly beneficial for compact models with a relatively low payload capacity.

Hot water heating system

A hot water heating system uses a closed water circuit which heats inside the motorhome interior via heat exchangers. This method means that an underfloor heating system can be installed to heat your vehicle in a very pleasant way. However, hot water heating systems are more expensive, and tend to only be installed in larger or luxury motorhome models. It is also physically heavier than an air heater and takes more time to heat the vehicle.

Electric Heaters

An electric fan heater is a relatively inexpensive way to enhance the heating within your motorhome (i.e. it’s an addition rather than a total solution). Electric heaters have metal wires which are heated, and air is fanned over them and out into the motorhome interiors. They’re great for warming up a space quickly, and the bonus is that you can use one outside in your awning space – though you will not want to run an electric heater for lengthy periods of time. They are small and lightweight and simple to operate, though you should always ensure that there are protections from tilting and overheating.

Infrared Heaters

This is a type of heater which emits heat waves. The surfaces in direction and proximity of the heater will warm up and this heat will transfer into the environment – however, the heat generated will be relatively modest. Infrared heaters are, perhaps then, best for ‘taking the edge off’ as opposed to the full heating of a room. Like electric heaters, infrared heaters can be plugged into a 220-volt power supply.

Many motorhomes are fitted with some kind of heating system which will benefit users with not just the heat itself, but total convenience. Once such system is the Alde. This is a highly reliable hydronic heating system which can offer great all-round comfort to motorhome users. The term hydronic means ‘wet’ – and therefore you’d be safe to assume that in this context we mean a heating system which uses water.

How does an Alde heater work?

An Alde system works in the same way as the domestic central heating in your bricks and mortar home. That means that a boiler unit heats up a heat-transfer fluid (glycol), and this is pumped through radiators and pipes into an expansion tank, and then back though pipes and radiators to the boiler. An Alde system uses the fact that hot air rises, and this process heats the walls and furniture. When warm air reaches the ceiling, it circulates back down towards the floor and is reheated by the convectors. Your vehicle will be heated gently and efficiently. Alde systems are also highly controllable (and some via an app) so you can achieve the desired temperature for the relevant time of day even if you are not actually in the vehicle at the time.

When you buy a motorhome from Spinney, you can be assured that you’re investing in a quality vehicle which is packed with many great features. Heating options are important to the motorhome lifestyle, and something as user-friendly as an Alde system makes the whole on the road experience much more controllable – and therefore comfortable. You can check out the vehicles we currently have available by browsing our website, and if you require more details on a particular vehicle and the heating system contained within, or have any further queries on anything, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Our team will be happy to help!