Plumbing & Heating; Hydro-Hot System - Airstream A-Series 2006 Owner's Manual

HYDRO-HOT WATER/HEATING SYSTEM
The Hydro-Hot system serves two primary functions within the RV - to provide a sup-
ply of on-demand hot water, and to provide interior heating. Diesel fuel, drawn from
the main fuel tank, 120-Volt AC, or a combination of both, are required to operate the
Hydro-Hot system. A switch panel designating the preference of using diesel fuel or
120-Volts AC is installed in galley wall panel for convenience, and allows users the
option of using one or both energy sources at the same time.
Diesel fuel is the most efficient energy source to bring the Hydro-Hot system up to
operating temperature in the least amount of time. When the system is engaged, the
green indicator light on the diesel control switch will illuminate and an audible roar will
sound from the diesel burner. At this time the outside exhaust of the Hydro-Hot will
be warm to the touch. Do not place your hand in front of the exhaust and risk injury
from burns.
During mild weather temperatures, and when you expect a low demand for on-board
hot water, operating the Hydro-Hot is easily accomplished using 120-Volts AC through
a supply of shore power, or the on-board generator. When hooked to shore power,
consider choosing to run energy sources simultaneously to insure a quick and efficient
supply of on-demand hot water.
The inverter is not wired to supply battery power voltage to the Hydro-Hot system to
prevent the risk of discharging the house or chassis batteries through excess discharge
from the Hydro-Hot system. However, 12-Volt DC power, which is provided from the
RV house batteries, is required to operate the Hydro-Hot switch panel located inside of
the RV, the electronic controller located in a passenger side basement compartment,
and Comfort Control thermostats installed inside of the motor home.
Therefore, the house and chassis battery banks must be charged, and battery discon-
nect switch must be turned to the ON position, to operate the Hydro-Hot system.
When the battery disconnect is switched to ON, current is passed to the house 12-Volt
PLUMBING & HEATING
DC fuse panel. The interior battery disconnect switch is located directly inside the RV
entry door.
Once the main battery disconnect switch is set to ON, the sub-systems of the Hydro-
Hot system are then powered for use.
The Hydro-Hot system does not simultaneously supply both interior heat and hot wa-
ter, but instead relies on a domestic water priority system to interrupt interior heating
upon a demand for hot water. Interior heating will again commence once the demand
for hot water ceases. During cold weather temperatures, you may find it convenient
to postpone interior demands for hot water until the Hydro-Hot has had ample time
to heat the interior of the RV. Once interior heating is interrupted in order to obtain hot
water during cold exterior temperature conditions, avoid opening and closing the RV
entry door to retain existing interior heat until such time as the Hydro-Hot system is
once again providing interior heat.
Located in a roadside basement compartment is an electronic controller. In the event
the Hydro-Hot system fails to operate once all operating conditions have been met,
the electronic controller can become a valuable tool in quickly troubleshooting poten-
tial problems with the system by pinpointing a particular fault within the system at a
glance.
Lights aligning the panel of the electronic controller are well marked for easy refer-
ence. Green illumination of any light within the panel is indication of favorable working
conditions. Any red light indicates a fault condition. Becoming familiar with the various
operating designations within the electronic controller, as well as working knowledge
of light indications, will help you to efficiently diagnose problems with the Hydro-Hot
system.
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