Noisy Alde

1LilTabbie

This is my second trip out this spring with my 2021 Tab 400.  Last night my heater started running very loud. It woke me up from a deep sleep, sounding like a truck revving its engine right beside me. It did this throughout the night, and was a bit frightening. Any thoughts?

1LilTabbie

I’ll add, it worked fine a month ago on my first trip after dewinterizing. Also, I’m not on shore power, so running on propane. 

pthomas745

Two items in the Alde can make noise:  the glycol circulation pump, and the exhaust fan.  There may be little "whooshing" noises as the glycol begins to circulate.
One thing to check is the "circulation pump speed". This is a discussion of what it is and where to check the speed it is set for.
https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/10338/circulation-pump-speed

The fan is really small, and the Alde won't work if it isn't "spinning up" properly when the Alde kicks in. That would be harder to diagnose.
And, the glycol level: lower glycol levels would require the pump to work harder to move the glycol, etc.  So, check your glycol level, also.

1LilTabbie

Thanks,@ptomas, alde fluid is good. I’ll have to check the fan situation. 

pthomas745

This thread was about a slightly more interesting "fan failure" message from last year.  A small insect managed to climb into the fan, preventing it from "spinning up" properly.  Two short videos in the thread show how to access the fan.  You probably don't need to pull it out, but at least you will be able to get close to have a listen.

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/12891/alde-exhaust-fan-troubleshooting-and-removal-videos

And:  if you are at a "high elevation"....you might try setting the Alde to the "High Altitude Mode".  See page 22 of the Alde 3020 manual.  Alde thinks that 3000 feet is "high altitude".  There were many threads about some noisy Aldes at "altitude" until the newer 3020 Aldes came online.

[Deleted User]

Lil Tabbie, were you at a high altitude? I know there is a very similar thread on here somewhere about that.  I think it was much older models though. 

1LilTabbie

@pthomas745 and @TabbyShack, I’m right at sea level. I’m thinking since my unit is barely a year old, I probably should just have the service department look into it so I don’t mess up my warranty. 

[Deleted User]

Oh yes, if service is an option then definitely take it in. In many cases owners are far from the dealer and/or there it a 2-3 month wait to get in. 

Let us know what they find. It's always helpful to know the cause. 

1LilTabbie

@TabbyShack, that certainly may be the case. I haven’t tried to call them, and they are close, but I also don’t want to jeopardize my warranty. I feel like it might be quieter now, but that might be just the storm outside masking the noise! It’s very nasty out there. I’m so thankful that I have my cozy Tab!