DON'T BE LEFT OUT IN THE COLD THIS WINTER
Winter is fast approaching and NOW is the time to have your solar hot water system check up.
Just select your system type below and follow the few simple steps to have your system ready for when the cold sets in.
Step One
Remove Pump Station Cover
To adequately complete the following steps the pump station cover will need to be removed.
Please note, is this applicable to post 2012 system only.For pre 2012 systems we encourage you to contact our service team on 1300 367 565.
Steps
- Locate the Pump station cover
- Using the appropriate tool remove the four screws holding the cover
- Place a hand on both sides of the cover and using the finger grooves release the clips and pull away from the tank
- Put the cover & screws aside
Step Two
Getting 'Pumped'
The solar hot water component of your system relies on the pump to feed water up to your roof top panels to be heated. If the pump is not working, no solar hot water will be obtained as the water doesn't cycle through the solar component.
To ensure the pump has power, please ensure the controller power lead is plugged into a working weatherproof power point and the pump is securely plugged into the underside of the controller (located under the pump station cover)
Steps
- Locate the pump power lead and ensure this is securely plugging in the controller
- Locate the controller lead and ensure this is securely plugged into a working GPO
Step Three
Confirming Solar Operation
NOTE: For accurate results, this step is best completed in the late afternoon - approx 3-4 O'clock
To ensure your system is circulating correctly it is best to check for solar generated heat. Complete the following steps to confirm.
Steps
- Locate the PTR valve near the top of the tank on the LHS.
- Relieve the valve using the lever to ensure this has successful operation (Note: stand clear of drain point - as water will be released and can be extremely hot)
- Place the back of your hand on the body of the valve to test temperature. If the valve feels warm then your system is circulating through your roof top panels.
NOTE: This test is only applicable to gas systems. Please ensure the next step is completed for electric systems.
Note: Images & Video are representative only. Your system may differ from that shown.
Step Four
Keeping it all under Control
Your Solar System is equiped with a solar controller that operates the pump and in turn circulates water through your roof mounted solar panels. This controller includes some helpful LED lights to easily determine correct working operation. These lights also help in diagnosing issues with the system. To check the status of your systems controller complete the following steps.
Steps
- Locate the solar controller (Under the Pump station cover - removed step 1).
- Check the status of your system by looking at the LED lights and compare to the relevant table below
If the controller is showing any of the following this is in Normal Condition
No Lights No Solar Gain at present - Pump Not Activated Solid Green Light Solar Gain Potential - Pump Activated Solid Red Light Boil Protect Solid Green & Red Lights Freeze Protect If the controller is showing any of the following there is a potential issue
Green Light Flashing Tank Sensor Fault Red Light Flashing Panel Sensor Fault If the controller is showing either of the above indicators please call Chromagen on 1300 367 565 and speak with one of our service team members - As a precautionary process it is also advised to ensure that the sensor lead connection for both the tank and the panel are securely fitted to the underside of the controller
Step Five
Stopping the Freeze
Certain locations throughout Australia can be subject to frost throughout the winter months. Chromagen solar hot water systems can withstand typical frost conditions provided they are equipped with the correct frost protection.
If you are in a frost prone area, we advise that you check your roof top panels for a frost protection device fitted to one of the lower connection points.
If you are in a frost prone area and your panels have been installed without frost protection, please contact the supplier of your system or contact Chromagen on 1300 367 565
(NOTE: Additional frost protection is only applicable to open loop systems with flat plate panels)
Steps
- Determine if you are in a potential frost zone (refer to frost zone document)
- If so, locate your solar hot water panel/s on your roof
- Check to see if suitable frost valve/s are fitted
NOTE: This test is only applicable to gas systems. Please ensure the next step is completed for electric systems.
Note: Images & Video are representative only. Your system may differ from that shown.
Gas Boosted | Electric Boosted
Step Six
Cooking with Gas?
Your system has been equipped with a gas continuous flow water heater. This insures that on days of little solar gain, your home continues to receive endless hot water. To ensure this is operating correctly complete the following steps
Steps
- Locate the power lead of the gas unit and ensure this is plugged into a working GPO
- On a day of low solar gain, have a second person turn a hot water tap on inside your home and wait for the gas booster to kick in
You will hear a clicking sound and then the fan starting up
NOTE: This test is only applicable to gas systems. Please ensure the next step is completed for electric systems.
Note: Images & Video are representative only. Your system may differ from that shown.
Step Six
All Charged Up?
Your system has been equipped with an in tank heating element. This insures that on days of little solar gain, your home continues to receive hot water. To ensure this is operating correctly please complete the following steps
Steps
- Locate the switchboard and check that the hot water electric isolating switch is set to the 'ON' position.
(This is usually indicated by the label 'Hot water' or 'Water heater') - At the tank location check that the isolation switch is switched to the 'ON' position.
- Where electricity is supplied at certain peak or staged timings, locate the booster button panel (often located in the kitchen or garage areas) and press until illuminated.
NOTE: This test is only applicable to gas systems. Please ensure the next step is completed for electric systems.
Note: Images & Video are representative only. Your system may differ from that shown.