Smart thermostats, like the Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Generation, are designed to offer convenience and energy savings. However, a seemingly minor flaw can lead to significant and costly consequences, as one homeowner discovered in Massachusetts. This experience serves as a critical warning for users, especially those in colder climates, about a potential design issue with the Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Generation related to battery failure.
In 2018, seeking energy efficiency and remote home protection, the homeowner invested in two Nest 3rd Generation Thermostats. These thermostats controlled a two-zone heating system, crucial for managing temperature in a region known for harsh winters. The heating system was based on a natural gas furnace with forced hot water. During a four-week trip, a nightmare scenario unfolded. First, the downstairs Nest Thermostat went offline, followed by the master bedroom unit a few days later. Remote router reboots proved futile, yet other Nest devices, including internal and external cameras, remained operational.
Returning home to Massachusetts, the homeowner was met with a devastating scene: a flooded basement and first floor. Frozen and burst pipes in the baseboard heating system had caused extensive water damage. Investigation revealed a critical flaw: the lithium batteries in the Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Generation can reach a point where they fail to hold a charge. In this instance, the thermostats went offline to conserve power, eventually leading to complete battery discharge. Critically, a Nest Thermostat with a dead battery cannot activate the heating system.
The result was catastrophic. Damage to walls, flooring, ceilings, and furniture exceeded $100,000. Upon arrival, both Nest Thermostats displayed a flashing red light, a grim indicator of the issue. Attempting to revive them by charging via micro USB for 12 hours proved unsuccessful. Each thermostat displayed a “shutting down” message and then became unresponsive, effectively dead. This failure in both Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Generation units highlights a significant design flaw that can have devastating consequences in cold climates.
Adding insult to injury, the insurance company requested Nest records, raising concerns about potential denial of coverage based on homeowner negligence in maintaining heat. Currently, Nest offers no solution for this battery failure issue; the only recourse is purchasing new devices at $249 each. The homeowner is pursuing consumer complaints with the Massachusetts Attorney General and the MassSave program to alert other consumers to this potential hazard.
This incident underscores the critical need for Nest to warn consumers in cold weather states about the potential for catastrophic failure due to battery discharge in the Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Generation. Without adequate warning, more homeowners could face similar, devastating experiences. For those relying on smart thermostats for home protection in freezing temperatures, this serves as a stark reminder of potential vulnerabilities and the importance of understanding the limitations of even advanced technology.
