Battery Issues Nest Thermostat

[Lbenham]

My Nest Thermostat is about 2 years old and yesterday I received a notification that the batteries were low. I have tried multiple brands of batteries, making sure they are all alkaline 1.5v, and it will not power on with any other batteries. If I put the original Google batteries in it, it powers on, but quickly shuts off due to low batteries. Has anyone else had this issue and do you know how to fix it? Google kept telling me I have to install a C wire for power but that makes no sense when it's worked fine for 2 years without one. 

Also any quick help would be appreciated. It's 18 degrees out and my heat isn't working because of this. 

[Anonymous]

The Nest Thermostat 2020 needs a c wire or Nest Power Connector. The Nest Thermostat won't work without c wire or Nest Power Connector, I believe you have the power connector?

[Lbenham]

I do not have a power connector or a c wire. It's been running for the past 2 years only on batteries without any issues, until today. When I installed it I vaguely remember it saying the c wire was optional. 

[Anonymous]

Unfortunately, for Google Nest Thermostat. I'm talking about this model. Kindly refer to the photo. Requires a c wire. 

[Lbenham]

That's the one I have. I just don't understand why after 2 years it suddenly needs an additional wire. 

[Lbenham]

I got it to work. Apparently it prefers Amazon brand batteries. 

[Markjosephp]

Hello there,

I wanted to ensure that everything was covered here.

Thanks for assisting here, @eveluna,

@Lbenham, I appreciate you posting and updating us on your efforts to address your concern and find a fix. To avoid future power issues, the best thing is to install a Nest Power Connector or a common wire that would help sustain and deliver constant power to your thermostat. If there’s anything else I can help you with, please let me know.

Regards,

Mark

[Lbenham]

Thank you. I understand how to fix it and have an electrician coming this week to install the wire. Until then I had to remove the thermostat and buy a non-smart one to get my furnace to work properly during freezing temperatures. I still think it's incredibly suspicious that my thermostat worked fine for 2 years, then the day after a software update it stopped working and now requires additional wiring to function. I'm fortunate to be in a position to have this fixed, but it could be deadly to other people. Google should really notify people with these thermostats that this is happening. 

[Markjosephp]

Hello Lbenham,

I'm sorry you have to experience this. I understand that you've been using your Nest Thermostat for at least 2 years, but there are some situations where the efficiency of a system can no longer provide enough power to a thermostat. Lack of system maintenance, years of usage, or an overlooked power issue usually cause this. How's it going? Is C-wire or a Nest Power Connector already installed?

If there’s anything else I can help you with, please let me know.

Thanks,

Mark

[Jake]

Hey there,

I wanted to check in and see if you managed to see Mark's post. Please let me know if you have any questions from here. I would be happy to assist, and make sure you are good to go.

Best regards,
Jake

[Lbenham]

Yes I saw his attempt to cover up Nest pushing a system update that made it stop working. I even checked and the system update occurred the day it stopped working. I had an HVAC company install an ecobee thermostat. It also required the c wire, but at least they did that upfront instead of leaving me in the middle of freezing weather without heat. 

[Jake]

Hey there,

I understand the trouble, and you wanting to switch devices. I am glad to hear you have heat now. With you no longer having the Nest Thermostat, I am going to go ahead and lock the thread in 24 hours. Please let me know if you have any other questions from here, as I would be happy to review.

Best regards,

Jake