cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
Replies are disabled for this topic. Start a new one or visit our Help Center.

Fan Blowing/Customer Care

uspokelly
Community Member

I previously posted an issue after install of a Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd Gen) where even though in Heat mode only, my fan was blowing at random intervals. My HVAC system is separated (heat is radiators not forced air) and the fan is part of the CAC system.  The problems I am having with my HVAC system, specifically, the fan blowing, did not occur prior to installation of the Nest Learning Thermostat. When I contacted Customer Care, I was advised that the installation of a C wire may resolve the issue. I specifically purchased the Nest Learning model because I knew I did not have a C wire in my current wiring. Customer Care advised they would provide a promo code for a free install of a C wire via OnTech to resolve the issue. Initially, OnTech came to my home and did not believe installing a C wire would resolve the issue. I had a HVAC tech, at my own expense, come to my home and advised a C wire probably would resolve the issue because the thermostat was pulling power cause the fan to start up. I again scheduled a C wire install via OnTech using the promo code. The tech came out and advised because the wiring was inside the walls, they could not provide the install. It is important to note that the C wire install by OnTech normally costs $129. After I advised that OnTech would not install the C wire, Customer Care advised another solution would be purchasing a Nest Power Connector and having it installed at my expense. Notably, OnTech also charges $129 for the install.


My point is that I am past a return window for the thermostat, which is causing a problem I did not have before. Customer Care was willing to absorb the $129 C wire install (which was not done) cost but now Customer Care unwilling to absorb the Power Connector install cost which is the same? I am willing to purchase the Nest Power Connector at my own expense even though this was not advertised as needed for this model. I feel it is Google/Nest's responsibility to resolve the problem with the product.

17 REPLIES 17

Houptee
Silver Product Expert
Silver Product Expert

Why dont you just pull a new 5 conductor thermostat cable from the AC system to the Nest and connect a real C wire?

You just tie the new cable onto the old wire really securely and slowly pull it up into the attic I assume where the ac air handler is located.

Then hook up blue to C and match up the rest as they are now.

You can buy the cable at Lowes and Home Depot etc comes in 25ft or 50ft roll in a bag.

Get 5 conductor.

This will be a better solution in the long run because all new systems need a C wire so if you ever replace the system it needs 5 conductors.


Houptee -- NJ Master HVAC Licensed Contractor

Jeff
Community Specialist
Community Specialist

Hi uspokelly,

I just wanted to jump in real fast to see if you saw Houptee's reply and to see if you still needed some help on this or if you were able to get it sorted out. If you are still needing some help, just let us know and we'll be happy to continue helping.

Thanks,
Jeff

AbigailF
Community Specialist
Community Specialist

Hey uspokelly,

We’d like to check in again in case you have any further questions or concerns. Feel free to reply to this thread and we’ll help you out.

Best, 
Abi

uspokelly
Community Member

After installing a Nest Power Connector as recommended, the fan continues to blow intermittently for no reason. 

Houptee
Silver Product Expert
Silver Product Expert

Disconnect the G wire see if that resolves it.

Only other way is have electrician pull a new wire and connect a real C wire.


Houptee -- NJ Master HVAC Licensed Contractor

Yes, that was my solution before and have done that again. Was trying to avoid wiring which is why I went with the Nest Learning model. I should have installed a C wire and bought a completely different brand.

Houptee
Silver Product Expert
Silver Product Expert

Where did you install the power adapter in the AC system or the boiler?

The problem is due to the fact that you have a dual transformer system.

The AC has a transformer and the boiler has a transformer. You have no C common back to either transformer to complete the electrical circuit so it tries to bleed current off the other wires to maintain the power to keep the Nest charged.

The solution is to pull a new wire back to the AC system and connect it to the C common on the terminal screw and the Nest.

Your old wire is probably loose inside the wall and you can tie a new thermostat cable to the old one and slowly pull it up thru the wall into the attic I assume where the AC unit is located.


Houptee -- NJ Master HVAC Licensed Contractor

uspokelly
Community Member

I have 3 zones for heating but only the thermostat on the top floor controls both heat for that zone and the CAC. Where should the Nest Power Connector be installed? The boiler thermostat wiring or air handler thermostat (CAC) wiring? 

Just to be clear, the boiler is in the basement while the air handler is in the attic.

Houptee
Silver Product Expert
Silver Product Expert

If the Nest is on 3rd floor they probably drilled a hole and dropped the thermostat cable down from the attic to the thermostat.

It should be easy to replace the AC cable going to the attic. Just get a 50 ft roll of 5 conductor thermostat cable at Home depot. Securely attach to the old cable and pull it down from the attic or up thru the wall into the attic, Then attach blue as a real C wire in the AC unit.

If you insist on using the power connector I would put it in the AC system because the boiler probably has no C terminal screw and you need a C terminal for the power connector. The time and effort you will spend hooking up and rewiring for the power adapter you could have ran a new 5 conductor cable and been done with the problem!


Houptee -- NJ Master HVAC Licensed Contractor

Jenelyn_O
Community Specialist
Community Specialist

Hi there,

 

@uspokelly, I saw your post and wanted to chime in. I hope you've got the answer you're looking for provided by Houptee. If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know. 

Thank you @Houptee, @Jeff and @AbigailF for assisting this thread.

 

Best,

Jenelyn

EmersonB
Community Specialist
Community Specialist

Hello everyone,

@uspokelly, I wanted to follow up and see if you are still in need of any help. Please let us know if you are still having any concerns or questions from here, as we would be happy to take a closer look and assist you further.

I appreciate the help, Jenelyn.
 
Thanks,
Emerson

Dan_A
Community Specialist
Community Specialist

Hey there,

 

I'm just checking in to make sure that you've seen our response. Please let us know if you have any other questions or concerns as I will be locking this thread in 24 hours.

 

Regards,

Dan

uspokelly
Community Member

Yes, I’m going to get rid of my Nest Thermostats and go with a different brand. I’ll just take the loss.

Markjosephp
Community Specialist
Community Specialist

Hello folks,

 

Thanks for the assistance, Emerson and Dan

 

@uspokelly, I totally understand that troubleshooting can be frustrating, but what Houptee suggests can be helpful in figuring out what's going on. Technically, you're experiencing power issues, which cause your fan to short cycle. If possible, let's give them a try, and if there's anything else we can do to help, please let us know.

 

Regards,

Mark

uspokelly
Community Member

Resolved the issue by purchasing different brand thermostats and giving my Nests away.

Markjosephp
Community Specialist
Community Specialist

Hi uspokelly,

 

I'm sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused you. I deeply appreciate you sharing your thoughts and experiences, and we'll take it as feedback. We hope we can change your mind in the future — we'll be here to help, and feel free to create a new post as this thread will be locked within 24 hours.

 

Regards,

Mark