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Summer cabin Thermostat offline.

Bearlakehome
Community Member

Cabin is 2 hrs away in below freezing Temps.  2 thermostats, 2 cameras allow wifi.  One Nest thermostat (Model display 3.4, Backplate-5.4) offline >3 days (3.77V in battery at the last report) If just a wifi connectivity issue, I assume it will continue to operate.  If a power issue, will the heat turn off and pipes freeze?

1 REPLY 1

zoeuvre
Community Specialist
Community Specialist

Hi Bearlakehome, 

 

Uh-oh! If your Nest Thermostat has been offline for over three days and you're concerned about potential freezing temperatures and pipe issues, here are a few things to consider:

 

  1. If the Nest Thermostat is hardwired to your HVAC system, it typically receives power from the HVAC system itself. In this case, a Wi-Fi connectivity issue wouldn't directly affect the heating operation. However, if there is a power issue at the cabin, such as a power outage or a tripped circuit breaker, the heating system may not function, and the temperature could drop, potentially leading to frozen pipes.
  2. The Nest Thermostat does have a built-in battery that serves as a backup power source. If the thermostat is offline due to a Wi-Fi connectivity issue or a power outage, it should continue to operate and maintain the last temperature settings for a limited period of time (usually several hours to a day) as long as the battery has sufficient charge.
  3. If you have the Nest Cameras set up at the cabin and they are connected to Wi-Fi, you can remotely monitor the temperature and conditions in the cabin using the Nest app. This can provide you with some peace of mind and allow you to take action if the temperature drops significantly.
  4. If the Nest Thermostat remains offline and the power to the HVAC system is disrupted, the heating will stop, and the temperature in the cabin can gradually decrease over time. If the temperature drops below freezing, there is a risk of frozen pipes. Frozen pipes can lead to pipe bursts and subsequent water damage when the pipes thaw.

 

Given the situation and the risk of frozen pipes, it's advisable to take action to address the offline thermostat as soon as possible. Here are a few steps you can consider:

  • Contact a local neighbor, friend, or property management service near the cabin to check on the thermostat and the cabin's temperature.
  • If possible, ask someone to physically go to the cabin and verify the status of the thermostat and heating system.
  • If the heating system is not functioning, it may be necessary to arrange for repairs or alternative heating sources to prevent freezing.

 

It's essential to address the situation promptly to avoid potential damage from frozen pipes.

 

Let us know if that helps.

 

Best,

Zoe