A recent glitchy software update gave many users of Nest’s smart thermostat a cold start to 2016.
The software bug meant that the devices quickly drained their batteries and shut down, resulting in heating and cooling systems going offline.
Software bug introduced in the software update
“We had a bug that was introduced in the software update that didn’t show up for about two weeks,” Nest co-founder Matt Rogers told Nick Bilton of the New York Times.
Issues began to appear in January, when customers found their HVAC systems unresponsive.
Difficult problem to fix
Nest says 99.5% of its customers are back online. But for those still remaining, fixing the problem could require a complex a nine-step process.
The smart thermostat’s rebooting process includes removing the device from the wall, charging it via a USB cable, and more.
Alternatively, for any customers who can’t solve the issue on their own, Nest has offered to send an electrician to help, the New York Times reports.
Edited from sources by Cecilia Rehn.
