Has Your Nest Camera Succumbed to the Elements?
Nest cameras are built to be tough and withstand the rigours of outdoor life. They are designed to handle rain, wind, and varying temperatures to keep your home secure. However, extreme weather events like severe storms, driving rain, intense heatwaves, or freezing cold can sometimes push these devices beyond their limits, leading to weather-related damage.
If your Nest camera has stopped working or is behaving unusually after a bad spell of weather, this guide will help you identify the signs of damage, take immediate action, and learn how to better protect your device in the future.
Step 1: Identifying the Signs of Weather Damage
The symptoms of weather damage can range from obvious to subtle. It's important to know what to look for when you inspect your device.
Water Ingress
This is the most common form of weather damage.
- Foggy or Hazy Lens: You might see condensation or a 'milky' appearance on the inside of the camera lens.
- Visible Moisture: In severe cases, you may be able to see actual water droplets inside the lens dome or housing.
- Power Failure: The camera may not power on at all if water has caused an electrical short.
- Distorted Audio: The microphone or speaker may sound muffled, crackly, or stop working entirely.
Sun and Heat Damage
Prolonged exposure to direct sun and high heat can also be harmful.
- Discoloured Housing: The plastic casing may look faded, yellowed, or warped.
- Image Quality Issues: You might notice a permanent purple or pink tint to the video, or dark spots on the image sensor.
- Overheating Shutdowns: The camera may turn off intermittently during the hottest parts of the day.
Cold Weather Issues
Extreme cold primarily affects the battery in battery-powered models.
- Rapid Battery Drain: The battery may not hold a charge for as long as it used to.
- Inability to Charge: The camera may refuse to charge until its internal temperature increases to a safe level.
- Unexpected Shutdowns: The device may power off unexpectedly in freezing temperatures.
Step 2: Immediate Actions to Take
If you suspect your Nest camera has been damaged, especially by water, time is of the essence.
- Disconnect Power Immediately: For wired cameras, unplug them from the mains. For battery-powered cameras, if possible, remove the battery or bring the entire unit indoors. This is the most critical step to prevent electrical shorts.
- Bring the Device Inside: Move the camera to a dry, room-temperature environment.
- Dry the Exterior: Use a soft, microfibre cloth to gently wipe away any moisture from the outside of the camera.
- Allow it to Dry Out: If you suspect water has gotten inside, do not try to turn it on. Place it in a well-ventilated area for at least 48-72 hours to allow any internal moisture to evaporate naturally. Placing it near a dehumidifier can help. Avoid using direct heat sources like a hairdryer.
Step 3: Assessing the Damage and Next Steps
After you have allowed the device to dry completely, you can try powering it back on. If it works, monitor it closely for any unusual behaviour. If it doesn't power on or if the video or audio quality is permanently degraded, the internal components have likely been damaged.
At this point, you should check your warranty status with Google Nest. While weather damage is not always covered, it's worth checking the terms of your warranty or any extended household insurance you may have.
Step 4: How to Prevent Future Weather Damage
Prevention is always the best strategy.
- Optimal Placement: Install your camera in a location that offers some natural protection, such as under the eaves of your roof.
- Use a Protective Skin: Silicone skins or covers are available for many Nest models. These can provide an extra layer of protection against rain and UV rays.
- Ensure Proper Sealing: When installing, make sure any weatherproof seals or gaskets are correctly fitted and secure. Check that cable entry points are sealed to prevent water from tracking along the wire.
- Monitor Temperatures: In extreme heat or cold, be mindful of your camera's operating temperature limits as specified by Nest.