Navien E109 Error Code: Fan motor abnormal operation
Updated October 2026 · Sourced from Navien documentation
🧭 Check a few things first
The combustion fan motor is not operating normally. The manual says to clean the intake air filter.
Is it safe to keep running? Check the steps below first. If E109 returns after cleaning the filter, call a licensed technician about the fan.
E109 at a glance
| Code / how it shows | Meaning | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| E109 Error code shown on the front panel display | Fan motor abnormal operation | NPE-180A2, NPE-210A2, NPE-240A2, NPE-180S2, NPE-210S2, NPE-240S2 condensing tankless water heaters |
Check this first
Only steps a homeowner can do safely. Do not open electrical panels or the burner area.
- Turn the unit off and unplug it, then clean the air intake filter as shown in section 4.5 of the manual.
- Reconnect power and turn the unit back on.
🛑 Stop and call a licensed pro if
- If E109 returns after cleaning the filter, call a licensed technician about the fan.
- You smell gas. Leave the house, do not touch switches, and call your gas utility from outside.
- Codes for flame failure, overheating, venting or the control board that return after one reset.
- Water leaking from the heater, the relief valve discharging, or scorching around the burner area.
- A carbon monoxide alarm sounds. Get everyone outside and call 911 or the fire department.
Safe first steps for any Navien code
- Write down the exact code shown on the controller or the number of status light flashes.
- Turn the water heater power off and back on (or press the reset button the manual describes) once. If the code comes back, stop resetting.
- Make sure the gas supply valve to the heater is open and other gas appliances in the home are working.
- Make sure the cold water supply valve is fully open and hot water taps are not partly closed.
- Look at the outside vent terminal for snow, ice, leaves or anything blocking it (look only).
Source: Navien NPE Condensing Water Heaters User's Information Manual (NPE-2, rev 201202), 5.2 Understanding Error Codes, p.17. Codes are series-specific, so your unit's own manual is the final word. Reviewed October 2026.
Ryan Giles · Red Seal Certified Plumber · Ask a plumber · Ask an HVAC technician
Related Navien codes
E003 : Ignition failureE004 : False flame detectionE012 : Flame lossE016 : Overheating of heat exchangerE030 : Exhaust overheatingE031 : Overheating of burnerE046 : Limit control abnormal operationE047 : Exhaust thermostat thermistor open or short circuitE060 : Dual venturi abnormal operationE110 : Abnormal air pressureE407 : Hot water outlet thermistor open or short circuitE421 : Cold water inlet 1 thermistor open or short circuit