184 on a NIBE heat pump: Filter alarm: Air filter needs cleaning (filter reminder interval expired) [other NIBE documents: Time set in menu 5.3.12 has expired / Reminder to check filter; months set in menu 5.1.99 elapsed]
Short answer
On a NIBE heat pump, 184 means: Filter alarm: Air filter needs cleaning (filter reminder interval expired) [other NIBE documents: Time set in menu 5.3.12 has expired / Reminder to check filter; months set in menu 5.1.99 elapsed]. The heat pump keeps running.
Reviewed 23 September 2026 · 1 source
What it means
The manuals for this range word it in different ways:
- Filter alarm: Air filter needs cleaning (filter reminder interval expired) [other NIBE documents: Time set in menu 5.3.12 has expired / Reminder to check filter; months set in menu 5.1.99 elapsed].
- Perm. com. error heating system 3: No communication with accessory card.
Part involved: fans, air filters, air sensors; PCB / accessory board communication.
When it shows: Air filter needs cleaning (filter reminder interval expired); Time set in menu 5.3.12 has expired; Reminder to check filter; months set in menu 5.1.99 elapsed No communication with accessory card.
Is it safe?
| Does the heat pump stop? | No |
|---|---|
| Severity | Information only |
The heat pump keeps running.
Resetting itself: yes - Information only.
Manual reset: Reset from the controller alarm menu ('reset alarm' / 'Reset alarm and try again'); alarm recurs if the cause remains.
What you can check
- Read the alarm text and the 'info/action' help on the controller display (VVM/SMO or S-series smartguide). NIBE's manuals let the homeowner select 'reset alarm' ('Reset alarm and try again' on S-series); if the lamp returns to normal the alarm has cleared. If it comes back, do not keep resetting: select 'aid mode' ('Auxiliary operation' on S-series) if offered, so any electric additional heat keeps heat/hot water going, and contact your installer. Check the exhaust air valves/grilles in the rooms are open and not blocked; check the filter reminder in the user manual maintenance section.
- Read the alarm text and the 'info/action' help on the controller display (VVM/SMO or S-series smartguide). NIBE's manuals let the homeowner select 'reset alarm' ('Reset alarm and try again' on S-series); if the lamp returns to normal the alarm has cleared. If it comes back, do not keep resetting: select 'aid mode' ('Auxiliary operation' on S-series) if offered, so any electric additional heat keeps heat/hot water going, and contact your installer. Check the breakers for the heat pump, indoor module and any accessories are on at the consumer unit.
What the engineer will check
- Check ventilation airflow, fans, filters, air sensors and condensate drainage/level monitor.
- Check communication cables and connectors between PCBs/accessory boards, DIP-switch addressing, power supply to the accessory board, and that accessories activated in the menu are actually fitted.
Who to ask for: NIBE-trained heat pump installer (NIBE PRO / VIP).
Certification: None specific beyond competent heat pump installer; electrical work to BS 7671; Electrical work to BS 7671 by a competent person.
What you might notice
Sources
- TECHNICAL INFORMATION - ALARM LIST SMO 40 (TIF EN 2042-1, M12658EN) ↗ · TIF EN 2042-1 M12658EN · page 15 · Reviewed 23 September 2026
A code explains what the controller detected, not a confirmed root cause.
Reviewed: 23 September 2026