Kenmore Hybrid gas water heater Error Code E12: Meaning & How to Fix It

By the ErrorCodePro Editorial Team · Last reviewed October 20, 2026

Kenmore hybrid gas water heater error code E12 means: Abnormal blower current. [1] Keep using it? Only if the owner checks below clear the code; if it returns, stop and book a repair. Start with the owner checks below, beginning with: write down the code and model number.

Source: Kenmore hybrid gas water heater error-code chart, via Sears PartsDirect [1].

Smell gas? Leave the building now. Do not touch light switches, phones or appliances inside. Call your gas utility or 911 from outside. CO alarm sounding or headache, dizziness or nausea? Get everyone outside and call 911. Gas valves, burners, venting and wiring are for a licensed technician only. See our safety policy.

Quick facts

Code	E12
Also shown as	E13, E14
Brand / appliance	Kenmore hybrid gas water heater
System	Control / electronics
Meaning (service chart)	Abnormal blower current. [1]
Keep using it?	Only if the owner checks below clear the code; if it returns, stop and book a repair
DIY-safe?	Owner checks only (listed below)
Support	Kenmore customer support (kenmore.com) or a Sears-authorized technician
Source document	Kenmore hybrid gas water heater error-code chart (via Sears PartsDirect)

On this page: Meaning · Steps · Parts · When to call a technician · Related codes · FAQ

What error code E12 means on a Kenmore hybrid gas water heater

Abnormal blower current. [1]

This is a control / electronics code. Codes and wording can vary by model, so check your owner's manual for your model number.

How to fix Kenmore hybrid gas water heater error code E12 (safe owner checks)

Owner checks only: on heating, cooling and water-heating equipment, limit yourself to reading the code and checking the thermostat, breaker and service switch, air filter, condensate drain, that the gas supply valve is open (no disassembly) and that vent terminals are clear of snow or debris. Reset power only if your manual allows it.

Safety first: disconnect power before you remove any panel or reach into the sump or drum. Do not touch wiring, the control board or the motor. If you see water near electrical parts, stop and call a technician. These steps are based on the Kenmore hybrid gas water heater error-code chart (via Sears PartsDirect) [1], rewritten for clarity.

Write down the code and model number. Note exactly what the display shows (E12) and copy the full model number from the rating label, so you can confirm this chart applies to your hybrid gas water heater and order the right parts.
Check the vent. Check for a blocked or restricted exhaust vent. Follow the venting installation instructions in the owner's manual.
Test and decide. Run a short cycle or restart and watch the display. If E12 comes back after these checks, stop using the water heater for this function and call a technician, because the remaining causes need meters or part replacement.

The first and last steps (and the power reset) are general owner checks added by ErrorCodePro; the rest follow the Kenmore hybrid gas water heater error-code chart published by Sears PartsDirect, rewritten for safe owner use.

Parts that may be involved

Exact parts depend on your model number. This page lists part types only, never part numbers.

Blower
Control board

When to call a technician

If the venting system is clear, recalibrate the unit following the procedure in the owner's manual.
If it continues to display the error, a technician should replace the blower.
Technician: replace the control board.
Gas valves, burners, igniters, flame sensors, venting/flue or CO concerns: licensed HVAC technician or plumber
Refrigerant work: EPA 608-certified technician only
Smell of gas: leave and call the gas utility or 911
Anything involving wiring, the control board, the motor or the water valve electrics
The appliance is under warranty: contact Kenmore customer support (kenmore.com) or a Sears-authorized technician first

Frequently asked questions

What does error code E12 mean on a Kenmore hybrid gas water heater?

The Kenmore hybrid gas water heater error-code chart lists E12 as follows: Abnormal blower current.

Is it safe to keep using the hybrid gas water heater with E12?

Only if the owner checks below clear the code; if it returns, stop and book a repair.

Can I fix Kenmore hybrid gas water heater error E12 myself?

Only with the owner checks on this page, starting with: write down the code and model number. If it persists, call a technician or Kenmore customer support (kenmore.com) or a Sears-authorized technician.

Is E13 the same as E12?

Yes. The source chart lists E13, E14 with the same meaning as E12; the display format depends on the model.

Sources

Sears PartsDirect: Kenmore hybrid gas water heater error-code chart (third-party copy of manufacturer service data)

Last reviewed: October 20, 2026. ErrorCodePro is not affiliated with Kenmore.