Installing a Nest thermostat is one of the most convenient ways to perfect the day-to-day schedule of your comfort system. This smart thermostat can learn your preferences and automatically make improvements. But as you may expect, it won’t work properly or at all if you see an error code show up. The precise error code offers useful information about the underlying problem, something a knowledgeable technician can use to provide solutions that much sooner.
Let’s consider seven of the most likely error codes you may encounter on your Nest thermostat. We’ll walk you through the basics of each error code as well as how you could solve it and the approximate cost to do so. Remember that while the investment will ultimately be dependent on the precise Nest model, you can expect to pay about $75-$200 for repairs. This should include things like travel and labor costs on top of any specific components required to complete repairs.
e298 – Critical
This critical error code is limited to newer models of the Nest thermostat and shows up when the power is shut off. As this is a critical power error, the thermostat will change to the backup battery system. The error message will continue to be displayed until the problem is fixed.
Losing power to your Nest thermostat can be for a number of reasons. The wiring may have disconnected or become damaged, or a disconnection may have appeared further along in your home’s electrical system. This may be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A certified technician should check electrical connections and wiring until they locate the source of the problem.
e294 – Critical
Critical error code e294 appears when your Nest thermostat’s wiring needs to be reconfigured. More specifically, the technician should reconfigure the R wire. They’ll first complete a factory reset of your thermostat to ensure it’s not merely a software issue. If that doesn’t work, they’ll examine the wiring diagram of the thermostat and begin inspecting connectors.
They’ll shut off the power and gradually check each wire, making sure they are fully placed into the connector with the correct amount of bare copper. Once they pinpoint the problem connector, it can be swapped for a new one.
e195 – Critical
This critical error code can appear when the weather outside is particularly hot. The HVAC system can shut down and stop sending power to your Nest thermostat. When this problem lingers, the backup battery in your thermostat depletes and the thermostat will eventually shut down. Presuming the breakers are on, you can search a few other places before calling a professional technician.
Because this error can consume your thermostat’s battery, the first step may be supplying enough power to find out if this specific error code is what you’re dealing with. You can detach the thermostat from its base and provide power through a USB cable. Assuming it presents error code 195, you should continue to visually inspect components including the wiring as well as your air conditioner’s air filter or drainage system. If you can’t find anything wrong with these components, it will likely be best to get in touch with a pro.
e103 – Critical
Another critical error code, e103 indicates an electrical error with your Nest thermostat. More specifically, e103 can refer to an overcurrent problem, which means the wiring is getting more power than necessary. This will sometimes stem from the breaker box, an error from the control board or through a defective connection in the thermostat. Your technician can meticulously examine and test the Nest’s electrical system to determine where the power is surging or why the thermostat believes there’s an overcurrent problem.
n260
Even though this error code isn’t critical, it might still keep you from using the Nest thermostat how you want to. Error code n260 refers to the lack of a C wire or Nest Power Connector, as missing one can block your Nest from getting sufficient power. You can inspect the Nest’s C connector for the presence of a C wire and modify the wiring itself if there is. If not, you can get a Nest Power Connector.
During installation of a Nest Power Connector, you might notice error code E297 show up. This can be dealt with by updating your thermostat in Settings -> Software -> Update. If the Power Connector was already installed, you’ll instead need to update the wiring info in the app from Settings -> Thermostat -> Wiring -> Update wiring.
e104 – Critical
Similar to error code e103, e104 is a critical error stemming from an overcurrent. If excessive power is being delivered through the Nest’s wiring, it could damage internal components and can even be a fire hazard. If you see this error code pop up on your Nest thermostat and want to take steps to prevent electrical damage, it’s a good idea to shut the power off as soon as you can. You can then get a hold of a professional technician with the appropriate experience detecting and solving electrical malfunctions.
e73 – Critical
When your thermostat displays error code e73, it means that the Rc wire is not receiving power.
This might be as straightforward as the breaker being switched off, but it could also be a problem with the wiring. After switching off the power to your HVAC system and thermostat, you can visually examine the wires to make sure nothing is loose or damaged. If nothing seems to be out of place, it’s best to contact a local professional.