Operating a Nest thermostat is one of the best ways to improve the daily schedule of your HVAC system. This smart thermostat can be taught your preferences and automatically make adjustments. But as you may expect, it won’t work properly or at all if you see an error code appear. The specific error code offers useful information about the source of the problem, something a knowledgeable technician can use to provide solutions that much quicker.
Listed below are seven of the most frequent error codes you might encounter on your Nest thermostat. We’ll review the basics of each error code along with how you might fix it and the estimated cost to do so. Remember that while the costs will ultimately hinge on the specific Nest model, you can anticipate paying about $75-$200 for repairs. This should also cover travel and labor costs on top of any specific components necessary to finish repairs.
e298 - Critical
This critical error code is limited to new models of the Nest thermostat and is displayed when the power is detached from the system. Because this is a critical power error, the thermostat will swap to the backup battery system. The error message will continue to be displayed until the issue is dealt with.
Losing power to your Nest thermostat can be for several reasons. The wiring may have disconnected or become damaged, or a disconnection could have occurred further along in your home's electrical system. This might be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A knowledgeable technician should check electrical connections and wiring until they locate the root of the problem.
e294 - Critical
Critical error code e294 shows up when your Nest thermostat’s wiring should be reconfigured. More specifically, you’ll need the technician to reconfigure the R wire. They’ll first conduct a factory reset of your thermostat to make sure it’s not simply a software error. If that doesn’t work, they’ll examine the wiring diagram of the thermostat and start checking connectors.
They’ll detach the power and progressively inspect each wire, ensuring they are fully attached into the connector with the correct amount of bare copper. When they find the malfunctioning connector, it can be exchanged for a new one.
e195 - Critical
This critical error code can show up when the weather outside is particularly hot. The HVAC system can shut down and stop sending power to your Nest thermostat. When this problem lasts, the backup battery in your thermostat depletes and the thermostat will finally power down. Presuming the breakers are on, you can inspect a handful of other places before calling a professional technician.
Because this error can drain your thermostat’s battery, the first step may be supplying enough power to determine if this specific error code is what you’re working with. You can detach the thermostat from its base and deliver power with a USB cable. In the event it presents error code 195, you can continue to visually examine components including the wiring as well as your air conditioner’s air filter or drainage system. If you don’t detect anything wrong with these components, it's maybe best to contact a pro.
e103 - Critical
Another critical error code, e103 indicates an electrical malfunction with your Nest thermostat. More specifically, e103 can refer to an overcurrent problem, which means the wiring is experiencing more power than needed. This may stem from the breaker box, an error from the control board or through a defective connection in the thermostat. The technician should cautiously inspect 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 could still keep you from using the Nest thermostat how you prefer to. Error code n260 refers to the lack of a C wire or Nest Power Connector, as the absence of one can block your Nest from obtaining sufficient power. You can check 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 have 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 that's the result of an overcurrent. If too much power is transported through the Nest’s wiring, it can damage internal components and may even be a fire hazard. If you notice this error code appear on your Nest thermostat and want to protect from electrical damage, it’s suggested to turn the power off as soon as possible. You can then get a hold of a professional technician with the proper experience detecting and resolving electrical malfunctions.
e73 - Critical
When your thermostat displays error code e73, it means that the Rc wire is not receiving power. This may be as easy as the breaker being switched off, but it may also be a problem with the wiring. After shutting 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 looks to be out of place, it’s time to get in touch with a local professional.