Installing a Nest thermostat is one of the best ways to perfect the daily schedule of your comfort system. This smart thermostat can learn your preferences and automatically make improvements. But as you can expect, it won’t work properly or at all if you see an error code show up. The exact error code supplies useful information about the root of the problem, something a trained technician can use to provide solutions that much faster.
Here are seven of the most likely error codes you might discover on your Nest thermostat. We’ll walk you through the basics of each error code along with how you could fix it and the approximate cost to do so. Remember that while the investment will ultimately depend 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 parts required to wrap up repairs.
e298 – Critical
This critical error code is limited to the latest models of the Nest thermostat and is displayed when the power is shut off. As 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 problem 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 may have occurred further along in the electrical system. This might be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A trained technician can 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 has to be reconfigured. More specifically, the technician will need to reconfigure the R wire. They’ll first conduct a factory reset of your thermostat to ensure it’s not merely a software issue. If that doesn’t work, they’ll check the wiring diagram of the thermostat and begin checking connectors.
They’ll disconnect the power and slowly look at each wire, making sure they are fully inserted into the connector with the correct amount of exposed copper. After they locate the damaged connector, it can be exchanged for a new one.
e195 – Critical
This critical error code can surface when the weather outside is severely hot. The HVAC system can break down and stop giving power to your Nest thermostat. When this problem lasts, the backup battery in your thermostat depletes and the thermostat will subsequently power down. Assuming the breakers are on, you can inspect a few other places before calling a professional technician.
Because this error can consume your thermostat’s battery, the first step could be providing enough power to figure out if this specific error code is what you’re working with. You can disconnect the thermostat from its base and provide power by using a USB cable. If it reveals error code 195, you should continue to visually examine components including the wiring as well as your air conditioner’s air filter or drainage system. If you don’t uncover 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 issue with your Nest thermostat. More specifically, e103 will refer to an overcurrent problem, which means the wiring is experiencing more power than what is safe and normal. This may stem from the breaker box, an error from the control board or thanks to a defective connection in the thermostat. Your technician should cautiously inspect and test the Nest’s electrical system to determine where the power is surging or why the thermostat thinks there’s an overcurrent problem.
n260
While this error code isn’t critical, it can still stop 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 inspect the Nest’s C connector for the presence of a C wire and adjust the wiring itself if there is. If not, you can get a Nest Power Connector.
Due to installation of a Nest Power Connector, you may notice error code E297 show up. This can be remedied by updating your thermostat in Settings -> Software -> Update. If the Power Connector has already been 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 being delivered through the Nest’s wiring, it may damage internal components and can even be a fire hazard. If you see this error code show up on your Nest thermostat and want to guard against electrical damage, it’s recommended to switch 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 problems.
e73 – Critical
When your thermostat displays error code e73, it indicates that the Rc wire is not getting power.
This will sometimes be as straightforward as the breaker being turned off, but it may 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 appears to be out of place, it’s a good idea to speak with a local professional.
