How to Resolve These Seven Error Codes on Your Nest Thermostat

Using a Nest thermostat is one of the easiest ways to improve the daily schedule of your comfort system. This smart thermostat can recognize your preferences and automatically make improvements. But as you might expect, it won’t work well or at all if you see an error code show up. The precise error code offers useful information about the underlying problem, something a professional technician can use to present solutions that much quicker.

Let’s consider seven of the most frequent error codes you could find on your Nest thermostat. We’ll explain the basics of each error code along with how you can address it and the projected cost to do so. Don’t forget that while the price 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 as well as 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 shows up when the power is disconnected from the system. Since 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 resolved.

Losing power to your Nest thermostat can be for several reasons. The wiring could have disconnected or become damaged, or a disconnection might have appeared further along in your home’s electrical system. This may be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A professional technician can check electrical connections and wiring until they find the source of the problem.

e294 – Critical

Critical error code e294 is displayed when your Nest thermostat’s wiring should be reconfigured. More specifically, the technician should reconfigure the R wire. They’ll first conduct a factory reset of your thermostat to ensure it’s not merely a software problem. If that doesn’t work, they’ll examine the wiring diagram of the thermostat and start inspecting connectors.

They’ll disconnect the power and slowly inspect each wire, seeing to it that they are fully attached into the connector with the proper amount of uncovered copper. After they pinpoint the damaged connector, it can be exchanged for a new one.

e195 – Critical

This critical error code can appear when the weather outside is severely hot. The HVAC system can fail and stop giving power to your Nest thermostat. When this problem persists, the backup battery in your thermostat depletes and the thermostat will eventually turn off. Assuming the breakers are on, you can inspect a handful of other places before calling a professional technician.

Since this error can consume your thermostat’s battery, the first step may be providing enough power to determine if this specific error code is what you’re dealing with. You can detach the thermostat from its base and supply power with a USB cable. If it presents error code 195, you should continue to visually examine components such as the wiring as well as your air conditioner’s air filter or drainage system. If you don’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 suggests an electrical problem with your Nest thermostat. More specifically, e103 can refer to an overcurrent problem, which means the wiring is receiving more power than needed. This will sometimes stem from the breaker box, an error from the control board or thanks to a defective connection in the thermostat. Your technician will meticulously investigate and test the Nest’s electrical system to understand where the power is surging or why the thermostat believes there’s an overcurrent problem.

n260

While this error code isn’t critical, it may still stop you from using the Nest thermostat like normal. Error code n260 refers to the lack of a C wire or Nest Power Connector, as missing one can block your Nest from obtaining enough power. You can examine 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 will sometimes notice error code E297 appear. This can be dealt with 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

Like error code e103, e104 is a critical error originating from an overcurrent. If excess power is being delivered using the Nest’s wiring, it could damage internal components and could even be a fire hazard. If you notice this error code pop up on your Nest thermostat and want to protect from electrical damage, it’s a good idea to switch the power off as soon as you can. You can then contact a professional technician with the proper experience identifying and fixing electrical issues.

e73 – Critical

When your thermostat displays error code e73, it indicates that the Rc wire is not getting power.

This could be as straightforward as the breaker being shut off, but it could also be something with the wiring. After turning 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 speak with a local professional.