Operating a Nest thermostat is one of the easiest ways to perfect the day-to-day schedule of your comfort system. This smart thermostat can recognize 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 appear. The specific error code provides useful information about the source of the problem, something a knowledgeable technician can use to offer solutions that much sooner.
Let’s consider seven of the most common error codes you may find on your Nest thermostat. We’ll walk you through the basics of each error code as well as how you could fix it and the approximate cost to do so. Remember that while the costs will ultimately depend on the specific Nest model, you can expect to pay about $75-$200 for repairs. This should include travel and labor costs on top of any specific hardware necessary to wrap up repairs.
e298 – Critical
This critical error code is limited to newer models of the Nest thermostat and appears 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 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 may have happened further along in your home’s electrical system. This might be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A trained technician should check electrical connections and wiring until they find the root of the problem.
e294 – Critical
Critical error code e294 is displayed when your Nest thermostat’s wiring has to be reconfigured. More specifically, the technician should reconfigure the R wire. They’ll first perform a factory reset of your thermostat to ensure it’s not simply a software problem. If that doesn’t work, they’ll check the wiring diagram of the thermostat and start checking connectors.
They’ll detach the power and progressively inspect each wire, seeing to it that 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 especially hot. The HVAC system can break down and stop delivering power to your Nest thermostat. When this problem lingers, the backup battery in your thermostat depletes and the thermostat will subsequently turn off. In the event the breakers are on, you can check a couple of other places before contacting a professional technician.
Since this error can drain your thermostat’s battery, the first step might be supplying enough power to determine if this specific error code is what you’re dealing with. You can disconnect the thermostat from its base and deliver power with a USB cable. In the event it reveals error code 195, you can continue to visually examine components such as the wiring as well as your air conditioner’s air filter or drainage system. If you struggle to uncover anything wrong with these components, it’s maybe 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 will refer to an overcurrent problem, which means the wiring is getting more power than what is safe and normal. This can stem from the breaker box, an error from the control board or because of a bad connection in the thermostat. The technician should carefully 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 can still keep you from using the Nest thermostat how you prefer to. Error code n260 concerns the lack of a C wire or Nest Power Connector, as not having one can block your Nest from receiving 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.
With installation of a Nest Power Connector, you might notice error code E297 appear. 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
Just like error code e103, e104 is a critical error stemming from an overcurrent. If too much power is sent inside the Nest’s wiring, it could damage internal components and could 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 recommended to turn the power off straightaway. You can then get in touch with a professional technician with the proper experience diagnosing and solving electrical damage.
e73 – Critical
When your thermostat displays error code e73, it means that the Rc wire is not getting power.
This will sometimes be as simple as the breaker being turned 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 looks to be out of place, it’s time to speak with a local professional.
