Operating a Nest thermostat is one of the most convenient ways to improve the daily schedule of your HVAC system. This smart thermostat can learn your preferences and automatically make adjustments. But as you may expect, it won’t work correctly 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 trained technician can use to present solutions that much sooner.
Let’s consider seven of the most likely error codes you could find on your Nest thermostat. We’ll walk you through the basics of each error code on top of how you could fix it and the estimated cost to do so. Don’t forget that while the investment will ultimately be dependent on the specific Nest model, you can anticipate paying between $75-$200 for repairs. This should include travel and labor costs along with any specific components required to complete repairs.
e298 – Critical
This critical error code is limited to newer models of the Nest thermostat and is displayed when the power is shut off. Since this is a critical power error, the thermostat will swap to the backup battery system. The error message will remain on the screen until the problem is resolved.
Losing power to your Nest thermostat can be for several reasons. The wiring might 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 trained technician can inspect electrical connections and wiring until they find the source of the problem.
e294 – Critical
Critical error code e294 shows up when your Nest thermostat’s wiring should be reconfigured. More specifically, the technician should reconfigure the R wire. They’ll first complete 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 begin looking at connectors.
They’ll detach the power and progressively inspect each wire, seeing to it that they are fully inserted into the connector with the correct amount of uncovered copper. Once they locate the problem 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 shut 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 shut down. In the event the breakers are on, you can examine a handful of other places before contacting a professional technician.
As this error can drain your thermostat’s battery, the first step may be supplying enough power to figure out if this specific error code is what you’re facing. You can disconnect the thermostat from its base and deliver power through a USB cable. In the event it presents error code 195, you should continue to visually check components such as 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 will probably 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 may refer to an overcurrent problem, which means the wiring is receiving 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 faulty 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 is convinced there’s an overcurrent problem.
n260
Even though this error code isn’t critical, it may still keep you from using the Nest thermostat like normal. Error code n260 concerns the lack of a C wire or Nest Power Connector, as the absence of one can block your Nest from getting 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 need 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 that’s the result of an overcurrent. If excessive power is being delivered through the Nest’s wiring, it may 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 turn the power off as soon as possible. You can then get in touch with a professional technician with the appropriate experience identifying and solving electrical problems.
e73 – Critical
When your thermostat displays error code e73, it indicates that the Rc wire is not receiving power.
This might be as easy as the breaker being shut off, but it may also be something with the wiring. After switching off the power to your HVAC system and thermostat, you can visually inspect the wires to make sure none of them are loose or damaged. If nothing seems to be out of place, it’s a good idea to get in touch with a local professional.
