Installing a Nest thermostat is one of the easiest ways to improve the everyday 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 well or at all if you see an error code on the display. The precise error code offers useful information about the source of the problem, something a trained technician can use to present solutions that much sooner.
Here are seven of the most frequent error codes you might encounter on your Nest thermostat. We’ll walk you through the basics of each error code along with how you could solve it and the approximate cost to do so. Keep in mind that while the investment will ultimately depend on the exact Nest model, you can expect to pay about $75-$200 for repairs. This should also cover travel and labor costs as well as any specific hardware necessary to finish repairs.
e298 – Critical
This critical error code is limited to newer 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 problem is dealt with.
Losing power to your Nest thermostat can be for numerous reasons. The wiring might have disconnected or become damaged, or a disconnection may have happened further along in your electrical system. This might be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A knowledgeable technician should 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 complete a factory reset of your thermostat to ensure it’s not merely a software error. If that doesn’t work, they’ll check the wiring diagram of the thermostat and start inspecting connectors.
They’ll shut off the power and slowly inspect each wire, ensuring they are fully attached into the connector with the proper amount of uncovered copper. Once they find the damaged connector, it can be swapped for a new one.
e195 – Critical
This critical error code can surface when the weather outside is especially hot. The HVAC system can fail and stop sending power to your Nest thermostat. When this problem persists, the backup battery in your thermostat depletes and the thermostat will eventually turn off. Presuming the breakers are on, you can inspect a couple of other places before calling a professional technician.
As this error can drain your thermostat’s battery, the first step could be restoring enough power to determine if this specific error code is what you’re working with. You can separate the thermostat from its base and deliver power by using 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 struggle to 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 signifies an electrical error with your Nest thermostat. More specifically, e103 can refer to an overcurrent problem, which means the wiring is experiencing more power than necessary. This will sometimes stem from the breaker box, an error from the control board or thanks to a bad connection in the thermostat. A technician should cautiously inspect and test the Nest’s electrical system to figure out where the power is surging or why the thermostat thinks there’s an overcurrent problem.
n260
Even though this error code isn’t critical, it can still keep you from using the Nest thermostat like normal. Error code n260 refers to 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 adjust the wiring itself if there is. If not, you can get a Nest Power Connector.
During installation of a Nest Power Connector, you will sometimes notice error code E297 show up. This can be resolved by updating your thermostat in Settings -> Software -> Update. If the Power Connector is already installed, you’ll instead be required 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 that’s the result of an overcurrent. If excess power is transported through the Nest’s wiring, it can damage internal components and could even be a fire hazard. If you notice this error code appear on your Nest thermostat and want to guard against electrical damage, it’s a good idea to shut the power off as soon as you can. You can then get in touch with a professional technician with the proper experience detecting and resolving electrical malfunctions.
e73 – Critical
When your thermostat displays error code e73, it signifies that the Rc wire is not receiving power.
This will sometimes be as simple as the breaker being switched off, but it could also be a problem with the wiring. After turning off the power to your HVAC system and thermostat, you can visually inspect the wires to make sure they’re not loose or damaged. If nothing seems to be out of place, it’s time to get in touch with a local professional.
