Using a Nest thermostat is one of the most convenient ways to improve 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 correctly or at all if you see an error code appear. The specific error code offers useful information about the root of the problem, something a professional technician can use to present solutions that much sooner.
Listed below are 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 can fix it and the projected cost to do so. Don’t forget that while the costs will ultimately hinge on the exact 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 needed to wrap up repairs.
e298 – Critical
This critical error code is limited to new models of the Nest thermostat and is displayed when the power is disconnected from the system. As 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 issue is dealt with.
Losing power to your Nest thermostat can be for a number of reasons. The wiring could have disconnected or become damaged, or a disconnection could have appeared further along in the electrical system. This might be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A trained technician should examine electrical connections and wiring until they uncover the source of the problem.
e294 – Critical
Critical error code e294 appears when your Nest thermostat’s wiring needs to be reconfigured. More specifically, you’ll need the technician to reconfigure the R wire. They’ll first perform a factory reset of your thermostat to make sure it’s not merely a software issue. If that doesn’t work, they’ll review the wiring diagram of the thermostat and start looking at connectors.
They’ll disconnect the power and progressively inspect each wire, ensuring they are fully placed into the connector with the proper amount of exposed copper. Once they pinpoint the damaged connector, it can be exchanged for a new one.
e195 – Critical
This critical error code can show up when the weather outside is severely hot. The HVAC system can fail and stop giving power to your Nest thermostat. When this problem lasts, the backup battery in your thermostat drains and the thermostat will eventually power down. In the event the breakers are on, you can inspect a couple of other places before contacting a professional technician.
As this error can deplete your thermostat’s battery, the first step might be providing enough power to figure out if this specific error code is what you’re facing. You can separate the thermostat from its base and provide power through a USB cable. In the event it displays error code 195, you can continue to visually inspect components like 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 call a pro.
e103 – Critical
Another critical error code, e103 indicates an electrical malfunction with your Nest thermostat. More specifically, e103 can refer to an overcurrent problem, which means the wiring is receiving more power than what is safe and normal. This will sometimes stem from the breaker box, an error from the control board or through a bad connection in the thermostat. Your technician can carefully examine and test the Nest’s electrical system to figure out where the power is surging or why the thermostat is convinced there’s an overcurrent problem.
n260
Although this error code isn’t critical, it might still prevent 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 the absence of one can block your Nest from obtaining adequate power. You can inspect the Nest’s C connector for the presence of a C wire and adapt the wiring itself if there is. If not, you need a Nest Power Connector.
Due to installation of a Nest Power Connector, you might notice error code E297 be displayed. This can be remedied by updating your thermostat in Settings -> Software -> Update. If the Power Connector has already been 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 transported using the Nest’s wiring, it can damage internal components and may even be a fire hazard. If you notice this error code show up on your Nest thermostat and want to guard against electrical damage, it’s a good idea to shut the power off as soon as possible. You can then get a hold of a professional technician with the necessary experience identifying and fixing electrical malfunctions.
e73 – Critical
When your thermostat displays error code e73, it means that the Rc wire is not receiving power.
This will sometimes be as easy as the breaker being switched off, but it may also be something with the wiring. After shutting 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 looks to be out of place, it’s time to speak with a local professional.