Operating a Nest thermostat is one of the easiest ways to optimize the day-to-day schedule of your heating and cooling. This smart thermostat can be taught your preferences and automatically make adjustments. But as you can expect, it won’t work correctly or at all if you see an error code show up. The precise error code provides useful information about the underlying problem, something a knowledgeable technician can use to present solutions that much sooner.
Let’s consider seven of the most frequent error codes you might discover on your Nest thermostat. We’ll review the basics of each error code along with how you can solve it and the approximate cost to do so. Keep in mind that while the costs will ultimately hinge on the precise Nest model, you can anticipate paying between $75-$200 for repairs. This should include travel and labor costs on top of any specific components required to complete repairs.
e298 – Critical
This critical error code is limited to the latest models of the Nest thermostat and is displayed when the power is detached from the system. Since this is a critical power error, the thermostat will switch to the backup battery system. The error message will remain on the screen until the issue is resolved.
Losing power to your Nest thermostat can be for a number of reasons. The wiring may have disconnected or become damaged, or a disconnection might have happened further along in your home’s electrical system. This could be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A knowledgeable technician will examine 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 needs to 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 problem. If that doesn’t work, they’ll examine the wiring diagram of the thermostat and begin looking at connectors.
They’ll disconnect the power and slowly check each wire, ensuring they are fully placed into the connector with the proper amount of uncovered copper. When they pinpoint the damaged connector, it can be replaced for a new one.
e195 – Critical
This critical error code can surface when the weather outside is particularly hot. The HVAC system can shut down and stop sending power to your Nest thermostat. When this problem lingers, the backup battery in your thermostat depletes and the thermostat will eventually turn off. Assuming the breakers are on, you can examine a handful of other places before contacting a professional technician.
Since this error can drain your thermostat’s battery, the first step could be restoring enough power to find out if this specific error code is what you’re working with. You can separate the thermostat from its base and provide power through a USB cable. If it displays error code 195, you should continue to visually examine components including 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 problem with your Nest thermostat. More specifically, e103 may refer to an overcurrent problem, which means the wiring is getting more power than needed. This can stem from the breaker box, an error from the control board or because of a bad connection in the thermostat. The technician needs to cautiously investigate and test the Nest’s electrical system to understand where the power is surging or why the thermostat thinks there’s an overcurrent problem.
n260
Although this error code isn’t critical, it could still stop you from using the Nest thermostat like normal. Error code n260 concerns the lack of a C wire or Nest Power Connector, as not having one can block your Nest from receiving enough 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’ll need a Nest Power Connector.
During installation of a Nest Power Connector, you may notice error code E297 appear. This can be resolved 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
Similar to error code e103, e104 is a critical error stemming from an overcurrent. If too much power is sent 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 suggested to shut the power off as soon as you can. You can then get in touch with a professional technician with the necessary experience detecting and resolving electrical problems.
e73 – Critical
When your thermostat displays error code e73, it means that the Rc wire is not receiving power.
This could be as straightforward as the breaker being switched off, but it could also be an issue with the wiring. After shutting off the power to your HVAC system and thermostat, you can visually check the wires to make sure none of them are loose or damaged. If nothing appears to be out of place, it’s best to get in touch with a local professional.