Installing a Nest thermostat is one of the most convenient ways to improve the daily schedule of your HVAC system. This smart thermostat can recognize your preferences and automatically make improvements. But as you can expect, it won’t work well or at all if you see an error code show up. The specific error code provides useful information about the source of the problem, something a professional technician can use to offer solutions that much faster.
Let’s consider seven of the most frequent error codes you may discover on your Nest thermostat. We’ll walk you through the basics of each error code on top of how you might fix it and the estimated cost to do so. Remember that while the price will ultimately depend on the exact Nest model, you can count on paying around $75-$200 for repairs. This should include travel and labor costs on top of any specific components necessary to complete repairs.
e298 – Critical
This critical error code is limited to new models of the Nest thermostat and appears when the power is detached 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 issue is dealt with.
Losing power to your Nest thermostat can be for several reasons. The wiring could have disconnected or become damaged, or a disconnection may have occurred further along in your electrical system. This may be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A professional technician will 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 has 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 just a software issue. If that doesn’t work, they’ll review the wiring diagram of the thermostat and begin looking at connectors.
They’ll shut off the power and gradually look at each wire, making sure they are fully inserted into the connector with the correct amount of exposed copper. When they locate the problem connector, it can be swapped for a new one.
e195 – Critical
This critical error code can appear when the weather outside is particularly hot. The HVAC system can break down and stop giving power to your Nest thermostat. When this problem lingers, the backup battery in your thermostat drains and the thermostat will eventually turn off. Assuming the breakers are on, you can check a handful of other places before consulting a professional technician.
Because this error can consume your thermostat’s battery, the first step might be restoring enough power to figure out if this specific error code is what you’re facing. You can separate the thermostat from its base and supply power by using a USB cable. If it presents error code 195, you can continue to visually inspect components such as the wiring as well as your air conditioner’s air filter or drainage system. If you struggle to detect anything wrong with these components, it’s maybe best to contact a pro.
e103 – Critical
Another critical error code, e103 suggests an electrical malfunction with your Nest thermostat. More specifically, e103 will refer to an overcurrent problem, which means the wiring is getting more power than necessary. This can stem from the breaker box, an error from the control board or through a faulty connection in the thermostat. A technician will carefully inspect and test the Nest’s electrical system to determine where the power is surging or why the thermostat is convinced 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 missing one can block your Nest from receiving enough power. You can examine the Nest’s C connector for the presence of a C wire and modify the wiring itself if there is. If not, you’ll need a Nest Power Connector.
Due to 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
Just like error code e103, e104 is a critical error originating from an overcurrent. If too much power is transported through 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 guard against 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 identifying and resolving electrical damage.
e73 – Critical
When your thermostat displays error code e73, it indicates that the Rc wire is not getting power.
This will sometimes be as easy 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 examine the wires to make sure they’re not loose or damaged. If nothing looks to be out of place, it’s time to get in touch with a local professional.
