Installing a Nest thermostat is one of the best ways to perfect the everyday schedule of your heating and cooling. This smart thermostat can learn 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 exact error code supplies useful information about the underlying problem, something a professional technician can use to offer solutions that much faster.
Let’s consider seven of the most likely error codes you may find on your Nest thermostat. We’ll walk you through the basics of each error code on top of how you could solve it and the projected cost to do so. Keep in mind that while the costs will ultimately hinge on the precise Nest model, you can count on paying about $75-$200 for repairs. This should include 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 detached from the system. Since this is a critical power error, the thermostat will switch to the backup battery system. The error message will continue to be displayed until the problem is fixed.
Losing power to your Nest thermostat can be for numerous reasons. The wiring could 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 trained technician should examine electrical connections and wiring until they find the root of the problem.
e294 – Critical
Critical error code e294 appears when your Nest thermostat’s wiring should be reconfigured. More specifically, the technician will need to reconfigure the R wire. They’ll first perform 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 looking at connectors.
They’ll shut off the power and gradually look at each wire, making sure they are fully attached into the connector with the proper amount of uncovered copper. Once they locate the malfunctioning connector, it can be swapped for a new one.
e195 – Critical
This critical error code can show up when the weather outside is particularly hot. The HVAC system can fail and stop giving power to your Nest thermostat. When this problem lasts, the backup battery in your thermostat depletes and the thermostat will finally turn off. Assuming the breakers are on, you can check a few other places before calling a professional technician.
Since this error can deplete your thermostat’s battery, the first step may be providing enough power to figure out if this specific error code is what you’re working with. You can disconnect the thermostat from its base and supply power with a USB cable. In the event it presents error code 195, you may 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 signifies an electrical malfunction with your Nest thermostat. More specifically, e103 may refer to an overcurrent problem, which means the wiring is getting more power than necessary. This will sometimes stem from the breaker box, an error from the control board or because of a faulty connection in the thermostat. The technician will carefully examine 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
Although this error code isn’t critical, it can still prevent you from using the Nest thermostat like normal. Error code n260 concerns the lack of a C wire or Nest Power Connector, as missing one can block your Nest from receiving adequate power. You can examine 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.
With installation of a Nest Power Connector, you will sometimes notice error code E297 show up. This can be remedied by updating your thermostat in Settings -> Software -> Update. If the Power Connector has already been installed, you’ll instead have 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 stemming from an overcurrent. If too much power is sent using 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 guard against electrical damage, it’s a good idea to turn the power off straightaway. You can then contact a professional technician with the necessary experience diagnosing and solving electrical damage.
e73 – Critical
When your thermostat displays error code e73, it indicates that the Rc wire is not getting power.
This could be as easy as the breaker being switched off, but it may also be an issue with the wiring. After switching off the power to your HVAC system and thermostat, you can visually check the wires to make sure they’re not loose or damaged. If nothing seems to be out of place, it’s a good idea to get in touch with a local professional.