Installing a Nest thermostat is one of the most convenient ways to perfect the daily schedule of your comfort system. This smart thermostat can be taught your preferences and automatically make adjustments. But as you may expect, it won’t work properly or at all if you see an error code on the display. The exact error code supplies useful information about the source of the problem, something a professional technician can use to provide solutions that much faster.
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 as well as how you might address it and the estimated cost to do so. Don’t forget that while the price will ultimately hinge on the specific Nest model, you can expect to pay around $75-$200 for repairs. This should include travel and labor costs on top of any specific hardware necessary to complete repairs.
e298 – Critical
This critical error code is limited to the latest models of the Nest thermostat and appears when the power is shut off. Since this is a critical power error, the thermostat will switch to the backup battery system. The error message will remain on display until the problem is dealt with.
Losing power to your Nest thermostat can be for numerous reasons. The wiring may have disconnected or become damaged, or a disconnection could have happened further along in the electrical system. This might be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A trained technician can inspect electrical connections and wiring until they find the root of the problem.
e294 – Critical
Critical error code e294 shows up when your Nest thermostat’s wiring should 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 simply a software problem. If that doesn’t work, they’ll examine the wiring diagram of the thermostat and begin checking connectors.
They’ll shut off the power and gradually inspect each wire, ensuring they are fully inserted into the connector with the correct amount of exposed copper. Once they locate 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 break down and stop sending power to your Nest thermostat. When this problem lingers, the backup battery in your thermostat drains and the thermostat will eventually shut down. In the event the breakers are on, you can check a handful of other places before contacting a professional technician.
Since this error can drain your thermostat’s battery, the first step could be providing 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 presents error code 195, you may continue to visually check components including the wiring as well as your air conditioner’s air filter or drainage system. If you don’t uncover anything wrong with these components, it will likely be best to contact a pro.
e103 – Critical
Another critical error code, e103 suggests an electrical issue with your Nest thermostat. More specifically, e103 will refer to an overcurrent problem, which means the wiring is experiencing more power than necessary. This may stem from the breaker box, an error from the control board or thanks to a faulty connection in the thermostat. Your technician needs to meticulously investigate 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
While this error code isn’t critical, it may still stop you from using the Nest thermostat how you want to. Error code n260 refers to the lack of a C wire or Nest Power Connector, as the absence of one can block your Nest from receiving adequate 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 need a Nest Power Connector.
With 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 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 excessive power is transported inside the Nest’s wiring, it could damage internal components and can even be a fire hazard. If you see this error code appear on your Nest thermostat and want to take steps to prevent 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 proper experience diagnosing and fixing electrical issues.
e73 – Critical
When your thermostat displays error code e73, it indicates 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 something with the wiring. After switching 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 appears to be out of place, it’s a good idea to get in touch with a local professional.
