Operating a Nest thermostat is one of the best ways to improve the everyday schedule of your HVAC system. This smart thermostat can be taught your preferences and automatically make adjustments. But as you may expect, it won’t work well or at all if you see an error code on the display. The specific error code offers useful information about the root of the problem, something a professional technician can use to offer solutions that much quicker.
Listed below are seven of the most frequent error codes you might discover 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. Remember that while the costs will ultimately be dependent on the precise Nest model, you can anticipate paying between $75-$200 for repairs. This should include things like travel and labor costs along with any specific components necessary to complete repairs.
e298 – Critical
This critical error code is limited to new models of the Nest thermostat and is displayed when the power is shut off. As this is a critical power error, the thermostat will change 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 numerous reasons. The wiring could have disconnected or become damaged, or a disconnection might have occurred further along in your electrical system. This could be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A trained technician can check electrical connections and wiring until they locate the root of the problem.
e294 – Critical
Critical error code e294 shows up when your Nest thermostat’s wiring has 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 simply a software problem. If that doesn’t work, they’ll review the wiring diagram of the thermostat and start inspecting connectors.
They’ll shut off the power and gradually check each wire, making sure they are fully placed into the connector with the correct amount of bare copper. Once they find the problem connector, it can be replaced for a new one.
e195 – Critical
This critical error code can surface when the weather outside is severely hot. The HVAC system can fail and stop giving power to your Nest thermostat. When this problem persists, the backup battery in your thermostat drains and the thermostat will finally power down. In the event the breakers are on, you can inspect a handful of other places before contacting a professional technician.
As this error can consume your thermostat’s battery, the first step could be supplying 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 provide power through a USB cable. Assuming it displays error code 195, you may 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 uncover anything wrong with these components, it will probably be best to get in touch with a pro.
e103 – Critical
Another critical error code, e103 suggests an electrical error with your Nest thermostat. More specifically, e103 will refer to an overcurrent problem, which means the wiring is experiencing 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 cautiously investigate and test the Nest’s electrical system to understand where the power is surging or why the thermostat believes there’s an overcurrent problem.
n260
While this error code isn’t critical, it might still prevent you from using the Nest thermostat like normal. Error code n260 pertains to the lack of a C wire or Nest Power Connector, as the absence of one can block your Nest from getting adequate power. You can examine the Nest’s C connector for the presence of a C wire and adapt the wiring itself if there is. If not, you’ll need a Nest Power Connector.
Due to 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 be required 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 originating from an overcurrent. If too much power is transported inside the Nest’s wiring, it could 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 switch the power off as soon as possible. You can then get a hold of a professional technician with the proper experience diagnosing and resolving electrical malfunctions.
e73 – Critical
When your thermostat displays error code e73, it means that the Rc wire is not receiving power.
This may be as straightforward as the breaker being shut off, but it can also be something 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 time to contact a local professional.