How to Resolve These Seven Error Codes on Your Nest Thermostat

Installing a Nest thermostat is one of the easiest ways to improve the daily schedule of your comfort system. This smart thermostat can recognize your preferences and automatically make changes. But as you may expect, it won’t work correctly or at all if you see an error code on the display. The precise error code provides useful information about the underlying problem, something a trained technician can use to offer solutions that much sooner.

Let’s consider seven of the most frequent error codes you may discover on your Nest thermostat. We’ll review the basics of each error code along with how you could fix it and the projected cost to do so. Don’t forget that while the price will ultimately depend on the specific Nest model, you can anticipate paying around $75-$200 for repairs. This should include things like travel and labor costs on top of any specific components necessary to complete repairs.

e298 – Critical

This critical error code is limited to newer models of the Nest thermostat and shows up when the power is shut off. Because 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 dealt with.

Losing power to your Nest thermostat can be for a number of reasons. The wiring may have disconnected or become damaged, or a disconnection may have appeared further along in your electrical system. This could be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A trained technician should check 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 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 just a software error. If that doesn’t work, they’ll check the wiring diagram of the thermostat and begin checking connectors.

They’ll disconnect the power and slowly inspect each wire, making sure they are fully placed into the connector with the proper amount of bare copper. Once they pinpoint the damaged connector, it can be swapped for a new one.

e195 – Critical

This critical error code can appear when the weather outside is especially hot. The HVAC system can fail and stop delivering power to your Nest thermostat. When this problem lingers, the backup battery in your thermostat drains and the thermostat will eventually power down. Presuming the breakers are on, you can search a few other places before consulting a professional technician.

Because 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 detach the thermostat from its base and deliver power by using a USB cable. Assuming it reveals error code 195, you can continue to visually inspect components like 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’s maybe best to contact a pro.

e103 – Critical

Another critical error code, e103 suggests an electrical problem with your Nest thermostat. More specifically, e103 can refer to an overcurrent problem, which means the wiring is experiencing more power than needed. This will sometimes stem from the breaker box, an error from the control board or because of a bad connection in the thermostat. A technician can carefully inspect 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

While this error code isn’t critical, it could still prevent you from using the Nest thermostat how you want to. 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 enough 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 need a Nest Power Connector.

Due to installation of a Nest Power Connector, you might notice error code E297 show up. This can be remedied by updating your thermostat in Settings -> Software -> Update. If the Power Connector was already 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 that’s the result of an overcurrent. If excess power is sent through the Nest’s wiring, it may damage internal components and could even be a fire hazard. If you notice this error code appear on your Nest thermostat and want to guard against electrical damage, it’s a good idea to shut the power off as soon as possible. You can then get a hold of a professional technician with the necessary experience diagnosing and fixing electrical problems.

e73 – Critical

When your thermostat displays error code e73, it means that the Rc wire is not getting power.

This could be as easy as the breaker being shut 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 check the wires to make sure they’re not loose or damaged. If nothing seems to be out of place, it’s time to contact a local professional.