Installing a Nest thermostat is one of the most convenient ways to optimize the day-to-day 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 appear. The exact error code offers useful information about the underlying problem, something a trained technician can use to present solutions that much sooner.
Listed below are seven of the most likely error codes you could encounter on your Nest thermostat. We’ll review the basics of each error code as well as how you might solve it and the approximate cost to do so. Keep in mind that while the investment will ultimately hinge on the exact Nest model, you can count on paying between $75-$200 for repairs. This should also cover travel and labor costs on top of any specific hardware required 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. As 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 problem is dealt with.
Losing power to your Nest thermostat can be for several reasons. The wiring might have disconnected or become damaged, or a disconnection might have happened further along in your home’s electrical system. This may be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A certified technician should inspect electrical connections and wiring until they uncover 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 merely a software issue. If that doesn’t work, they’ll review the wiring diagram of the thermostat and begin checking connectors.
They’ll detach the power and gradually check each wire, seeing to it that they are fully placed into the connector with the proper amount of exposed copper. When they pinpoint the damaged connector, it can be replaced for a new one.
e195 – Critical
This critical error code can surface when the weather outside is particularly hot. The HVAC system can shut down and stop sending power to your Nest thermostat. When this problem lasts, the backup battery in your thermostat drains and the thermostat will subsequently shut down. In the event the breakers are on, you can examine a few 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 find out if this specific error code is what you’re dealing with. You can detach the thermostat from its base and provide power with a USB cable. If it reveals error code 195, you can continue to visually examine components like the wiring as well as your air conditioner’s air filter or drainage system. If you can’t uncover anything wrong with these components, it will likely be best to contact a pro.
e103 – Critical
Another critical error code, e103 indicates 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 may stem from the breaker box, an error from the control board or through a defective connection in the thermostat. A technician can carefully investigate and test the Nest’s electrical system to figure out where the power is surging or why the thermostat thinks there’s an overcurrent problem.
n260
Even though this error code isn’t critical, it might still keep you from using the Nest thermostat like normal. Error code n260 concerns the lack of a C wire or Nest Power Connector, as not having one can block your Nest from receiving sufficient 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.
During 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 have 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 sent using the Nest’s wiring, it can damage internal components and can even be a fire hazard. If you see this error code pop up on your Nest thermostat and want to protect from electrical damage, it’s suggested to switch the power off straightaway. You can then contact a professional technician with the proper experience diagnosing and resolving electrical malfunctions.
e73 – Critical
When your thermostat displays error code e73, it indicates that the Rc wire is not getting power.
This may be as straightforward as the breaker being turned off, but it may also be something 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 time to get in touch with a local professional.
