Operating a Nest thermostat is one of the most convenient ways to improve the daily 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 properly or at all if you see an error code appear. The precise error code offers useful information about the underlying problem, something a knowledgeable technician can use to offer solutions that much quicker.
Here are seven of the most common error codes you could encounter on your Nest thermostat. We’ll walk you through the basics of each error code on top of how you can solve it and the approximate cost to do so. Don’t forget that while the investment will ultimately be dependent on the specific Nest model, you can anticipate paying about $75-$200 for repairs. This should include things like travel and labor costs along with any specific components necessary to wrap up 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. Because 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 issue is resolved.
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 the electrical system. This might be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A knowledgeable technician can inspect electrical connections and wiring until they locate the source of the problem.
e294 – Critical
Critical error code e294 is displayed when your Nest thermostat’s wiring needs to be reconfigured. More specifically, you’ll need the technician to reconfigure the R wire. They’ll first complete a factory reset of your thermostat to make sure it’s not just a software problem. If that doesn’t work, they’ll check the wiring diagram of the thermostat and start inspecting connectors.
They’ll disconnect the power and gradually look at each wire, making sure they are fully attached into the connector with the correct amount of exposed copper. After they pinpoint the malfunctioning connector, it can be exchanged for a new one.
e195 – Critical
This critical error code can show up 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 subsequently shut down. In the event the breakers are on, you can check a few other places before calling a professional technician.
Because this error can deplete your thermostat’s battery, the first step may be restoring enough power to find out if this specific error code is what you’re facing. You can separate the thermostat from its base and deliver power with a USB cable. If it displays error code 195, you may continue to visually check components such as the wiring as well as your air conditioner’s air filter or drainage system. If you can’t detect anything wrong with these components, it will likely be best to call a pro.
e103 – Critical
Another critical error code, e103 indicates an electrical issue with your Nest thermostat. More specifically, e103 can refer to an overcurrent problem, which means the wiring is getting more power than necessary. This can stem from the breaker box, an error from the control board or because of a defective connection in the thermostat. Your technician will carefully inspect and test the Nest’s electrical system to determine where the power is surging or why the thermostat thinks there’s an overcurrent problem.
n260
Although this error code isn’t critical, it might still stop you from using the Nest thermostat how you prefer 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 obtaining sufficient power. You can inspect the Nest’s C connector for the presence of a C wire and adapt the wiring itself if there is. If not, you can get a Nest Power Connector.
During installation of a Nest Power Connector, you might notice error code E297 appear. This can be remedied by updating your thermostat in Settings -> Software -> Update. If the Power Connector is 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 stemming from an overcurrent. If excessive power is transported using the Nest’s wiring, it can damage internal components and can even be a fire hazard. If you notice this error code show up on your Nest thermostat and want to take steps to prevent electrical damage, it’s recommended to turn the power off straightaway. You can then contact a professional technician with the necessary experience detecting and fixing electrical malfunctions.
e73 – Critical
When your thermostat displays error code e73, it indicates that the Rc wire is not receiving power.
This might be as simple as the breaker being shut off, but it may 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 nothing is loose or damaged. If nothing seems to be out of place, it’s a good idea to get in touch with a local professional.
