Operating a Nest thermostat is one of the most convenient ways to perfect the everyday schedule of your heating and cooling. This smart thermostat can be taught your preferences and automatically make adjustments. But as you might expect, it won’t work well or at all if you see an error code show up. The exact error code supplies useful information about the root of the problem, something a trained technician can use to provide solutions that much sooner.
Here are seven of the most frequent error codes you might discover on your Nest thermostat. We’ll review the basics of each error code as well as how you can fix it and the estimated cost to do so. Keep in mind that while the investment will ultimately be dependent on the specific Nest model, you can expect to pay about $75-$200 for repairs. This should also cover travel and labor costs on top of any specific components needed to wrap up repairs.
e298 – Critical
This critical error code is limited to newer models of the Nest thermostat and appears when the power is shut off. Because this is a critical power error, the thermostat will swap 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 several reasons. The wiring could have disconnected or become damaged, or a disconnection might have happened further along in the electrical system. This might be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A trained technician will examine 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, the technician should reconfigure the R wire. They’ll first conduct a factory reset of your thermostat to make sure it’s not just a software issue. If that doesn’t work, they’ll check the wiring diagram of the thermostat and start looking at connectors.
They’ll shut off the power and gradually look at each wire, seeing to it that they are fully placed into the connector with the correct amount of bare copper. Once they find the damaged connector, it can be exchanged for a new one.
e195 – Critical
This critical error code can surface when the weather outside is particularly hot. The HVAC system can break down and stop delivering 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 search a few other places before calling a professional technician.
As this error can consume your thermostat’s battery, the first step might be restoring enough power to figure 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 presents error code 195, you may continue to visually check components like the wiring as well as your air conditioner’s air filter or drainage system. If you struggle to detect anything wrong with these components, it will likely be best to call a pro.
e103 – Critical
Another critical error code, e103 signifies 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 bad connection in the thermostat. Your technician should cautiously examine and test the Nest’s electrical system to understand 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 can still stop you from using the Nest thermostat how you want to. Error code n260 concerns the lack of a C wire or Nest Power Connector, as missing one can block your Nest from obtaining enough 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.
Due to installation of a Nest Power Connector, you will sometimes notice error code E297 show up. This can be resolved 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
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 could 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 turn the power off as soon as possible. You can then get in touch with a professional technician with the proper experience diagnosing and resolving electrical issues.
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 switched off, but it could also be an issue with the wiring. After shutting off the power to your HVAC system and thermostat, you can visually examine the wires to make sure nothing is loose or damaged. If nothing looks to be out of place, it’s a good idea to get in touch with a local professional.
