Operating a Nest thermostat is one of the easiest 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 correctly or at all if you see an error code on the display. The specific error code offers useful information about the underlying problem, something a professional technician can use to present solutions that much quicker.
Here are seven of the most likely error codes you may discover on your Nest thermostat. We’ll review the basics of each error code on top of how you might solve it and the projected cost to do so. Keep in mind that while the investment will ultimately hinge on the precise Nest model, you can expect to pay about $75-$200 for repairs. This should include travel and labor costs as well as any specific parts necessary to complete repairs.
e298 – Critical
This critical error code is limited to new 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 display until the issue is fixed.
Losing power to your Nest thermostat can be for numerous reasons. The wiring might have disconnected or become damaged, or a disconnection could have appeared further along in your electrical system. This might be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A professional technician can examine 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 should be reconfigured. More specifically, the technician will need to reconfigure the R wire. They’ll first perform a factory reset of your thermostat to make sure it’s not merely a software problem. If that doesn’t work, they’ll check the wiring diagram of the thermostat and begin checking connectors.
They’ll disconnect the power and progressively inspect each wire, seeing to it that they are fully placed into the connector with the correct amount of uncovered copper. When they find the problem connector, it can be replaced for a new one.
e195 – Critical
This critical error code can show up when the weather outside is severely hot. The HVAC system can fail and stop delivering power to your Nest thermostat. When this problem lasts, the backup battery in your thermostat drains and the thermostat will subsequently shut down. Assuming the breakers are on, you can inspect a couple of other places before calling a professional technician.
As this error can deplete your thermostat’s battery, the first step may be restoring enough power to determine if this specific error code is what you’re facing. You can detach the thermostat from its base and provide power through a USB cable. Assuming it displays error code 195, you can continue to visually examine components including the wiring as well as your air conditioner’s air filter or drainage system. If you don’t detect anything wrong with these components, it will likely be best to get in touch with a pro.
e103 – Critical
Another critical error code, e103 signifies 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 because of a defective connection in the thermostat. A technician will carefully inspect and test the Nest’s electrical system to figure out where the power is surging or why the thermostat believes there’s an overcurrent problem.
n260
Even though this error code isn’t critical, it might 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 not having one can block your Nest from receiving enough power. You can check 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.
With installation of a Nest Power Connector, you might 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 be required 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 stemming from an overcurrent. If too much power is transported through the Nest’s wiring, it could 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 a good idea to turn the power off as soon as you can. You can then get a hold of a professional technician with the appropriate experience identifying and solving electrical problems.
e73 – Critical
When your thermostat displays error code e73, it indicates that the Rc wire is not receiving power.
This will sometimes be as simple as the breaker being switched off, but it may also be a problem with the wiring. After switching 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 time to contact a local professional.