Installing a Nest thermostat is one of the most convenient ways to improve the everyday schedule of your heating and cooling. 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 appear. The specific error code provides useful information about the root of the problem, something a professional technician can use to present solutions that much faster.
Listed below are seven of the most frequent error codes you might find on your Nest thermostat. We’ll walk you through the basics of each error code along with how you can address it and the approximate cost to do so. Remember that while the investment will ultimately be dependent on the precise Nest model, you can expect to pay between $75-$200 for repairs. This should include travel and labor costs on top of any specific parts required 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. As this is a critical power error, the thermostat will change to the backup battery system. The error message will remain on display until the issue is dealt with.
Losing power to your Nest thermostat can be for a number of reasons. The wiring could have disconnected or become damaged, or a disconnection might have happened further along in your home’s electrical system. This could be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A trained technician will examine electrical connections and wiring until they uncover the source of the problem.
e294 – Critical
Critical error code e294 appears 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 ensure it’s not just a software error. If that doesn’t work, they’ll review the wiring diagram of the thermostat and begin inspecting connectors.
They’ll detach 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 locate the problem connector, it can be swapped for a new one.
e195 – Critical
This critical error code can surface when the weather outside is especially hot. The HVAC system can shut down and stop giving power to your Nest thermostat. When this problem lasts, the backup battery in your thermostat depletes and the thermostat will subsequently shut down. Assuming the breakers are on, you can search a couple of other places before calling a professional technician.
As this error can deplete your thermostat’s battery, the first step might 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 supply power through a USB cable. Assuming it presents error code 195, you can continue to visually check components including 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 probably be best to call a pro.
e103 – Critical
Another critical error code, e103 suggests 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 may stem from the breaker box, an error from the control board or through a bad connection in the thermostat. Your technician will carefully investigate and test the Nest’s electrical system to determine 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 prevent you from using the Nest thermostat like normal. 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 check the Nest’s C connector for the presence of a C wire and adjust 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 appear. 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
Just like error code e103, e104 is a critical error stemming from an overcurrent. If excess power is transported through the Nest’s wiring, it could damage internal components and can even be a fire hazard. If you see this error code show up on your Nest thermostat and want to protect from electrical damage, it’s recommended to turn the power off straightaway. You can then contact a professional technician with the proper experience diagnosing and fixing electrical damage.
e73 – Critical
When your thermostat displays error code e73, it means that the Rc wire is not receiving power.
This will sometimes be as simple as the breaker being switched off, but it could also be a problem with the wiring. After shutting off the power to your HVAC system and thermostat, you can visually examine the wires to make sure none of them are loose or damaged. If nothing appears to be out of place, it’s time to contact a local professional.