Operating a Nest thermostat is one of the best ways to optimize the day-to-day schedule of your comfort system. This smart thermostat can recognize your preferences and automatically make changes. But as you may expect, it won’t work correctly or at all if you see an error code on the display. The precise error code supplies useful information about the source of the problem, something a knowledgeable technician can use to offer solutions that much sooner.
Here are seven of the most frequent error codes you could discover on your Nest thermostat. We’ll walk you through the basics of each error code on top of how you could solve it and the approximate cost to do so. Don’t forget that while the costs will ultimately be dependent on the exact 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 required to complete repairs.
e298 – Critical
This critical error code is limited to the latest models of the Nest thermostat and is displayed when the power is disconnected from the system. Because this is a critical power error, the thermostat will swap to the backup battery system. The error message will remain on the screen until the issue is dealt with.
Losing power to your Nest thermostat can be for numerous reasons. The wiring may have disconnected or become damaged, or a disconnection may have happened further along in the electrical system. This may be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A knowledgeable technician will examine 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 should be reconfigured. More specifically, the technician will need to reconfigure the R wire. They’ll first complete a factory reset of your thermostat to ensure it’s not merely a software problem. If that doesn’t work, they’ll review the wiring diagram of the thermostat and start looking at connectors.
They’ll detach the power and gradually check each wire, making sure they are fully attached into the connector with the proper amount of bare copper. When they pinpoint the malfunctioning connector, it can be swapped for a new one.
e195 – Critical
This critical error code can show up when the weather outside is severely hot. The HVAC system can shut down and stop sending power to your Nest thermostat. When this problem persists, the backup battery in your thermostat drains and the thermostat will finally turn off. Presuming the breakers are on, you can check a couple of other places before consulting a professional technician.
Since this error can drain your thermostat’s battery, the first step may be restoring enough power to find out if this specific error code is what you’re working with. You can detach the thermostat from its base and deliver power with a USB cable. Assuming it displays error code 195, you can continue to visually examine components such as the wiring as well as your air conditioner’s air filter or drainage system. If you can’t find anything wrong with these components, it will likely be best to contact a pro.
e103 – Critical
Another critical error code, e103 signifies an electrical issue with your Nest thermostat. More specifically, e103 will refer to an overcurrent problem, which means the wiring is receiving more power than needed. This can stem from the breaker box, an error from the control board or through a bad connection in the thermostat. The technician can cautiously inspect 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
Although this error code isn’t critical, it might still stop you from using the Nest thermostat how you prefer to. 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 inspect the Nest’s C connector for the presence of a C wire and modify the wiring itself if there is. If not, you need a Nest Power Connector.
During installation of a Nest Power Connector, you will sometimes notice error code E297 show up. This can be dealt with 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
Like error code e103, e104 is a critical error originating from an overcurrent. If excess power is being delivered using the Nest’s wiring, it could damage internal components and may even be a fire hazard. If you notice this error code appear on your Nest thermostat and want to guard against electrical damage, it’s recommended to turn the power off as soon as you can. You can then contact a professional technician with the proper experience detecting and resolving electrical issues.
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 shut 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 inspect the wires to make sure nothing is loose or damaged. If nothing seems to be out of place, it’s best to speak with a local professional.