Installing a Nest thermostat is one of the easiest ways to perfect the everyday schedule of your HVAC system. This smart thermostat can recognize your preferences and automatically make changes. But as you may expect, it won’t work well or at all if you see an error code appear. The precise error code provides useful information about the underlying problem, something a knowledgeable technician can use to provide solutions that much sooner.
Here are seven of the most common error codes you could find 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 price will ultimately be dependent on the specific Nest model, you can anticipate paying about $75-$200 for repairs. This should include travel and labor costs along with any specific hardware required to wrap up repairs.
e298 – Critical
This critical error code is limited to new models of the Nest thermostat and appears when the power is disconnected from the system. Because this is a critical power error, the thermostat will change to the backup battery system. The error message will remain on display until the problem is fixed.
Losing power to your Nest thermostat can be for a number of reasons. The wiring might have disconnected or become damaged, or a disconnection may have happened further along in your home’s electrical system. This may be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A certified technician should inspect electrical connections and wiring until they find the root of the problem.
e294 – Critical
Critical error code e294 is displayed when your Nest thermostat’s wiring has to be reconfigured. More specifically, the technician will need to reconfigure the R wire. They’ll first conduct a factory reset of your thermostat to make sure it’s not just a software problem. If that doesn’t work, they’ll examine the wiring diagram of the thermostat and start inspecting connectors.
They’ll shut off the power and gradually look at each wire, making sure they are fully attached into the connector with the correct amount of uncovered 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 giving power to your Nest thermostat. When this problem persists, the backup battery in your thermostat depletes and the thermostat will eventually turn off. Assuming the breakers are on, you can check a couple of other places before calling a professional technician.
Since this error can drain your thermostat’s battery, the first step might be restoring enough power to find out if this specific error code is what you’re working with. You can separate the thermostat from its base and deliver power through a USB cable. Assuming it displays error code 195, you may 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 probably be best to call a pro.
e103 – Critical
Another critical error code, e103 suggests an electrical malfunction with your Nest thermostat. More specifically, e103 will refer to an overcurrent problem, which means the wiring is experiencing more power than needed. This will sometimes stem from the breaker box, an error from the control board or through a defective connection in the thermostat. The technician needs to meticulously investigate 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
While this error code isn’t critical, it could still keep 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 adequate power. You can examine the Nest’s C connector for the presence of a C wire and modify the wiring itself if there is. If not, you’ll need a Nest Power Connector.
Due to installation of a Nest Power Connector, you may notice error code E297 be displayed. This can be dealt with by updating your thermostat in Settings -> Software -> Update. If the Power Connector is already installed, you’ll instead have 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 sent through the Nest’s wiring, it may damage internal components and may even be a fire hazard. If you notice this error code show up on your Nest thermostat and want to protect from electrical damage, it’s a good idea to switch the power off as soon as you can. You can then get a hold of a professional technician with the appropriate experience diagnosing and solving electrical issues.
e73 – Critical
When your thermostat displays error code e73, it means that the Rc wire is not receiving power.
This could be as simple as the breaker being switched off, but it can also be something with the wiring. After switching 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 looks to be out of place, it’s time to get in touch with a local professional.
