Operating a Nest thermostat is one of the easiest ways to improve the daily schedule of your heating and cooling. This smart thermostat can be taught your preferences and automatically make improvements. But as you might expect, it won’t work well or at all if you see an error code on the display. The precise error code offers useful information about the underlying problem, something a knowledgeable technician can use to present solutions that much quicker.

Listed below are seven of the most likely error codes you could encounter on your Nest thermostat. We’ll explain 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 specific Nest model, you can anticipate paying around $75-$200 for repairs. This should also cover travel and labor costs along with any specific hardware required to finish repairs.

e298 – Critical

This critical error code is limited to newer 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 switch to the backup battery system. The error message will remain on the screen 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 might have happened further along in your electrical system. This could be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A professional technician should inspect electrical connections and wiring until they locate the source of the problem.

e294 – Critical

Critical error code e294 appears 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 ensure it’s not simply a software issue. If that doesn’t work, they’ll review the wiring diagram of the thermostat and start checking connectors.

They’ll disconnect the power and slowly check each wire, ensuring they are fully placed into the connector with the correct amount of bare copper. Once they locate the problem connector, it can be exchanged 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 sending power to your Nest thermostat. When this problem persists, the backup battery in your thermostat depletes and the thermostat will finally shut down. In the event the breakers are on, you can inspect a handful 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 dealing with. You can disconnect the thermostat from its base and provide power through a USB cable. If it presents error code 195, you can continue to visually inspect components like the wiring as well as your air conditioner’s air filter or drainage system. If you struggle to uncover anything wrong with these components, it’s maybe best to get in touch with 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 getting more power than necessary. This can stem from the breaker box, an error from the control board or thanks to a bad connection in the thermostat. A technician should cautiously investigate and test the Nest’s electrical system to understand where the power is surging or why the thermostat thinks there’s an overcurrent problem.

n260

Even though this error code isn’t critical, it might still prevent you from using the Nest thermostat like normal. Error code n260 refers to the lack of a C wire or Nest Power Connector, as not having one can block your Nest from getting enough power. You can examine the Nest’s C connector for the presence of a C wire and adjust the wiring itself if there is. If not, you’ll need a Nest Power Connector.

Due to installation of a Nest Power Connector, you will sometimes notice error code E297 be displayed. 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

Similar to error code e103, e104 is a critical error that’s the result of an overcurrent. If excess power is transported using the Nest’s wiring, it can damage internal components and can 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 a good idea to switch the power off as soon as you can. You can then contact a professional technician with the appropriate experience detecting and solving electrical damage.

e73 – Critical

When your thermostat displays error code e73, it signifies that the Rc wire is not receiving power.

This may be as simple as the breaker being turned off, but it may also be something with the wiring. After switching off the power to your HVAC system and thermostat, you can visually examine the wires to make sure they’re not loose or damaged. If nothing looks to be out of place, it’s time to get in touch with a local professional.