Installing a Nest thermostat is one of the most convenient ways to optimize the day-to-day 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 well or at all if you see an error code show up. The specific error code provides useful information about the root of the problem, something a professional technician can use to offer solutions that much sooner.
Let’s consider seven of the most frequent error codes you may find on your Nest thermostat. We’ll walk you through the basics of each error code as well as how you could solve it and the projected cost to do so. Remember that while the investment will ultimately hinge on the exact Nest model, you can anticipate paying around $75-$200 for repairs. This should include travel and labor costs along with any specific hardware needed to complete repairs.
e298 – Critical
This critical error code is limited to the latest models of the Nest thermostat and shows up 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 display until the problem is dealt with.
Losing power to your Nest thermostat can be for several reasons. The wiring might have disconnected or become damaged, or a disconnection could have happened further along in the electrical system. This may be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A professional technician can inspect 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 needs to be reconfigured. More specifically, the technician should reconfigure the R wire. They’ll first complete a factory reset of your thermostat to make sure it’s not merely a software issue. If that doesn’t work, they’ll examine the wiring diagram of the thermostat and start looking at connectors.
They’ll detach the power and progressively look at each wire, ensuring they are fully placed into the connector with the correct amount of bare copper. After they locate the malfunctioning connector, it can be swapped for a new one.
e195 – Critical
This critical error code can surface 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 depletes and the thermostat will eventually shut down. In the event the breakers are on, you can check a handful of other places before calling a professional technician.
Since this error can drain your thermostat’s battery, the first step may be providing enough power to determine if this specific error code is what you’re facing. You can separate the thermostat from its base and supply power by using a USB cable. In the event it reveals error code 195, you may continue to visually examine components like the wiring as well as your air conditioner’s air filter or drainage system. If you struggle to detect anything wrong with these components, it will probably be best to get in touch with a pro.
e103 – Critical
Another critical error code, e103 signifies an electrical problem with your Nest thermostat. More specifically, e103 may refer to an overcurrent problem, which means the wiring is getting more power than what is safe and normal. This can stem from the breaker box, an error from the control board or because of a bad connection in the thermostat. The technician needs to cautiously examine and test the Nest’s electrical system to understand 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 may still keep you from using the Nest thermostat like normal. Error code n260 refers to the lack of a C wire or Nest Power Connector, as the absence of one can block your Nest from obtaining enough power. You can inspect 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 be displayed. This can be remedied by updating your thermostat in Settings -> Software -> Update. If the Power Connector has already been installed, you’ll instead need 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 stemming from an overcurrent. If excess power is being delivered using the Nest’s wiring, it could damage internal components and could even be a fire hazard. If you see this error code appear on your Nest thermostat and want to guard against electrical damage, it’s recommended to shut the power off as soon as you can. You can then get a hold of a professional technician with the proper experience detecting and resolving electrical damage.
e73 – Critical
When your thermostat displays error code e73, it indicates that the Rc wire is not getting power.
This may be as straightforward as the breaker being turned off, but it could also be something with the wiring. After switching off the power to your HVAC system and thermostat, you can visually check the wires to make sure they’re not loose or damaged. If nothing appears to be out of place, it’s time to speak with a local professional.
