Using a Nest thermostat is one of the best ways to perfect the everyday schedule of your comfort system. This smart thermostat can learn 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 on the display. The precise error code offers useful information about the underlying problem, something a professional technician can use to provide solutions that much quicker.

Let’s consider seven of the most likely error codes you could encounter on your Nest thermostat. We’ll walk you through the basics of each error code as well as how you could address it and the projected cost to do so. Keep in mind that while the costs will ultimately be dependent on the exact Nest model, you can count on paying about $75-$200 for repairs. This should also cover travel and labor costs as well as any specific hardware required to wrap up repairs.

e298 – Critical

This critical error code is limited to the latest models of the Nest thermostat and shows up when the power is shut off. As this is a critical power error, the thermostat will swap to the backup battery system. The error message will continue to be displayed until the problem is fixed.

Losing power to your Nest thermostat can be for a number of reasons. The wiring could have disconnected or become damaged, or a disconnection could have appeared further along in your home’s electrical system. This might be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A trained technician should examine electrical connections and wiring until they uncover the root of the problem.

e294 – Critical

Critical error code e294 appears when your Nest thermostat’s wiring should be reconfigured. More specifically, you’ll need the technician to reconfigure the R wire. They’ll first complete a factory reset of your thermostat to make sure it’s not merely a software error. If that doesn’t work, they’ll examine the wiring diagram of the thermostat and begin looking at connectors.

They’ll disconnect the power and slowly look at each wire, making sure they are fully attached into the connector with the correct amount of bare copper. After they locate the problem connector, it can be replaced for a new one.

e195 – Critical

This critical error code can show up when the weather outside is particularly hot. The HVAC system can fail and stop sending power to your Nest thermostat. When this problem lingers, the backup battery in your thermostat drains and the thermostat will finally 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 providing 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 through a USB cable. In the event it reveals error code 195, you should continue to visually examine components such as the wiring as well as your air conditioner’s air filter or drainage system. If you struggle to find anything wrong with these components, it will probably be best to contact a pro.

e103 – Critical

Another critical error code, e103 indicates an electrical problem with your Nest thermostat. More specifically, e103 may refer to an overcurrent problem, which means the wiring is receiving more power than needed. This will sometimes stem from the breaker box, an error from the control board or because of a defective connection in the thermostat. A technician can carefully inspect and test the Nest’s electrical system to determine where the power is surging or why the thermostat thinks there’s an overcurrent problem.

n260

Although this error code isn’t critical, it might still prevent 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 the absence of one can block your Nest from obtaining sufficient power. You can check the Nest’s C connector for the presence of a C wire and modify the wiring itself if there is. If not, you can get a Nest Power Connector.

Due to installation of a Nest Power Connector, you may 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 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 too much power is being delivered inside the Nest’s wiring, it could damage internal components and could even be a fire hazard. If you notice this error code show up on your Nest thermostat and want to guard against electrical damage, it’s a good idea to switch the power off straightaway. You can then get a hold of a professional technician with the necessary experience diagnosing and resolving 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 easy as the breaker being turned off, but it can also be something with the wiring. After turning off the power to your HVAC system and thermostat, you can visually check the wires to make sure nothing is loose or damaged. If nothing looks to be out of place, it’s time to speak with a local professional.