Operating a Nest thermostat is one of the best ways to optimize the day-to-day schedule of your HVAC system. This smart thermostat can be taught your preferences and automatically make improvements. But as you may expect, it won’t work well or at all if you see an error code show up. The precise error code offers useful information about the underlying problem, something a professional technician can use to provide solutions that much quicker.
Here are seven of the most frequent error codes you could find on your Nest thermostat. We’ll review the basics of each error code along with how you could address it and the projected cost to do so. Keep in mind that while the investment will ultimately be dependent on the exact Nest model, you can count on paying about $75-$200 for repairs. This should include things like travel and labor costs along with any specific components necessary to complete repairs.
e298 – Critical
This critical error code is limited to newer models of the Nest thermostat and appears when the power is shut off. Since this is a critical power error, the thermostat will switch to the backup battery system. The error message will remain on display until the issue is fixed.
Losing power to your Nest thermostat can be for numerous reasons. The wiring could have disconnected or become damaged, or a disconnection could have happened further along in your home’s electrical system. This might be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A certified technician can examine 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 should be reconfigured. More specifically, the technician will need to reconfigure the R wire. They’ll first conduct a factory reset of your thermostat to ensure 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 shut off the power and gradually look at each wire, making sure they are fully inserted into the connector with the correct amount of uncovered copper. Once they find the problem connector, it can be exchanged 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 lingers, the backup battery in your thermostat drains and the thermostat will finally turn off. In the event the breakers are on, you can examine a couple of other places before calling a professional technician.
As this error can drain your thermostat’s battery, the first step might be providing enough power to figure out if this specific error code is what you’re dealing with. You can disconnect the thermostat from its base and deliver power through a USB cable. Assuming it reveals error code 195, you may continue to visually inspect components like 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’s maybe best to get in touch with a pro.
e103 – Critical
Another critical error code, e103 indicates an electrical issue with your Nest thermostat. More specifically, e103 will refer to an overcurrent problem, which means the wiring is experiencing more power than necessary. This will sometimes stem from the breaker box, an error from the control board or thanks to a faulty connection in the thermostat. The technician can carefully investigate and test the Nest’s electrical system to figure out 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 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 missing one can block your Nest from obtaining sufficient 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 may notice error code E297 appear. This can be dealt with by updating your thermostat in Settings -> Software -> Update. If the Power Connector was already installed, you’ll instead need 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 originating from an overcurrent. If too much power is being delivered inside the Nest’s wiring, it may damage internal components and may even be a fire hazard. If you see this error code pop up on your Nest thermostat and want to take steps to prevent electrical damage, it’s a good idea to shut the power off as soon as you can. You can then get in touch with a professional technician with the appropriate experience detecting and fixing electrical problems.
e73 – Critical
When your thermostat displays error code e73, it signifies that the Rc wire is not getting power.
This will sometimes be as simple as the breaker being shut off, but it could also be an issue with the wiring. After switching 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 appears to be out of place, it’s best to speak with a local professional.
