How to Resolve These Seven Error Codes on Your Nest Thermostat

Installing a Nest thermostat is one of the best ways to perfect the day-to-day schedule of your heating and cooling. This smart thermostat can learn your preferences and automatically make changes. But as you can expect, it won’t work properly or at all if you see an error code on the display. The exact error code offers useful information about the source of the problem, something a professional technician can use to offer solutions that much faster.

Here are seven of the most frequent error codes you may discover on your Nest thermostat. We’ll review the basics of each error code as well as how you can address it and the projected cost to do so. Remember that while the price will ultimately hinge on the precise Nest model, you can anticipate paying about $75-$200 for repairs. This should include travel and labor costs as well as any specific hardware necessary to complete repairs.

e298 – Critical

This critical error code is limited to newer 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 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 may have appeared further along in your electrical system. This might be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A trained technician should check electrical connections and wiring until they locate the root of the problem.

e294 – Critical

Critical error code e294 is displayed when your Nest thermostat’s wiring needs to be reconfigured. More specifically, the technician should reconfigure the R wire. They’ll first conduct 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 check each wire, making sure they are fully placed into the connector with the proper amount of bare copper. When they pinpoint the damaged connector, it can be exchanged for a new one.

e195 – Critical

This critical error code can appear when the weather outside is especially hot. The HVAC system can shut down and stop delivering power to your Nest thermostat. When this problem lingers, the backup battery in your thermostat depletes and the thermostat will subsequently power down. Presuming the breakers are on, you can search a couple of other places before contacting a professional technician.

Since this error can drain your thermostat’s battery, the first step may be supplying 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 provide power through a USB cable. Assuming it presents error code 195, you may continue to visually check 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 will likely be best to contact a pro.

e103 – Critical

Another critical error code, e103 suggests an electrical issue with your Nest thermostat. More specifically, e103 may refer to an overcurrent problem, which means the wiring is experiencing more power than what is safe and normal. This will sometimes stem from the breaker box, an error from the control board or because of a defective connection in the thermostat. Your technician will cautiously examine and test the Nest’s electrical system to understand where the power is surging or why the thermostat believes there’s an overcurrent problem.

n260

Even though this error code isn’t critical, it could still prevent you from using the Nest thermostat how you want to. 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 receiving adequate power. You can inspect the Nest’s C connector for the presence of a C wire and modify the wiring itself if there is. If not, you need a Nest Power Connector.

During installation of a Nest Power Connector, you may notice error code E297 be displayed. This can be resolved by updating your thermostat in Settings -> Software -> Update. If the Power Connector is 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 excessive power is sent inside the Nest’s wiring, it may damage internal components and may even be a fire hazard. If you see this error code appear on your Nest thermostat and want to protect from electrical damage, it’s recommended to switch the power off straightaway. You can then contact a professional technician with the necessary experience diagnosing and resolving electrical damage.

e73 – Critical

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

This might be as easy as the breaker being turned off, but it could also be an issue with the wiring. After shutting 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 time to speak with a local professional.