Operating a Nest thermostat is one of the best ways to optimize the daily schedule of your heating and cooling. This smart thermostat can learn 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 on the display. The precise error code supplies useful information about the underlying problem, something a knowledgeable technician can use to offer solutions that much quicker.
Here are seven of the most frequent error codes you could discover on your Nest thermostat. We’ll review the basics of each error code on top of how you might fix it and the projected cost to do so. Keep in mind that while the price will ultimately depend on the specific Nest model, you can count on paying about $75-$200 for repairs. This should include travel and labor costs on top of any specific hardware required 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. 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 issue is resolved.
Losing power to your Nest thermostat can be for numerous reasons. The wiring might have disconnected or become damaged, or a disconnection might have occurred further along in your electrical system. This may be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A certified technician will 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 just a software error. If that doesn’t work, they’ll check the wiring diagram of the thermostat and begin inspecting connectors.
They’ll detach the power and gradually look at each wire, seeing to it that they are fully placed into the connector with the correct amount of bare copper. Once they pinpoint the damaged connector, it can be swapped for a new one.
e195 – Critical
This critical error code can surface when the weather outside is particularly 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 shut down. Assuming the breakers are on, you can search a handful of other places before consulting a professional technician.
Since this error can consume your thermostat’s battery, the first step might be supplying enough power to determine if this specific error code is what you’re working with. You can separate the thermostat from its base and provide power with a USB cable. Assuming it presents 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 don’t detect anything wrong with these components, it’s maybe best to contact a pro.
e103 – Critical
Another critical error code, e103 signifies an electrical error with your Nest thermostat. More specifically, e103 will refer to an overcurrent problem, which means the wiring is experiencing more power than necessary. This can stem from the breaker box, an error from the control board or because of a bad connection in the thermostat. Your technician will meticulously examine and test the Nest’s electrical system to determine where the power is surging or why the thermostat believes there’s an overcurrent problem.
n260
Although this error code isn’t critical, it could still prevent 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 receiving sufficient 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.
During installation of a Nest Power Connector, you may notice error code E297 appear. This can be resolved by updating your thermostat in Settings -> Software -> Update. If the Power Connector was already installed, you’ll instead have 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 that’s the result of an overcurrent. If too much power is transported using the Nest’s wiring, it may damage internal components and could even be a fire hazard. If you see this error code pop up on your Nest thermostat and want to guard against electrical damage, it’s recommended to switch the power off straightaway. You can then get in touch with a professional technician with the necessary experience identifying and resolving electrical problems.
e73 – Critical
When your thermostat displays error code e73, it signifies that the Rc wire is not receiving power.
This might be as easy as the breaker being shut off, but it could also be something with the wiring. After shutting off the power to your HVAC system and thermostat, you can visually check the wires to make sure none of them are loose or damaged. If nothing seems to be out of place, it’s time to speak with a local professional.