Installing a Nest thermostat is one of the best ways to improve the daily schedule of your heating and cooling. This smart thermostat can learn your preferences and automatically make adjustments. But as you can expect, it won’t work properly or at all if you see an error code on the display. The specific error code offers useful information about the root of the problem, something a trained technician can use to offer solutions that much sooner.
Here are seven of the most likely error codes you could discover on your Nest thermostat. We’ll walk you through the basics of each error code as well as how you can address it and the estimated cost to do so. Remember that while the investment will ultimately hinge on the exact Nest model, you can count on paying around $75-$200 for repairs. This should also cover travel and labor costs as well as any specific components needed to finish repairs.
e298 – Critical
This critical error code is limited to the latest models of the Nest thermostat and is displayed when the power is disconnected from the system. As this is a critical power error, the thermostat will change to the backup battery system. The error message will continue to be displayed until the issue is dealt with.
Losing power to your Nest thermostat can be for several reasons. The wiring could have disconnected or become damaged, or a disconnection could have appeared further along in your electrical system. This may be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A trained technician can examine electrical connections and wiring until they uncover the source of the problem.
e294 – Critical
Critical error code e294 is displayed when your Nest thermostat’s wiring has to be reconfigured. More specifically, the technician should reconfigure the R wire. They’ll first conduct a factory reset of your thermostat to ensure it’s not merely a software issue. If that doesn’t work, they’ll review the wiring diagram of the thermostat and begin checking connectors.
They’ll disconnect the power and gradually inspect each wire, seeing to it that they are fully inserted into the connector with the correct amount of uncovered copper. After they locate 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 fail and stop delivering power to your Nest thermostat. When this problem lingers, the backup battery in your thermostat depletes and the thermostat will finally power down. Assuming the breakers are on, you can inspect a handful of other places before consulting a professional technician.
Because this error can consume your thermostat’s battery, the first step may be supplying enough power to figure out if this specific error code is what you’re working with. You can detach the thermostat from its base and supply power through a USB cable. If it reveals error code 195, you may continue to visually inspect components including 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 malfunction with your Nest thermostat. More specifically, e103 can 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 thanks to a bad connection in the thermostat. The technician needs to carefully examine 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
Although this error code isn’t critical, it may still prevent you from using the Nest thermostat like normal. Error code n260 concerns the lack of a C wire or Nest Power Connector, as missing one can block your Nest from receiving sufficient power. You can examine 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.
During 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 be required 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 originating from an overcurrent. If excessive power is sent inside the Nest’s wiring, it can damage internal components and may even be a fire hazard. If you notice this error code appear on your Nest thermostat and want to guard against electrical damage, it’s recommended to turn the power off as soon as possible. You can then get in touch with a professional technician with the proper experience detecting and solving electrical issues.
e73 – Critical
When your thermostat displays error code e73, it signifies that the Rc wire is not getting power.
This could be as straightforward as the breaker being shut off, but it may also be an issue with the wiring. After switching off the power to your HVAC system and thermostat, you can visually inspect 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.