Operating a Nest thermostat is one of the easiest ways to improve the daily schedule of your comfort system. This smart thermostat can be taught your preferences and automatically make changes. But as you may expect, it won’t work correctly or at all if you see an error code on the display. The exact error code supplies useful information about the root of the problem, something a trained technician can use to offer solutions that much faster.
Here are seven of the most frequent error codes you could discover on your Nest thermostat. We’ll walk you through the basics of each error code along with how you could solve it and the approximate 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 along with any specific components required to finish repairs.
e298 – Critical
This critical error code is limited to newer models of the Nest thermostat and appears when the power is disconnected from the system. Since this is a critical power error, the thermostat will swap to the backup battery system. The error message will remain on the screen until the problem is dealt with.
Losing power to your Nest thermostat can be for a number of reasons. The wiring may have disconnected or become damaged, or a disconnection could have occurred further along in your home’s electrical system. This may be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A certified technician should check electrical connections and wiring until they find the source 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 ensure it’s not just a software problem. If that doesn’t work, they’ll check the wiring diagram of the thermostat and start looking at connectors.
They’ll disconnect the power and gradually check each wire, making sure they are fully inserted into the connector with the proper amount of bare copper. When they pinpoint the problem 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 giving power to your Nest thermostat. When this problem persists, 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 calling a professional technician.
Since 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 facing. You can detach the thermostat from its base and deliver power through a USB cable. In the event it presents error code 195, you may continue to visually inspect components such as the wiring as well as your air conditioner’s air filter or drainage system. If you can’t detect anything wrong with these components, it will probably be best to get in touch with a pro.
e103 – Critical
Another critical error code, e103 suggests 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 what is safe and normal. This may stem from the breaker box, an error from the control board or because of a faulty connection in the thermostat. Your technician can meticulously inspect and test the Nest’s electrical system to figure out 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 can still keep you from using the Nest thermostat like normal. 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 enough power. You can examine the Nest’s C connector for the presence of a C wire and adapt the wiring itself if there is. If not, you can get a Nest Power Connector.
With installation of a Nest Power Connector, you may notice error code E297 be displayed. 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 stemming from an overcurrent. If too much power is transported through the Nest’s wiring, it could damage internal components and could 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 switch the power off as soon as possible. You can then get in touch with a professional technician with the appropriate experience detecting and solving electrical issues.
e73 – Critical
When your thermostat displays error code e73, it means that the Rc wire is not receiving power.
This may be as straightforward 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 inspect the wires to make sure none of them are loose or damaged. If nothing looks to be out of place, it’s a good idea to speak with a local professional.