Operating a Nest thermostat is one of the easiest ways to improve the day-to-day schedule of your comfort system. This smart thermostat can recognize 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 appear. The precise error code provides useful information about the source of the problem, something a professional technician can use to offer solutions that much quicker.
Let’s consider seven of the most likely error codes you may discover on your Nest thermostat. We’ll explain the basics of each error code as well as how you could solve it and the estimated cost to do so. Keep in mind that while the investment will ultimately depend on the specific Nest model, you can anticipate paying around $75-$200 for repairs. This should also cover travel and labor costs on top of any specific parts necessary to complete repairs.
e298 – Critical
This critical error code is limited to new models of the Nest thermostat and shows up when the power is disconnected from the system. Since this is a critical power error, the thermostat will switch to the backup battery system. The error message will continue to be displayed until the problem is dealt with.
Losing power to your Nest thermostat can be for several reasons. The wiring might have disconnected or become damaged, or a disconnection may have appeared further along in your electrical system. This may be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A knowledgeable technician should inspect 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 needs 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 start looking at connectors.
They’ll detach the power and slowly inspect each wire, ensuring they are fully attached into the connector with the correct amount of uncovered copper. Once they find the malfunctioning 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 lasts, the backup battery in your thermostat depletes and the thermostat will finally turn off. Presuming the breakers are on, you can inspect a handful of other places before calling a professional technician.
As this error can deplete your thermostat’s battery, the first step may be supplying enough power to determine if this specific error code is what you’re facing. You can detach the thermostat from its base and provide power by using a USB cable. If it displays error code 195, you may continue to visually check components such as the wiring as well as your air conditioner’s air filter or drainage system. If you can’t uncover 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 getting more power than needed. This will sometimes stem from the breaker box, an error from the control board or through a faulty connection in the thermostat. Your technician should 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 may still stop you from using the Nest thermostat how you prefer to. 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 sufficient 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’ll need a Nest Power Connector.
During installation of a Nest Power Connector, you will sometimes notice error code E297 show up. This can be dealt with 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
Similar to error code e103, e104 is a critical error originating from an overcurrent. If excess power is transported inside the Nest’s wiring, it can damage internal components and may even be a fire hazard. If you see this error code appear on your Nest thermostat and want to guard against electrical damage, it’s a good idea to turn the power off as soon as you can. You can then contact a professional technician with the proper experience detecting and solving electrical damage.
e73 – Critical
When your thermostat displays error code e73, it indicates that the Rc wire is not receiving power.
This could be as simple as the breaker being shut off, but it can also be a problem 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 a good idea to speak with a local professional.
