Installing a Nest thermostat is one of the easiest ways to perfect the day-to-day schedule of your comfort system. This smart thermostat can learn your preferences and automatically make adjustments. But as you may expect, it won’t work well or at all if you see an error code on the display. The specific error code provides useful information about the underlying problem, something a trained technician can use to present solutions that much faster.
Here are seven of the most common error codes you may find on your Nest thermostat. We’ll walk you through the basics of each error code along with how you might address it and the estimated cost to do so. Don’t forget that while the price will ultimately hinge on the precise Nest model, you can count on paying about $75-$200 for repairs. This should also cover travel and labor costs on top of any specific hardware needed to complete repairs.
e298 – Critical
This critical error code is limited to newer models of the Nest thermostat and is displayed when the power is shut off. 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 dealt with.
Losing power to your Nest thermostat can be for numerous reasons. The wiring might have disconnected or become damaged, or a disconnection may have occurred further along in your home’s electrical system. This may be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A professional technician will check electrical connections and wiring until they locate the source of the problem.
e294 – Critical
Critical error code e294 appears when your Nest thermostat’s wiring has to be reconfigured. More specifically, the technician should reconfigure the R wire. They’ll first perform a factory reset of your thermostat to ensure it’s not simply a software problem. If that doesn’t work, they’ll check the wiring diagram of the thermostat and begin looking at connectors.
They’ll detach the power and progressively check each wire, ensuring they are fully attached into the connector with the correct amount of exposed copper. After they pinpoint the malfunctioning connector, it can be replaced for a new one.
e195 – Critical
This critical error code can appear when the weather outside is especially hot. The HVAC system can break down and stop delivering power to your Nest thermostat. When this problem lingers, the backup battery in your thermostat drains and the thermostat will eventually power down. In the event the breakers are on, you can check a few other places before calling a professional technician.
Since this error can drain your thermostat’s battery, the first step might be providing enough power to determine if this specific error code is what you’re dealing with. You can detach the thermostat from its base and supply power through a USB cable. Assuming 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 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 issue with your Nest thermostat. More specifically, e103 can refer to an overcurrent problem, which means the wiring is receiving more power than necessary. This may stem from the breaker box, an error from the control board or because of a faulty connection in the thermostat. Your technician will carefully investigate and test the Nest’s electrical system to determine where the power is surging or why the thermostat thinks there’s an overcurrent problem.
n260
While this error code isn’t critical, it might still stop you from using the Nest thermostat like normal. 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 enough power. You can check 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.
Due to installation of a Nest Power Connector, you might notice error code E297 appear. This can be remedied 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
Like error code e103, e104 is a critical error stemming from an overcurrent. If excessive power is sent inside the Nest’s wiring, it may damage internal components and could 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 suggested to switch the power off as soon as you can. You can then contact a professional technician with the proper experience detecting and fixing electrical issues.
e73 – Critical
When your thermostat displays error code e73, it signifies that the Rc wire is not receiving power.
This may be as simple as the breaker being switched off, but it can also be a problem with the wiring. After turning off the power to your HVAC system and thermostat, you can visually examine the wires to make sure none of them are loose or damaged. If nothing looks to be out of place, it’s time to contact a local professional.