Installing a Nest thermostat is one of the most convenient ways to perfect the daily schedule of your heating and cooling. This smart thermostat can be taught your preferences and automatically make changes. But as you might expect, it won’t work well or at all if you see an error code on the display. The exact error code provides useful information about the source of the problem, something a trained technician can use to provide solutions that much quicker.

Listed below are seven of the most frequent error codes you may find on your Nest thermostat. We’ll walk you through the basics of each error code as well as how you might solve it and the approximate cost to do so. Don’t forget that while the costs will ultimately hinge on the specific Nest model, you can anticipate paying about $75-$200 for repairs. This should include travel and labor costs along with any specific parts required to complete repairs.

e298 – Critical

This critical error code is limited to new 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 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 might have happened further along in your home’s electrical system. This might be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A certified technician can check electrical connections and wiring until they locate the root 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 will need to reconfigure the R wire. They’ll first complete a factory reset of your thermostat to ensure it’s not simply a software issue. If that doesn’t work, they’ll review the wiring diagram of the thermostat and start looking at connectors.

They’ll disconnect the power and progressively inspect each wire, seeing to it that they are fully attached into the connector with the correct amount of bare copper. Once they locate the damaged connector, it can be swapped for a new one.

e195 – Critical

This critical error code can appear when the weather outside is particularly hot. The HVAC system can break down and stop sending power to your Nest thermostat. When this problem lasts, the backup battery in your thermostat depletes and the thermostat will finally turn off. Assuming the breakers are on, you can inspect a few other places before contacting a professional technician.

Because this error can drain your thermostat’s battery, the first step could be restoring enough power to find out 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. Assuming it displays error code 195, you can continue to visually check components such as the wiring as well as your air conditioner’s air filter or drainage system. If you struggle to detect anything wrong with these components, it will likely be best to call a pro.

e103 – Critical

Another critical error code, e103 suggests an electrical malfunction with your Nest thermostat. More specifically, e103 may 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 bad connection in the thermostat. A technician should carefully inspect 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

Although this error code isn’t critical, it could still prevent you from using the Nest thermostat like normal. Error code n260 refers to the lack of a C wire or Nest Power Connector, as missing one can block your Nest from getting 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 need a Nest Power Connector.

Due to 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 need 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 being delivered using the Nest’s wiring, it may damage internal components and may even be a fire hazard. If you notice this error code appear on your Nest thermostat and want to take steps to prevent electrical damage, it’s a good idea to turn the power off as soon as you can. You can then get in touch with a professional technician with the necessary experience diagnosing and solving electrical problems.

e73 – Critical

When your thermostat displays error code e73, it indicates that the Rc wire is not receiving power.

This will sometimes be as easy as the breaker being shut off, but it could also be an issue 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 best to get in touch with a local professional.