Installing a Nest thermostat is one of the best ways to optimize the daily schedule of your comfort system. This smart thermostat can be taught your preferences and automatically make adjustments. But as you might expect, it won’t work well or at all if you see an error code appear. The precise error code provides useful information about the root of the problem, something a trained technician can use to offer solutions that much faster.
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 could address 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 expect to pay around $75-$200 for repairs. This should also cover travel and labor costs on top of any specific components needed to complete repairs.
e298 – Critical
This critical error code is limited to newer models of the Nest thermostat and appears when the power is detached from the system. As this is a critical power error, the thermostat will change to the backup battery system. The error message will remain on the screen until the issue is fixed.
Losing power to your Nest thermostat can be for numerous reasons. The wiring might have disconnected or become damaged, or a disconnection might have appeared further along in your home’s electrical system. This may be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A certified technician should examine electrical connections and wiring until they uncover the source of the problem.
e294 – Critical
Critical error code e294 shows up when your Nest thermostat’s wiring should be reconfigured. More specifically, the technician should reconfigure the R wire. They’ll first complete a factory reset of your thermostat to make sure it’s not simply 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 progressively look at each wire, seeing to it that they are fully inserted into the connector with the proper amount of exposed copper. When they find the damaged connector, it can be replaced 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 drains and the thermostat will subsequently shut down. Presuming the breakers are on, you can check a handful of other places before contacting a professional technician.
Since this error can consume your thermostat’s battery, the first step could be providing enough power to figure out if this specific error code is what you’re facing. You can disconnect the thermostat from its base and deliver power through a USB cable. In the event it displays error code 195, you may continue to visually check components including 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 will probably be best to get in touch with a pro.
e103 – Critical
Another critical error code, e103 suggests an electrical problem 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 bad connection in the thermostat. The technician should cautiously inspect and test the Nest’s electrical system to determine where the power is surging or why the thermostat believes there’s an overcurrent problem.
n260
Although this error code isn’t critical, it can still stop you from using the Nest thermostat how you want to. Error code n260 refers to the lack of a C wire or Nest Power Connector, as not having one can block your Nest from receiving sufficient 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.
With installation of a Nest Power Connector, you will sometimes 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
Just like error code e103, e104 is a critical error stemming 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 notice this error code show up on your Nest thermostat and want to take steps to prevent electrical damage, it’s recommended to shut the power off as soon as possible. You can then get in touch with a professional technician with the necessary experience detecting and resolving electrical damage.
e73 – Critical
When your thermostat displays error code e73, it signifies that the Rc wire is not getting power.
This will sometimes be as straightforward as the breaker being switched off, but it may also be something with the wiring. After shutting 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 seems to be out of place, it’s a good idea to contact a local professional.
