Operating a Nest thermostat is one of the easiest ways to improve the daily schedule of your comfort system. This smart thermostat can learn 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 appear. The specific error code supplies useful information about the source of the problem, something a professional technician can use to provide solutions that much faster.
Listed below are seven of the most likely error codes you may find on your Nest thermostat. We’ll explain the basics of each error code on top of how you could solve it and the estimated cost to do so. Keep in mind that while the investment will ultimately be dependent on the specific Nest model, you can expect to pay between $75-$200 for repairs. This should include things like travel and labor costs on top of any specific components required to finish repairs.
e298 – Critical
This critical error code is limited to new models of the Nest thermostat and appears 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 fixed.
Losing power to your Nest thermostat can be for several reasons. The wiring may have disconnected or become damaged, or a disconnection might have happened further along in your electrical system. This could be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A trained technician should check electrical connections and wiring until they find the root 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 complete a factory reset of your thermostat to ensure it’s not merely a software problem. If that doesn’t work, they’ll examine the wiring diagram of the thermostat and begin inspecting connectors.
They’ll disconnect the power and progressively inspect each wire, ensuring they are fully inserted into the connector with the correct amount of exposed copper. After they locate the damaged connector, it can be swapped for a new one.
e195 – Critical
This critical error code can show up when the weather outside is severely hot. The HVAC system can fail and stop sending power to your Nest thermostat. When this problem persists, the backup battery in your thermostat drains and the thermostat will subsequently turn off. Presuming the breakers are on, you can inspect a handful of other places before contacting a professional technician.
Since this error can deplete your thermostat’s battery, the first step may be restoring enough power to determine if this specific error code is what you’re working with. You can detach the thermostat from its base and deliver power through a USB cable. If it displays error code 195, you should continue to visually check components including the wiring as well as your air conditioner’s air filter or drainage system. If you don’t uncover anything wrong with these components, it will probably be best to contact a pro.
e103 – Critical
Another critical error code, e103 indicates an electrical issue 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 because of a bad connection in the thermostat. The technician should carefully investigate and test the Nest’s electrical system to figure out where the power is surging or why the thermostat thinks there’s an overcurrent problem.
n260
While this error code isn’t critical, it may still keep you from using the Nest thermostat like normal. 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 adequate 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 need a Nest Power Connector.
Due to installation of a Nest Power Connector, you will sometimes notice error code E297 appear. This can be resolved by updating your thermostat in Settings -> Software -> Update. If the Power Connector has already been 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 originating from an overcurrent. If too much power is transported inside the Nest’s wiring, it may damage internal components and can even be a fire hazard. If you see this error code pop up on your Nest thermostat and want to guard against electrical damage, it’s suggested to switch the power off as soon as you can. You can then get in touch with a professional technician with the appropriate experience diagnosing and fixing electrical malfunctions.
e73 – Critical
When your thermostat displays error code e73, it means that the Rc wire is not receiving power.
This might be as simple as the breaker being turned off, but it could also be something with the wiring. After turning 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 seems to be out of place, it’s best to get in touch with a local professional.
