Using a Nest thermostat is one of the most convenient ways to perfect the everyday schedule of your comfort system. This smart thermostat can be taught your preferences and automatically make adjustments. But as you can expect, it won’t work correctly or at all if you see an error code appear. The exact error code offers useful information about the underlying problem, something a knowledgeable technician can use to provide solutions that much faster.
Let’s consider seven of the most common error codes you may encounter on your Nest thermostat. We’ll review the basics of each error code along with how you might fix it and the estimated cost to do so. Remember that while the costs will ultimately hinge on the specific Nest model, you can count on paying between $75-$200 for repairs. This should include things like travel and labor costs on top of any specific components needed to wrap up repairs.
e298 – Critical
This critical error code is limited to new models of the Nest thermostat and appears when the power is disconnected from the system. As this is a critical power error, the thermostat will switch to the backup battery system. The error message will remain on display until the issue is fixed.
Losing power to your Nest thermostat can be for a number of reasons. The wiring might have disconnected or become damaged, or a disconnection may have appeared further along in your home’s electrical system. This could be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A knowledgeable technician will examine electrical connections and wiring until they find the root of the problem.
e294 – Critical
Critical error code e294 shows up when your Nest thermostat’s wiring should be reconfigured. More specifically, the technician will need to 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 start inspecting connectors.
They’ll shut off the power and gradually inspect each wire, seeing to it that they are fully inserted into the connector with the correct amount of uncovered copper. After they find the problem connector, it can be exchanged 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 delivering power to your Nest thermostat. When this problem lasts, the backup battery in your thermostat drains and the thermostat will eventually power down. Presuming the breakers are on, you can search a couple of other places before contacting a professional technician.
Since this error can consume your thermostat’s battery, the first step may be restoring enough power to find out if this specific error code is what you’re facing. You can separate the thermostat from its base and deliver power through a USB cable. Assuming it displays error code 195, you may continue to visually examine components including the wiring as well as your air conditioner’s air filter or drainage system. If you can’t find anything wrong with these components, it will probably be best to call a pro.
e103 – Critical
Another critical error code, e103 signifies an electrical problem with your Nest thermostat. More specifically, e103 can refer to an overcurrent problem, which means the wiring is getting more power than necessary. This will sometimes stem from the breaker box, an error from the control board or thanks to a bad connection in the thermostat. The technician should carefully investigate 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
Even though this error code isn’t critical, it may still prevent 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 not having one can block your Nest from obtaining adequate power. You can check the Nest’s C connector for the presence of a C wire and adapt the wiring itself if there is. If not, you can get a Nest Power Connector.
During 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 has already been installed, you’ll instead have 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 excess power is transported inside the Nest’s wiring, it could damage internal components and may even be a fire hazard. If you notice this error code appear on your Nest thermostat and want to guard against electrical damage, it’s a good idea to switch the power off as soon as you can. You can then contact a professional technician with the proper experience diagnosing and fixing electrical problems.
e73 – Critical
When your thermostat displays error code e73, it signifies that the Rc wire is not getting power.
This will sometimes be as easy as the breaker being shut off, but it could also be a problem with the wiring. After shutting off the power to your HVAC system and thermostat, you can visually check the wires to make sure nothing is loose or damaged. If nothing looks to be out of place, it’s time to contact a local professional.
