How to Resolve These Seven Error Codes on Your Nest Thermostat

Operating a Nest thermostat is one of the most convenient ways to perfect the everyday schedule of your HVAC system. This smart thermostat can recognize your preferences and automatically make improvements. But as you might expect, it won’t work well or at all if you see an error code on the display. The specific error code offers useful information about the root of the problem, something a professional technician can use to offer solutions that much faster.

Here are seven of the most likely error codes you may encounter on your Nest thermostat. We’ll review the basics of each error code on top of how you might fix it and the approximate cost to do so. Remember that while the price will ultimately depend on the precise Nest model, you can count on paying around $75-$200 for repairs. This should include travel and labor costs along with any specific components required to wrap up 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 continue to be displayed until the problem 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 professional technician should examine electrical connections and wiring until they find the source of the problem.

e294 – Critical

Critical error code e294 appears when your Nest thermostat’s wiring should be reconfigured. More specifically, the technician should reconfigure the R wire. They’ll first perform a factory reset of your thermostat to make sure it’s not just a software problem. If that doesn’t work, they’ll check the wiring diagram of the thermostat and begin inspecting connectors.

They’ll disconnect the power and gradually inspect each wire, seeing to it that they are fully placed into the connector with the correct amount of uncovered copper. When they pinpoint the malfunctioning 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 shut down and stop giving power to your Nest thermostat. When this problem persists, the backup battery in your thermostat depletes and the thermostat will subsequently shut down. Presuming the breakers are on, you can inspect a few other places before consulting a professional technician.

As this error can deplete your thermostat’s battery, the first step might be restoring enough power to determine if this specific error code is what you’re facing. You can separate the thermostat from its base and deliver power with a USB cable. Assuming it reveals error code 195, you can continue to visually inspect components such as 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 suggests an electrical malfunction with your Nest thermostat. More specifically, e103 can refer to an overcurrent problem, which means the wiring is experiencing more power than necessary. This may stem from the breaker box, an error from the control board or through a faulty connection in the thermostat. A technician needs to carefully examine and test the Nest’s electrical system to understand where the power is surging or why the thermostat is convinced there’s an overcurrent problem.

n260

While 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 missing one can block your Nest from obtaining enough power. You can check the Nest’s C connector for the presence of a C wire and adjust the wiring itself if there is. If not, you can get a Nest Power Connector.

During installation of a Nest Power Connector, you might notice error code E297 show up. 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 stemming from an overcurrent. If excessive power is being delivered using the Nest’s wiring, it can damage internal components and could even be a fire hazard. If you notice this error code appear on your Nest thermostat and want to protect from electrical damage, it’s a good idea to shut the power off as soon as you can. You can then get a hold of a professional technician with the appropriate experience identifying and resolving electrical problems.

e73 – Critical

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

This will sometimes be as simple as the breaker being turned off, but it can also be a problem with the wiring. After shutting off the power to your HVAC system and thermostat, you can visually inspect the wires to make sure they’re not loose or damaged. If nothing seems to be out of place, it’s best to speak with a local professional.