Using a Nest thermostat is one of the best ways to improve the daily 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 correctly or at all if you see an error code show up. The precise error code provides useful information about the root of the problem, something a knowledgeable technician can use to provide solutions that much quicker.
Here are seven of the most frequent 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. Don’t forget that while the investment will ultimately be dependent on the precise Nest model, you can anticipate paying about $75-$200 for repairs. This should also cover travel and labor costs along with any specific components necessary to finish repairs.
e298 – Critical
This critical error code is limited to the latest models of the Nest thermostat and shows up when the power is disconnected from the system. Because this is a critical power error, the thermostat will switch 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 may have disconnected or become damaged, or a disconnection may have occurred further along in your electrical system. This might be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A knowledgeable technician should examine electrical connections and wiring until they locate 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 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 problem. If that doesn’t work, they’ll examine the wiring diagram of the thermostat and begin checking connectors.
They’ll detach the power and progressively look at each wire, making sure they are fully inserted into the connector with the correct amount of bare copper. When they find the damaged connector, it can be replaced for a new one.
e195 – Critical
This critical error code can show up when the weather outside is especially hot. The HVAC system can fail and stop giving power to your Nest thermostat. When this problem persists, the backup battery in your thermostat drains and the thermostat will finally power down. Assuming the breakers are on, you can search a few other places before contacting a professional technician.
Since this error can consume your thermostat’s battery, the first step could be restoring enough power to figure out if this specific error code is what you’re working with. You can separate the thermostat from its base and supply power through a USB cable. If it presents error code 195, you can continue to visually check components including the wiring as well as your air conditioner’s air filter or drainage system. If you can’t detect anything wrong with these components, it will likely be best to get in touch with a pro.
e103 – Critical
Another critical error code, e103 indicates an electrical error with your Nest thermostat. More specifically, e103 may 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 because of a faulty connection in the thermostat. The technician can carefully inspect and test the Nest’s electrical system to determine where the power is surging or why the thermostat thinks there’s an overcurrent problem.
n260
Although this error code isn’t critical, it may still keep 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 the absence of one can block your Nest from obtaining adequate power. You can inspect 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.
With installation of a Nest Power Connector, you may notice error code E297 show up. This can be resolved 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
Like error code e103, e104 is a critical error originating from an overcurrent. If excess power is being delivered through the Nest’s wiring, it can damage internal components and can even be a fire hazard. If you notice this error code pop up on your Nest thermostat and want to take steps to prevent electrical damage, it’s a good idea to shut the power off as soon as possible. You can then get in touch with a professional technician with the appropriate experience detecting and resolving electrical damage.
e73 – Critical
When your thermostat displays error code e73, it means that the Rc wire is not getting power.
This could be as easy as the breaker being shut off, but it may 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 none of them are loose or damaged. If nothing looks to be out of place, it’s time to contact a local professional.
