Using a Nest thermostat is one of the easiest ways to improve the everyday schedule of your HVAC system. This smart thermostat can learn your preferences and automatically make changes. But as you can expect, it won’t work properly or at all if you see an error code show up. The precise error code supplies useful information about the source of the problem, something a professional technician can use to provide solutions that much sooner.
Listed below are seven of the most frequent error codes you could discover on your Nest thermostat. We’ll walk you through the basics of each error code along with how you can address it and the approximate cost to do so. Don’t forget that while the investment will ultimately hinge on the precise Nest model, you can count on paying about $75-$200 for repairs. This should include things like travel and labor costs on top of any specific parts required to finish repairs.
e298 – Critical
This critical error code is limited to newer models of the Nest thermostat and appears when the power is shut off. Because 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 resolved.
Losing power to your Nest thermostat can be for numerous reasons. The wiring might have disconnected or become damaged, or a disconnection could have occurred further along in your electrical system. This may be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A certified technician will examine electrical connections and wiring until they locate 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 will need to reconfigure the R wire. They’ll first perform a factory reset of your thermostat to ensure it’s not just a software issue. If that doesn’t work, they’ll review the wiring diagram of the thermostat and start checking connectors.
They’ll disconnect the power and slowly check each wire, seeing to it that they are fully placed into the connector with the proper amount of exposed copper. When they find the malfunctioning connector, it can be replaced for a new one.
e195 – Critical
This critical error code can appear when the weather outside is especially hot. The HVAC system can fail and stop giving power to your Nest thermostat. When this problem lingers, the backup battery in your thermostat depletes and the thermostat will eventually shut down. In the event the breakers are on, you can check a few 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 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. If it presents 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 struggle to find anything wrong with these components, it’s maybe best to contact a pro.
e103 – Critical
Another critical error code, e103 suggests an electrical problem with your Nest thermostat. More specifically, e103 may refer to an overcurrent problem, which means the wiring is getting more power than what is safe and normal. This will sometimes stem from the breaker box, an error from the control board or through a bad connection in the thermostat. Your technician should cautiously examine and test the Nest’s electrical system to figure out 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 might still prevent you from using the Nest thermostat how you want to. Error code n260 concerns the lack of a C wire or Nest Power Connector, as missing one can block your Nest from getting enough 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 might notice error code E297 appear. This can be resolved by updating your thermostat in Settings -> Software -> Update. If the Power Connector is 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 too much power is being delivered through the Nest’s wiring, it could damage internal components and may even be a fire hazard. If you see this error code appear on your Nest thermostat and want to protect from electrical damage, it’s a good idea to turn the power off as soon as you can. You can then get in touch with a professional technician with the appropriate experience identifying and solving electrical problems.
e73 – Critical
When your thermostat displays error code e73, it indicates that the Rc wire is not receiving power.
This will sometimes be as simple as the breaker being shut off, but it could also be something with the wiring. After turning 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 appears to be out of place, it’s a good idea to get in touch with a local professional.