Using a Nest thermostat is one of the best ways to optimize the everyday schedule of your HVAC system. This smart thermostat can be taught your preferences and automatically make improvements. But as you may expect, it won’t work properly or at all if you see an error code show up. The exact error code supplies useful information about the root of the problem, something a knowledgeable technician can use to offer solutions that much faster.
Here are seven of the most likely error codes you may discover on your Nest thermostat. We’ll walk you through the basics of each error code as well as how you could address it and the approximate cost to do so. Don’t forget that while the investment will ultimately hinge on the specific Nest model, you can count on paying about $75-$200 for repairs. This should include travel and labor costs as well as any specific components necessary 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. As 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 numerous reasons. The wiring might have disconnected or become damaged, or a disconnection might have appeared further along in your electrical system. This might be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A professional technician can inspect 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 will need to reconfigure the R wire. They’ll first conduct a factory reset of your thermostat to ensure it’s not merely a software error. If that doesn’t work, they’ll check the wiring diagram of the thermostat and begin looking at connectors.
They’ll detach the power and gradually look at each wire, seeing to it that they are fully inserted into the connector with the correct amount of bare copper. After they find the damaged connector, it can be exchanged for a new one.
e195 – Critical
This critical error code can show up when the weather outside is particularly 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 drains and the thermostat will finally turn off. In the event 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 might be providing enough power to figure out if this specific error code is what you’re working with. You can detach the thermostat from its base and supply power through a USB cable. Assuming it presents error code 195, you should continue to visually inspect components such as the wiring as well as your air conditioner’s air filter or drainage system. If you struggle to uncover anything wrong with these components, it will probably be best to contact a pro.
e103 – Critical
Another critical error code, e103 signifies an electrical malfunction with your Nest thermostat. More specifically, e103 may refer to an overcurrent problem, which means the wiring is getting more power than necessary. This can stem from the breaker box, an error from the control board or thanks to a defective connection in the thermostat. A technician needs to 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
Although this error code isn’t critical, it could still stop you from using the Nest thermostat how you want to. Error code n260 pertains to the lack of a C wire or Nest Power Connector, as not having one can block your Nest from obtaining adequate power. You can examine the Nest’s C connector for the presence of a C wire and modify the wiring itself if there is. If not, you’ll need a Nest Power Connector.
With installation of a Nest Power Connector, you might notice error code E297 show up. This can be remedied by updating your thermostat in Settings -> Software -> Update. If the Power Connector has already been 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 stemming from an overcurrent. If too much power is transported using 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 suggested to turn the power off straightaway. You can then get a hold of a professional technician with the proper experience detecting and fixing electrical malfunctions.
e73 – Critical
When your thermostat displays error code e73, it signifies that the Rc wire is not getting power.
This will sometimes be as simple as the breaker being shut off, but it may also be an issue with the wiring. After shutting 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 looks to be out of place, it’s time to speak with a local professional.