Installing a Nest thermostat is one of the easiest ways to optimize the day-to-day schedule of your comfort system. This smart thermostat can be taught your preferences and automatically make adjustments. But as you might expect, it won’t work well or at all if you see an error code on the display. The exact error code provides useful information about the underlying problem, something a professional technician can use to provide solutions that much faster.
Listed below are seven of the most common error codes you could find on your Nest thermostat. We’ll review the basics of each error code on top of how you could solve it and the projected cost to do so. Remember that while the price will ultimately hinge on the exact Nest model, you can expect to pay about $75-$200 for repairs. This should also cover travel and labor costs as well as any specific parts required to complete repairs.
e298 – Critical
This critical error code is limited to new models of the Nest thermostat and is displayed when the power is shut off. Since this is a critical power error, the thermostat will change to the backup battery system. The error message will remain on the screen until the problem is resolved.
Losing power to your Nest thermostat can be for a number of reasons. The wiring could have disconnected or become damaged, or a disconnection may have happened further along in your home’s electrical system. This could be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A professional technician should examine electrical connections and wiring until they find the root of the problem.
e294 – Critical
Critical error code e294 appears when your Nest thermostat’s wiring needs to 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 just a software problem. If that doesn’t work, they’ll check the wiring diagram of the thermostat and begin looking at connectors.
They’ll shut off the power and slowly inspect each wire, seeing to it that they are fully attached into the connector with the proper amount of exposed copper. When they find the damaged connector, it can be swapped for a new one.
e195 – Critical
This critical error code can appear when the weather outside is particularly hot. The HVAC system can break down and stop giving power to your Nest thermostat. When this problem lasts, the backup battery in your thermostat drains and the thermostat will finally turn off. Assuming the breakers are on, you can check a couple of other places before contacting a professional technician.
Because this error can drain your thermostat’s battery, the first step may be providing enough power to find out if this specific error code is what you’re dealing with. You can separate the thermostat from its base and deliver power through a USB cable. In the event it presents error code 195, you may continue to visually check components such as 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 suggests an electrical problem with your Nest thermostat. More specifically, e103 will refer to an overcurrent problem, which means the wiring is getting more power than what is safe and normal. This may stem from the breaker box, an error from the control board or because of a defective connection in the thermostat. A technician will cautiously examine and test the Nest’s electrical system to determine where the power is surging or why the thermostat is convinced 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 refers to the lack of a C wire or Nest Power Connector, as missing one can block your Nest from obtaining sufficient 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.
During installation of a Nest Power Connector, you might notice error code E297 be displayed. This can be remedied by updating your thermostat in Settings -> Software -> Update. If the Power Connector was already installed, you’ll instead have to update the wiring info in the app from Settings -> Thermostat -> Wiring -> Update wiring.
e104 – Critical
Similar to error code e103, e104 is a critical error stemming from an overcurrent. If too much power is transported inside the Nest’s wiring, it can damage internal components and could even be a fire hazard. If you see this error code pop up on your Nest thermostat and want to guard against electrical damage, it’s suggested to turn the power off as soon as you can. You can then contact a professional technician with the proper experience diagnosing and solving electrical problems.
e73 – Critical
When your thermostat displays error code e73, it means that the Rc wire is not receiving power.
This could be as straightforward as the breaker being turned off, but it could 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 none of them are loose or damaged. If nothing looks to be out of place, it’s a good idea to speak with a local professional.