Using a Nest thermostat is one of the easiest ways to optimize the everyday schedule of your comfort system. This smart thermostat can be taught your preferences and automatically make changes. But as you might expect, it won’t work correctly or at all if you see an error code on the display. The exact error code offers useful information about the root of the problem, something a knowledgeable technician can use to offer solutions that much quicker.
Here 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 on top of how you could solve it and the approximate cost to do so. Don’t forget that while the investment will ultimately be dependent on the precise Nest model, you can count on paying between $75-$200 for repairs. This should also cover travel and labor costs along with any specific hardware 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 switch to the backup battery system. The error message will remain on display until the problem is resolved.
Losing power to your Nest thermostat can be for several reasons. The wiring might have disconnected or become damaged, or a disconnection may have happened further along in the electrical system. This might be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A professional technician can check electrical connections and wiring until they uncover the source of the problem.
e294 – Critical
Critical error code e294 appears when your Nest thermostat’s wiring should be reconfigured. More specifically, you’ll need the technician to reconfigure the R wire. They’ll first conduct a factory reset of your thermostat to make sure 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 inspect each wire, seeing to it that they are fully inserted into the connector with the proper amount of uncovered copper. Once 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 shut down and stop delivering power to your Nest thermostat. When this problem persists, the backup battery in your thermostat drains and the thermostat will eventually shut down. Presuming the breakers are on, you can examine a few other places before calling a professional technician.
As this error can drain your thermostat’s battery, the first step might be providing enough power to figure out if this specific error code is what you’re dealing with. You can separate the thermostat from its base and provide power with 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 will likely be best to get in touch with a pro.
e103 – Critical
Another critical error code, e103 indicates an electrical malfunction with your Nest thermostat. More specifically, e103 will refer to an overcurrent problem, which means the wiring is getting more power than needed. This may stem from the breaker box, an error from the control board or because of a faulty connection in the thermostat. A technician can meticulously examine 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 missing one can block your Nest from getting sufficient power. You can inspect the Nest’s C connector for the presence of a C wire and adapt the wiring itself if there is. If not, you need a Nest Power Connector.
Due to 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
Just like error code e103, e104 is a critical error that’s the result of an overcurrent. If too much power is sent through the Nest’s wiring, it may damage internal components and may even be a fire hazard. If you notice this error code show up on your Nest thermostat and want to guard against electrical damage, it’s recommended to shut the power off straightaway. You can then get in touch with a professional technician with the appropriate experience detecting and solving electrical problems.
e73 – Critical
When your thermostat displays error code e73, it signifies that the Rc wire is not getting power.
This might be as simple as the breaker being switched off, but it can also be an issue with the wiring. After shutting off the power to your HVAC system and thermostat, you can visually examine the wires to make sure nothing is loose or damaged. If nothing looks to be out of place, it’s time to get in touch with a local professional.
