Installing a Nest thermostat is one of the easiest ways to perfect the daily schedule of your HVAC system. This smart thermostat can recognize 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 precise error code offers useful information about the underlying problem, something a knowledgeable technician can use to present solutions that much quicker.
Let’s consider seven of the most likely error codes you could discover on your Nest thermostat. We’ll explain 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 depend on the exact Nest model, you can count on paying around $75-$200 for repairs. This should include travel and labor costs on top of any specific hardware necessary to complete repairs.
e298 – Critical
This critical error code is limited to new models of the Nest thermostat and appears when the power is detached from the system. Since this is a critical power error, the thermostat will swap to the backup battery system. The error message will remain on the screen until the issue is resolved.
Losing power to your Nest thermostat can be for numerous reasons. The wiring could have disconnected or become damaged, or a disconnection could have appeared further along in your electrical system. This could be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A trained technician should examine electrical connections and wiring until they find the source of the problem.
e294 – Critical
Critical error code e294 shows up when your Nest thermostat’s wiring needs to be reconfigured. More specifically, the technician should reconfigure the R wire. They’ll first conduct a factory reset of your thermostat to make sure it’s not simply a software error. If that doesn’t work, they’ll review the wiring diagram of the thermostat and begin inspecting connectors.
They’ll shut off the power and gradually check each wire, ensuring they are fully placed into the connector with the correct amount of exposed 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 especially hot. The HVAC system can shut down 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. Assuming the breakers are on, you can examine a handful of other places before consulting a professional technician.
As this error can drain your thermostat’s battery, the first step may be providing enough power to figure out if this specific error code is what you’re dealing with. You can detach the thermostat from its base and provide power through a USB cable. In the event it presents error code 195, you should 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 signifies an electrical issue with your Nest thermostat. More specifically, e103 can refer to an overcurrent problem, which means the wiring is experiencing more power than needed. This may stem from the breaker box, an error from the control board or because of a defective connection in the thermostat. The technician can cautiously inspect and test the Nest’s electrical system to understand where the power is surging or why the thermostat believes there’s an overcurrent problem.
n260
Although this error code isn’t critical, it could still prevent you from using the Nest thermostat like normal. Error code n260 pertains to the lack of a C wire or Nest Power Connector, as the absence of 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 modify the wiring itself if there is. If not, you 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 is 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 stemming from an overcurrent. If excess power is sent using the Nest’s wiring, it may damage internal components and could even be a fire hazard. If you notice this error code pop up on your Nest thermostat and want to guard against electrical damage, it’s recommended to turn the power off as soon as possible. You can then contact a professional technician with the necessary experience diagnosing and fixing electrical damage.
e73 – Critical
When your thermostat displays error code e73, it indicates that the Rc wire is not getting power.
This will sometimes be as straightforward as the breaker being turned off, but it can also be something with the wiring. After switching 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 appears to be out of place, it’s a good idea to contact a local professional.