Operating a Nest thermostat is one of the best ways to perfect the everyday schedule of your HVAC system. This smart thermostat can recognize your preferences and automatically make adjustments. But as you can expect, it won’t work properly or at all if you see an error code on the display. The specific error code supplies useful information about the underlying problem, something a trained technician can use to offer solutions that much sooner.
Listed below are seven of the most frequent error codes you might find on your Nest thermostat. We’ll walk you through the basics of each error code as well as how you can address it and the projected cost to do so. Remember that while the costs will ultimately depend on the specific Nest model, you can anticipate paying between $75-$200 for repairs. This should include travel and labor costs along with any specific components necessary to finish 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. 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 issue is resolved.
Losing power to your Nest thermostat can be for several reasons. The wiring might have disconnected or become damaged, or a disconnection might have happened 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 locate the source of the problem.
e294 – Critical
Critical error code e294 is displayed when your Nest thermostat’s wiring needs 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 make sure it’s not simply a software error. If that doesn’t work, they’ll examine the wiring diagram of the thermostat and begin inspecting connectors.
They’ll detach the power and gradually check each wire, making sure they are fully inserted into the connector with the proper amount of bare copper. When they find the problem connector, it can be replaced for a new one.
e195 – Critical
This critical error code can surface when the weather outside is especially hot. The HVAC system can break down and stop delivering power to your Nest thermostat. When this problem lasts, the backup battery in your thermostat depletes and the thermostat will eventually shut down. Assuming the breakers are on, you can search a handful of other places before calling a professional technician.
Since this error can deplete your thermostat’s battery, the first step might be providing enough power to find out if this specific error code is what you’re facing. You can disconnect the thermostat from its base and provide power through a USB cable. If it reveals error code 195, you can continue to visually check components including 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’s maybe best to contact a pro.
e103 – Critical
Another critical error code, e103 indicates an electrical error with your Nest thermostat. More specifically, e103 will refer to an overcurrent problem, which means the wiring is experiencing more power than needed. This will sometimes stem from the breaker box, an error from the control board or through a defective connection in the thermostat. A technician should carefully examine and test the Nest’s electrical system to determine where the power is surging or why the thermostat thinks there’s an overcurrent problem.
n260
Although this error code isn’t critical, it might still prevent you from using the Nest thermostat how you prefer 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 enough power. You can examine the Nest’s C connector for the presence of a C wire and adapt the wiring itself if there is. If not, you’ll need a Nest Power Connector.
Due to installation of a Nest Power Connector, you will sometimes notice error code E297 show up. This can be dealt with by updating your thermostat in Settings -> Software -> Update. If the Power Connector has already been installed, you’ll instead have 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 that’s the result of an overcurrent. If too much power is transported using the Nest’s wiring, it can damage internal components and could 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 switch the power off as soon as you can. You can then get a hold of 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 receiving power.
This will sometimes be as simple as the breaker being switched off, but it could also be an issue with the wiring. After switching 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.