Operating a Nest thermostat is one of the easiest ways to optimize the daily schedule of your comfort system. This smart thermostat can recognize your preferences and automatically make improvements. But as you may expect, it won’t work well or at all if you see an error code on the display. The specific error code offers useful information about the root of the problem, something a trained technician can use to provide solutions that much sooner.
Here are seven of the most frequent error codes you may encounter 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 specific Nest model, you can expect to pay about $75-$200 for repairs. This should include things like travel and labor costs on top of any specific hardware required to wrap up repairs.
e298 - Critical
This critical error code is limited to the latest models of the Nest thermostat and is displayed when the power is disconnected from the system. Since this is a critical power error, the thermostat will switch to the backup battery system. The error message will remain on the screen until the problem is dealt with.
Losing power to your Nest thermostat can be for numerous reasons. The wiring may have disconnected or become damaged, or a disconnection could have happened further along in your electrical system. This may be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A trained technician can examine electrical connections and wiring until they uncover the source of the problem.
e294 - Critical
Critical error code e294 is displayed when your Nest thermostat’s wiring has to 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 simply a software issue. If that doesn’t work, they’ll examine the wiring diagram of the thermostat and start inspecting connectors.
They’ll detach the power and progressively inspect each wire, making sure they are fully inserted into the connector with the proper amount of bare copper. When they locate the problem connector, it can be swapped for a new one.
e195 - Critical
This critical error code can surface when the weather outside is severely 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 depletes and the thermostat will subsequently turn off. Presuming the breakers are on, you can examine a few other places before calling a professional technician.
Because this error can drain your thermostat’s battery, the first step might be providing enough power to determine if this specific error code is what you’re facing. You can disconnect the thermostat from its base and deliver power with a USB cable. In the event it reveals error code 195, you should continue to visually check components like the wiring as well as your air conditioner’s air filter or drainage system. If you struggle to 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 malfunction with your Nest thermostat. More specifically, e103 may refer to an overcurrent problem, which means the wiring is getting more power than needed. This will sometimes stem from the breaker box, an error from the control board or through a bad connection in the thermostat. Your technician will carefully inspect 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
While this error code isn’t critical, it can 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 receiving sufficient 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.
During installation of a Nest Power Connector, you will sometimes notice error code E297 appear. 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
Just like error code e103, e104 is a critical error stemming from an overcurrent. If excess power is transported through the Nest’s wiring, it can damage internal components and could even be a fire hazard. If you see this error code show up on your Nest thermostat and want to protect from electrical damage, it’s recommended to shut the power off as soon as possible. You can then contact a professional technician with the necessary experience detecting and resolving electrical problems.
e73 - Critical
When your thermostat displays error code e73, it indicates that the Rc wire is not getting power. This will sometimes be as simple as the breaker being turned off, but it can also be something with the wiring. After shutting off the power to your HVAC system and thermostat, you can visually examine the wires to make sure none of them are loose or damaged. If nothing seems to be out of place, it’s a good idea to speak with a local professional.