Installing a Nest thermostat is one of the best ways to perfect the day-to-day schedule of your heating and cooling. This smart thermostat can learn your preferences and automatically make changes. But as you may expect, it won’t work properly or at all if you see an error code appear. The specific error code provides useful information about the source of the problem, something a professional technician can use to provide solutions that much quicker.
Listed below are seven of the most frequent error codes you may discover on your Nest thermostat. We’ll review the basics of each error code along with how you might address it and the estimated cost to do so. Remember that while the investment will ultimately be dependent on the exact Nest model, you can anticipate paying around $75-$200 for repairs. This should also cover travel and labor costs along with any specific components needed 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 change 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 might have happened further along in your electrical system. This could be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A knowledgeable 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 should be reconfigured. More specifically, you’ll need the technician to reconfigure the R wire. They’ll first perform a factory reset of your thermostat to make sure it’s not just a software problem. If that doesn’t work, they’ll review the wiring diagram of the thermostat and begin inspecting connectors.
They’ll detach the power and progressively inspect each wire, making sure they are fully placed into the connector with the correct amount of exposed copper. After they pinpoint the damaged connector, it can be exchanged for a new one.
e195 – Critical
This critical error code can surface when the weather outside is especially hot. The HVAC system can shut down and stop sending power to your Nest thermostat. When this problem persists, the backup battery in your thermostat depletes and the thermostat will subsequently turn off. Assuming the breakers are on, you can search a handful of other places before calling a professional technician.
As this error can consume your thermostat’s battery, the first step could be supplying 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 supply power through a USB cable. In the event it displays error code 195, you can continue to visually examine components like the wiring as well as your air conditioner’s air filter or drainage system. If you don’t detect anything wrong with these components, it’s maybe best to contact a pro.
e103 – Critical
Another critical error code, e103 signifies an electrical issue with your Nest thermostat. More specifically, e103 may refer to an overcurrent problem, which means the wiring is experiencing more power than what is safe and normal. This can stem from the breaker box, an error from the control board or because of a defective connection in the thermostat. Your technician will meticulously examine 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
While this error code isn’t critical, it might still keep you from using the Nest thermostat how you prefer to. Error code n260 concerns the lack of a C wire or Nest Power Connector, as not having one can block your Nest from obtaining adequate 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 can get a Nest Power Connector.
With installation of a Nest Power Connector, you may 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 be required 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 originating from an overcurrent. If excess power is sent through the Nest’s wiring, it can damage internal components and can even be a fire hazard. If you see this error code pop up on your Nest thermostat and want to take steps to prevent electrical damage, it’s recommended to switch the power off as soon as you can. You can then get a hold of a professional technician with the appropriate experience detecting and fixing electrical malfunctions.
e73 – Critical
When your thermostat displays error code e73, it means that the Rc wire is not receiving power.
This may be as easy 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 check the wires to make sure nothing is loose or damaged. If nothing appears to be out of place, it’s time to get in touch with a local professional.