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 improvements. But as you can expect, it won’t work well or at all if you see an error code appear. The specific error code supplies useful information about the source of the problem, something a knowledgeable technician can use to present solutions that much sooner.
Let’s consider seven of the most frequent error codes you could discover on your Nest thermostat. We’ll review the basics of each error code along with how you might solve it and the approximate cost to do so. Remember that while the costs will ultimately be dependent on the exact Nest model, you can expect to pay around $75-$200 for repairs. This should also cover travel and labor costs as well as 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 appears when the power is shut off. 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 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 appeared further along in your home’s electrical system. This might be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A trained technician should inspect 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 needs to be reconfigured. More specifically, the technician should reconfigure the R wire. They’ll first perform a factory reset of your thermostat to ensure it’s not merely a software issue. If that doesn’t work, they’ll check the wiring diagram of the thermostat and begin inspecting connectors.
They’ll shut off the power and gradually inspect each wire, making sure they are fully inserted into the connector with the correct amount of exposed copper. After they find the problem connector, it can be replaced for a new one.
e195 – Critical
This critical error code can appear when the weather outside is particularly hot. The HVAC system can fail and stop sending power to your Nest thermostat. When this problem lingers, the backup battery in your thermostat drains and the thermostat will eventually power down. Presuming the breakers are on, you can search a handful of other places before calling a professional technician.
Because this error can consume your thermostat’s battery, the first step may be restoring enough power to find out if this specific error code is what you’re dealing with. You can detach the thermostat from its base and provide power by using a USB cable. In the event it presents error code 195, you should continue to visually examine components such as 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 will likely be best to get in touch with a pro.
e103 – Critical
Another critical error code, e103 signifies an electrical error 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 thanks to a faulty connection in the thermostat. The technician needs to cautiously inspect and test the Nest’s electrical system to understand where the power is surging or why the thermostat thinks there’s an overcurrent problem.
n260
Although this error code isn’t critical, it can still keep 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 missing one can block your Nest from receiving enough power. You can check the Nest’s C connector for the presence of a C wire and adjust the wiring itself if there is. If not, you need a Nest Power Connector.
During installation of a Nest Power Connector, you might notice error code E297 appear. This can be remedied 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
Like error code e103, e104 is a critical error stemming from an overcurrent. If too much power is being delivered through the Nest’s wiring, it may damage internal components and can even be a fire hazard. If you notice this error code show up on your Nest thermostat and want to protect from electrical damage, it’s suggested to shut the power off as soon as possible. You can then contact a professional technician with the proper experience diagnosing and solving electrical damage.
e73 – Critical
When your thermostat displays error code e73, it means that the Rc wire is not receiving power.
This will sometimes be as simple as the breaker being shut off, but it can also be something with the wiring. After turning 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 best to speak with a local professional.