Installing a Nest thermostat is one of the easiest ways to perfect the everyday schedule of your HVAC system. This smart thermostat can be taught your preferences and automatically make improvements. But as you can expect, it won’t work properly or at all if you see an error code show up. The specific error code supplies useful information about the root of the problem, something a trained technician can use to provide solutions that much faster.
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 as well as how you could address it and the estimated cost to do so. Don’t forget that while the price will ultimately be dependent on the specific Nest model, you can count on paying about $75-$200 for repairs. This should include travel and labor costs on top of any specific parts necessary to finish repairs.
e298 – Critical
This critical error code is limited to newer models of the Nest thermostat and appears when the power is disconnected from the system. Since this is a critical power error, the thermostat will change to the backup battery system. The error message will continue to be displayed until the issue is fixed.
Losing power to your Nest thermostat can be for several reasons. The wiring might have disconnected or become damaged, or a disconnection may have happened further along in your electrical system. This could be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A trained technician should check 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 has 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 just a software issue. If that doesn’t work, they’ll check the wiring diagram of the thermostat and start inspecting connectors.
They’ll detach the power and gradually check each wire, making sure they are fully placed into the connector with the proper amount of exposed copper. After they locate the damaged connector, it can be swapped for a new one.
e195 – Critical
This critical error code can appear when the weather outside is severely hot. The HVAC system can break down and stop delivering power to your Nest thermostat. When this problem lingers, the backup battery in your thermostat depletes and the thermostat will finally shut down. Assuming the breakers are on, you can search a few other places before contacting a professional technician.
As this error can drain your thermostat’s battery, the first step might be restoring enough power to figure out if this specific error code is what you’re facing. You can separate the thermostat from its base and deliver power by using a USB cable. If it displays error code 195, you can continue to visually inspect 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 probably be best to get in touch with 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 receiving more power than needed. This can stem from the breaker box, an error from the control board or thanks to a faulty connection in the thermostat. A technician needs to cautiously inspect and test the Nest’s electrical system to figure out where the power is surging or why the thermostat thinks there’s an overcurrent problem.
n260
While this error code isn’t critical, it may still keep 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 getting sufficient 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’ll need a Nest Power Connector.
Due to installation of a Nest Power Connector, you might notice error code E297 be displayed. This can be remedied by updating your thermostat in Settings -> Software -> Update. If the Power Connector has already been 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 originating from an overcurrent. If excess power is transported inside the Nest’s wiring, it could damage internal components and can even be a fire hazard. If you notice this error code appear on your Nest thermostat and want to guard against electrical damage, it’s a good idea to turn the power off as soon as you can. You can then contact a professional technician with the proper experience identifying and fixing electrical problems.
e73 – Critical
When your thermostat displays error code e73, it means that the Rc wire is not receiving power.
This might be as easy as the breaker being turned off, but it may 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 they’re not loose or damaged. If nothing looks to be out of place, it’s best to contact a local professional.