Operating a Nest thermostat is one of the most convenient ways to improve the day-to-day schedule of your HVAC system. This smart thermostat can be taught 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 precise error code offers useful information about the source of the problem, something a professional technician can use to present solutions that much quicker.
Let’s consider seven of the most frequent error codes you could find on your Nest thermostat. We’ll review the basics of each error code along with how you could address it and the estimated cost to do so. Don’t forget that while the price will ultimately hinge on the specific Nest model, you can count on paying around $75-$200 for repairs. This should also cover travel and labor costs on top of any specific components necessary to finish repairs.
e298 – Critical
This critical error code is limited to the latest 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 switch to the backup battery system. The error message will remain on display 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 may have appeared further along in your electrical system. This could be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A certified technician can examine 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 merely a software error. If that doesn’t work, they’ll examine the wiring diagram of the thermostat and begin looking at connectors.
They’ll shut off the power and slowly check each wire, making sure they are fully attached into the connector with the correct amount of uncovered copper. After they locate the damaged connector, it can be exchanged for a new one.
e195 – Critical
This critical error code can surface when the weather outside is particularly hot. The HVAC system can break down and stop giving power to your Nest thermostat. When this problem lingers, the backup battery in your thermostat drains and the thermostat will eventually power down. In the event the breakers are on, you can search a handful of other places before consulting a professional technician.
As this error can deplete your thermostat’s battery, the first step could be providing enough power to determine if this specific error code is what you’re facing. You can detach the thermostat from its base and deliver power by using a USB cable. In the event it displays error code 195, you may continue to visually inspect components like the wiring as well as your air conditioner’s air filter or drainage system. If you can’t uncover anything wrong with these components, it’s maybe best to contact a pro.
e103 – Critical
Another critical error code, e103 indicates an electrical malfunction with your Nest thermostat. More specifically, e103 will refer to an overcurrent problem, which means the wiring is getting more power than needed. This may stem from the breaker box, an error from the control board or because of a bad connection in the thermostat. Your technician needs to meticulously examine and test the Nest’s electrical system to figure out where the power is surging or why the thermostat is convinced there’s an overcurrent problem.
n260
Although this error code isn’t critical, it can still stop you from using the Nest thermostat like normal. Error code n260 refers to the lack of a C wire or Nest Power Connector, as the absence of one can block your Nest from obtaining sufficient power. You can examine 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.
Due to installation of a Nest Power Connector, you might notice error code E297 appear. This can be dealt with 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 too much power is transported through the Nest’s wiring, it could damage internal components and may even be a fire hazard. If you notice this error code pop up on your Nest thermostat and want to protect from electrical damage, it’s recommended to shut the power off straightaway. You can then get a hold of a professional technician with the proper 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 straightforward as the breaker being turned off, but it could 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 they’re not loose or damaged. If nothing looks to be out of place, it’s best to contact a local professional.