Operating a Nest thermostat is one of the most convenient ways to improve the daily schedule of your heating and cooling. This smart thermostat can be taught your preferences and automatically make adjustments. But as you might expect, it won’t work properly or at all if you see an error code on the display. The precise error code supplies useful information about the underlying problem, something a professional technician can use to present solutions that much faster.
Listed below are seven of the most frequent error codes you may encounter on your Nest thermostat. We’ll walk you through the basics of each error code along with how you might fix it and the approximate cost to do so. Keep in mind that while the price will ultimately be dependent on the precise Nest model, you can expect to pay around $75-$200 for repairs. This should include travel and labor costs on top of any specific hardware necessary to finish repairs.
e298 – Critical
This critical error code is limited to new models of the Nest thermostat and shows up when the power is shut off. As 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 problem is fixed.
Losing power to your Nest thermostat can be for a number of reasons. The wiring may have disconnected or become damaged, or a disconnection may have happened further along in the electrical system. This may be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A certified technician will examine electrical connections and wiring until they find the root of the problem.
e294 – Critical
Critical error code e294 appears when your Nest thermostat’s wiring needs to be reconfigured. More specifically, the technician will need to reconfigure the R wire. They’ll first complete a factory reset of your thermostat to make sure it’s not simply a software problem. If that doesn’t work, they’ll check the wiring diagram of the thermostat and start inspecting connectors.
They’ll shut off the power and progressively inspect each wire, seeing to it that they are fully inserted into the connector with the correct amount of exposed copper. When they find the damaged connector, it can be replaced for a new one.
e195 – Critical
This critical error code can show up when the weather outside is especially hot. The HVAC system can shut down and stop delivering power to your Nest thermostat. When this problem persists, the backup battery in your thermostat depletes and the thermostat will eventually shut down. Assuming the breakers are on, you can examine a handful of other places before contacting a professional technician.
Since this error can drain your thermostat’s battery, the first step could be restoring enough power to find out if this specific error code is what you’re facing. You can detach the thermostat from its base and deliver power with a USB cable. In the event it reveals error code 195, you may continue to visually examine components like the wiring as well as your air conditioner’s air filter or drainage system. If you struggle to uncover anything wrong with these components, it’s maybe best to get in touch with a pro.
e103 – Critical
Another critical error code, e103 signifies an electrical problem with your Nest thermostat. More specifically, e103 may 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 faulty connection in the thermostat. Your technician should cautiously inspect 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 may still keep you from using the Nest thermostat how you want to. Error code n260 concerns the lack of a C wire or Nest Power Connector, as the absence of one can block your Nest from receiving adequate power. You can check 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 will sometimes notice error code E297 be displayed. 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
Like error code e103, e104 is a critical error that’s the result of an overcurrent. If excessive power is being delivered using the Nest’s wiring, it could damage internal components and may even be a fire hazard. If you see this error code pop up on your Nest thermostat and want to guard against electrical damage, it’s a good idea to switch the power off straightaway. You can then get a hold of a professional technician with the proper experience diagnosing and fixing electrical issues.
e73 – Critical
When your thermostat displays error code e73, it indicates that the Rc wire is not receiving power.
This could be as easy 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 inspect 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 contact a local professional.