Installing a Nest thermostat is one of the best ways to perfect the daily 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 correctly or at all if you see an error code on the display. The exact error code supplies useful information about the underlying problem, something a professional technician can use to offer solutions that much quicker.
Let’s consider seven of the most common error codes you could find on your Nest thermostat. We’ll explain the basics of each error code as well as how you could fix it and the approximate cost to do so. Don’t forget that while the price will ultimately be dependent on the precise Nest model, you can count on paying about $75-$200 for repairs. This should include travel and labor costs as well as any specific components necessary to finish repairs.
e298 – Critical
This critical error code is limited to newer models of the Nest thermostat and is displayed when the power is disconnected from the system. Because this is a critical power error, the thermostat will swap to the backup battery system. The error message will continue to be displayed until the problem is resolved.
Losing power to your Nest thermostat can be for a number of reasons. The wiring may have disconnected or become damaged, or a disconnection could have appeared further along in the electrical system. This may 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 appears when your Nest thermostat’s wiring should 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 just a software error. If that doesn’t work, they’ll check the wiring diagram of the thermostat and start checking connectors.
They’ll detach the power and slowly check each wire, making sure they are fully placed into the connector with the correct amount of uncovered copper. Once 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 particularly hot. The HVAC system can fail and stop giving power to your Nest thermostat. When this problem lingers, the backup battery in your thermostat depletes and the thermostat will finally shut down. Presuming the breakers are on, you can examine a handful of other places before contacting a professional technician.
As this error can deplete your thermostat’s battery, the first step could be supplying enough power to determine if this specific error code is what you’re facing. You can separate the thermostat from its base and provide power by using a USB cable. If it presents error code 195, you may continue to visually examine components such as 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 likely be best to contact a pro.
e103 – Critical
Another critical error code, e103 indicates an electrical problem with your Nest thermostat. More specifically, e103 can refer to an overcurrent problem, which means the wiring is experiencing 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. 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 believes 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 refers to the lack of a C wire or Nest Power Connector, as the absence of 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 modify the wiring itself if there is. If not, you can get a Nest Power Connector.
During installation of a Nest Power Connector, you might notice error code E297 show up. 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 sent through the Nest’s wiring, it may damage internal components and may 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 recommended to shut the power off straightaway. You can then get a hold of a professional technician with the proper experience diagnosing and resolving electrical issues.
e73 – Critical
When your thermostat displays error code e73, it means that the Rc wire is not getting power.
This could be as straightforward as the breaker being turned off, but it may also be something with the wiring. After shutting off the power to your HVAC system and thermostat, you can visually examine the wires to make sure none of them are loose or damaged. If nothing appears to be out of place, it’s best to speak with a local professional.