Installing a Nest thermostat is one of the best ways to improve the day-to-day schedule of your comfort system. This smart thermostat can be taught your preferences and automatically make improvements. But as you might expect, it won’t work correctly or at all if you see an error code on the display. The precise error code supplies useful information about the source of the problem, something a professional technician can use to provide solutions that much sooner.
Let’s consider seven of the most common error codes you may discover on your Nest thermostat. We’ll walk you through the basics of each error code along with how you could fix it and the estimated cost to do so. Remember that while the investment will ultimately be dependent on the specific 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 components needed to wrap up repairs.
e298 – Critical
This critical error code is limited to newer models of the Nest thermostat and is displayed when the power is detached from the system. Because this is a critical power error, the thermostat will switch 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 several reasons. The wiring may have disconnected or become damaged, or a disconnection might have happened further along in your home’s electrical system. This might be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A professional technician should check electrical connections and wiring until they locate the source of the problem.
e294 – Critical
Critical error code e294 appears when your Nest thermostat’s wiring needs 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 merely a software problem. If that doesn’t work, they’ll check the wiring diagram of the thermostat and begin looking at connectors.
They’ll disconnect the power and slowly check each wire, making sure they are fully attached into the connector with the correct amount of exposed copper. After they find the problem 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 delivering power to your Nest thermostat. When this problem persists, the backup battery in your thermostat drains and the thermostat will finally turn off. Presuming the breakers are on, you can examine a handful of other places before calling a professional technician.
Because this error can consume your thermostat’s battery, the first step might be providing enough power to figure out if this specific error code is what you’re working with. You can disconnect the thermostat from its base and deliver power with a USB cable. In the event it displays error code 195, you should continue to visually check components such as 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 will probably be best to get in touch with a pro.
e103 – Critical
Another critical error code, e103 indicates an electrical problem with your Nest thermostat. More specifically, e103 will refer to an overcurrent problem, which means the wiring is getting more power than necessary. This will sometimes stem from the breaker box, an error from the control board or through a defective connection in the thermostat. A technician should carefully investigate 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 might still keep you from using the Nest thermostat how you want to. Error code n260 pertains to the lack of a C wire or Nest Power Connector, as not having 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 can get a Nest Power Connector.
Due to installation of a Nest Power Connector, you may notice error code E297 be displayed. This can be dealt with by updating your thermostat in Settings -> Software -> Update. If the Power Connector is already installed, you’ll instead have to update the wiring info in the app from Settings -> Thermostat -> Wiring -> Update wiring.
e104 – Critical
Similar to error code e103, e104 is a critical error stemming from an overcurrent. If excessive power is transported using the Nest’s wiring, it can 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 turn the power off as soon as possible. You can then get in touch with a professional technician with the necessary experience diagnosing and solving 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 simple 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 none of them are loose or damaged. If nothing looks to be out of place, it’s best to get in touch with a local professional.