Installing a Nest thermostat is one of the easiest ways to perfect the everyday schedule of your heating and cooling. This smart thermostat can learn your preferences and automatically make changes. But as you can expect, it won’t work correctly or at all if you see an error code show up. The specific error code supplies useful information about the source of the problem, something a trained technician can use to present solutions that much quicker.
Here are seven of the most likely error codes you may find on your Nest thermostat. We’ll walk you through the basics of each error code as well as how you can fix it and the approximate cost to do so. Don’t forget that while the price will ultimately hinge on the exact Nest model, you can expect to pay about $75-$200 for repairs. This should include things like travel and labor costs as well as any specific components necessary to wrap up repairs.
e298 – Critical
This critical error code is limited to new 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 swap to the backup battery system. The error message will remain on display until the problem is fixed.
Losing power to your Nest thermostat can be for several reasons. The wiring might have disconnected or become damaged, or a disconnection might have appeared further along in the electrical system. This might be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A trained technician will examine electrical connections and wiring until they uncover the source of the problem.
e294 – Critical
Critical error code e294 appears when your Nest thermostat’s wiring should be reconfigured. More specifically, you’ll need the technician to reconfigure the R wire. They’ll first perform a factory reset of your thermostat to ensure it’s not merely a software error. If that doesn’t work, they’ll review the wiring diagram of the thermostat and begin checking connectors.
They’ll disconnect the power and gradually inspect each wire, seeing to it that they are fully placed into the connector with the correct amount of exposed copper. Once they pinpoint the malfunctioning connector, it can be replaced for a new one.
e195 – Critical
This critical error code can surface when the weather outside is severely hot. The HVAC system can fail and stop delivering power to your Nest thermostat. When this problem lasts, the backup battery in your thermostat drains and the thermostat will eventually turn off. Presuming the breakers are on, you can examine a handful of other places before consulting a professional technician.
Since this error can consume your thermostat’s battery, the first step might be supplying enough power to determine if this specific error code is what you’re dealing with. You can disconnect the thermostat from its base and provide power through a USB cable. If it presents error code 195, you should 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’s maybe best to contact a pro.
e103 – Critical
Another critical error code, e103 signifies an electrical malfunction with your Nest thermostat. More specifically, e103 can refer to an overcurrent problem, which means the wiring is getting more power than needed. This can stem from the breaker box, an error from the control board or through a faulty connection in the thermostat. The technician should meticulously inspect 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
While this error code isn’t critical, it might 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 missing 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 adapt the wiring itself if there is. If not, you need a Nest Power Connector.
During 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
Like error code e103, e104 is a critical error originating from an overcurrent. If too much power is being delivered using the Nest’s wiring, it could damage internal components and could 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 suggested to turn the power off straightaway. You can then contact a professional technician with the proper experience identifying and resolving electrical damage.
e73 – Critical
When your thermostat displays error code e73, it means that the Rc wire is not receiving power.
This will sometimes be as straightforward as the breaker being turned off, but it could also be something with the wiring. After shutting off the power to your HVAC system and thermostat, you can visually inspect the wires to make sure nothing is loose or damaged. If nothing looks to be out of place, it’s best to contact a local professional.