Installing a Nest thermostat is one of the best ways to improve the everyday schedule of your HVAC system. This smart thermostat can be taught your preferences and automatically make changes. But as you can expect, it won’t work well 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 offer solutions that much faster.
Listed below are seven of the most likely error codes you could encounter on your Nest thermostat. We’ll review the basics of each error code as well as how you might fix it and the projected cost to do so. Remember that while the investment will ultimately be dependent on the exact Nest model, you can count on paying between $75-$200 for repairs. This should include travel and labor costs on top of any specific components needed to wrap up repairs.
e298 – Critical
This critical error code is limited to newer models of the Nest thermostat and appears when the power is shut off. Since 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 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 occurred further along in the electrical system. This may be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A professional technician will check electrical connections and wiring until they locate the root 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 should 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 check the wiring diagram of the thermostat and begin looking at connectors.
They’ll disconnect the power and progressively check each wire, seeing to it that they are fully inserted into the connector with the correct amount of exposed copper. After they find the problem connector, it can be replaced for a new one.
e195 – Critical
This critical error code can appear when the weather outside is particularly hot. The HVAC system can shut down and stop sending power to your Nest thermostat. When this problem lasts, the backup battery in your thermostat depletes and the thermostat will eventually power down. Assuming the breakers are on, you can examine a couple of other places before contacting a professional technician.
Because this error can deplete your thermostat’s battery, the first step might be providing enough power to find out if this specific error code is what you’re working with. You can disconnect the thermostat from its base and supply power by using a USB cable. If it displays error code 195, you may continue to visually inspect components including the wiring as well as your air conditioner’s air filter or drainage system. If you don’t find anything wrong with these components, it will likely be best to get in touch with a pro.
e103 – Critical
Another critical error code, e103 indicates an electrical malfunction with your Nest thermostat. More specifically, e103 can refer to an overcurrent problem, which means the wiring is receiving more power than what is safe and normal. This may stem from the breaker box, an error from the control board or thanks to a bad connection in the thermostat. The technician can meticulously investigate and test the Nest’s electrical system to figure out where the power is surging or why the thermostat thinks there’s an overcurrent problem.
n260
Even though this error code isn’t critical, it might still stop 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 missing one can block your Nest from obtaining 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 need a Nest Power Connector.
During installation of a Nest Power Connector, you will sometimes notice error code E297 show up. This can be dealt with by updating your thermostat in Settings -> Software -> Update. If the Power Connector has already been 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 that’s the result of an overcurrent. If excess power is sent using the Nest’s wiring, it could damage internal components and could even be a fire hazard. If you see this error code show up on your Nest thermostat and want to protect from electrical damage, it’s a good idea to switch the power off as soon as possible. You can then get a hold of a professional technician with the necessary experience detecting and fixing electrical malfunctions.
e73 – Critical
When your thermostat displays error code e73, it indicates that the Rc wire is not receiving power.
This could be as straightforward as the breaker being turned off, but it can also be a problem with the wiring. After switching 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 best to contact a local professional.