How to Resolve These Seven Error Codes on Your Nest Thermostat

Using a Nest thermostat is one of the best ways to improve the day-to-day schedule of your comfort system. This smart thermostat can recognize your preferences and automatically make adjustments. But as you may expect, it won’t work well or at all if you see an error code show up. The precise error code supplies useful information about the underlying problem, something a professional technician can use to provide solutions that much faster.

Let’s consider seven of the most frequent error codes you could discover on your Nest thermostat. We’ll explain the basics of each error code along with how you can fix it and the approximate cost to do so. Remember that while the price will ultimately be dependent on the specific Nest model, you can anticipate paying between $75-$200 for repairs. This should include things like travel and labor costs as well as any specific hardware required to wrap up 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. Because this is a critical power error, the thermostat will change to the backup battery system. The error message will remain on display 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 could have occurred further along in the electrical system. This could be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A professional technician should check electrical connections and wiring until they uncover the source 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 will need to reconfigure the R wire. They’ll first perform a factory reset of your thermostat to ensure it’s not just a software error. If that doesn’t work, they’ll examine the wiring diagram of the thermostat and start inspecting connectors.

They’ll shut off the power and progressively look at each wire, seeing to it that they are fully attached into the connector with the proper amount of uncovered copper. Once they find the malfunctioning connector, it can be swapped for a new one.

e195 – Critical

This critical error code can surface when the weather outside is especially hot. The HVAC system can break down and stop sending power to your Nest thermostat. When this problem persists, the backup battery in your thermostat drains and the thermostat will eventually power down. In the event the breakers are on, you can examine a few other places before consulting a professional technician.

As this error can drain your thermostat’s battery, the first step may be restoring enough power to find out if this specific error code is what you’re dealing with. You can separate the thermostat from its base and provide power through a USB cable. If it reveals error code 195, you may 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 detect anything wrong with these components, it’s maybe best to contact a pro.

e103 – Critical

Another critical error code, e103 signifies an electrical error with your Nest thermostat. More specifically, e103 can refer to an overcurrent problem, which means the wiring is receiving more power than necessary. This may stem from the breaker box, an error from the control board or through a defective connection in the thermostat. Your technician should carefully examine and test the Nest’s electrical system to determine where the power is surging or why the thermostat believes there’s an overcurrent problem.

n260

Although this error code isn’t critical, it may still stop you from using the Nest thermostat like normal. Error code n260 concerns the lack of a C wire or Nest Power Connector, as the absence of one can block your Nest from getting enough power. You can examine 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 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 that’s the result of an overcurrent. If too much power is sent inside the Nest’s wiring, it can damage internal components and can even be a fire hazard. If you see this error code pop up on your Nest thermostat and want to take steps to prevent electrical damage, it’s a good idea to switch the power off as soon as possible. You can then contact a professional technician with the necessary experience detecting and solving electrical malfunctions.

e73 – Critical

When your thermostat displays error code e73, it means that the Rc wire is not getting power.

This will sometimes be as easy as the breaker being shut off, but it can also be something with the wiring. After switching off the power to your HVAC system and thermostat, you can visually check the wires to make sure nothing is loose or damaged. If nothing seems to be out of place, it’s best to speak with a local professional.