How to Resolve These Seven Error Codes on Your Nest Thermostat

Installing a Nest thermostat is one of the best ways to optimize the day-to-day schedule of your comfort system. This smart thermostat can be taught your preferences and automatically make improvements. But as you can 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 root of the problem, something a trained technician can use to provide solutions that much faster.

Let’s consider seven of the most frequent error codes you may find on your Nest thermostat. We’ll explain the basics of each error code as well as how you might solve it and the projected cost to do so. Keep in mind that while the costs will ultimately depend on the specific Nest model, you can anticipate paying between $75-$200 for repairs. This should also cover travel and labor costs on top of any specific components necessary to complete repairs.

e298 – Critical

This critical error code is limited to the latest models of the Nest thermostat and is displayed when the power is disconnected from the system. Since this is a critical power error, the thermostat will switch 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 numerous reasons. The wiring could have disconnected or become damaged, or a disconnection may have happened further along in the electrical system. This may be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A professional technician should inspect electrical connections and wiring until they uncover the root of the problem.

e294 – Critical

Critical error code e294 shows up when your Nest thermostat’s wiring has 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 issue. If that doesn’t work, they’ll check the wiring diagram of the thermostat and start inspecting connectors.

They’ll disconnect the power and gradually check each wire, seeing to it that they are fully inserted into the connector with the correct amount of exposed copper. When they find the problem connector, it can be swapped for a new one.

e195 – Critical

This critical error code can appear 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 subsequently turn off. In the event the breakers are on, you can check a handful of other places before calling 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 facing. You can detach the thermostat from its base and provide power with a USB cable. If it displays error code 195, you can continue to visually check components like the wiring as well as your air conditioner’s air filter or drainage system. If you can’t uncover anything wrong with these components, it will probably be best to contact a pro.

e103 – Critical

Another critical error code, e103 suggests 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 necessary. This can stem from the breaker box, an error from the control board or because of a bad connection in the thermostat. The technician will carefully investigate and test the Nest’s electrical system to understand 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 prevent you from using the Nest thermostat like normal. Error code n260 concerns the lack of a C wire or Nest Power Connector, as not having 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 can get a Nest Power Connector.

With installation of a Nest Power Connector, you will sometimes notice error code E297 be displayed. 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 that’s the result of an overcurrent. If too much power is sent inside the Nest’s wiring, it could damage internal components and could even be a fire hazard. If you see this error code appear on your Nest thermostat and want to guard against electrical damage, it’s recommended to shut the power off straightaway. You can then get in touch with a professional technician with the necessary experience detecting and fixing 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 straightforward as the breaker being shut off, but it could 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 they’re not loose or damaged. If nothing appears to be out of place, it’s a good idea to contact a local professional.