How to Resolve These Seven Error Codes on Your Nest Thermostat

Installing a Nest thermostat is one of the most convenient ways to improve the daily schedule of your comfort system. This smart thermostat can recognize your preferences and automatically make improvements. But as you may expect, it won’t work well or at all if you see an error code show up. The specific error code offers useful information about the source of the problem, something a knowledgeable technician can use to offer solutions that much faster.

Let’s consider seven of the most frequent error codes you might find on your Nest thermostat. We’ll review the basics of each error code along with how you could solve it and the estimated cost to do so. Don’t forget that while the investment will ultimately be dependent on the specific Nest model, you can anticipate paying around $75-$200 for repairs. This should include things like travel and labor costs on top of any specific hardware required to finish repairs.

e298 – Critical

This critical error code is limited to the latest models of the Nest thermostat and shows up when the power is disconnected from the system. Since this is a critical power error, the thermostat will swap to the backup battery system. The error message will remain on display until the issue is resolved.

Losing power to your Nest thermostat can be for numerous reasons. The wiring could have disconnected or become damaged, or a disconnection might have occurred further along in your electrical system. This could be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A knowledgeable technician will 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 should be reconfigured. More specifically, you’ll need the technician to reconfigure the R wire. They’ll first complete a factory reset of your thermostat to ensure it’s not simply a software issue. If that doesn’t work, they’ll examine the wiring diagram of the thermostat and start looking at connectors.

They’ll detach the power and gradually inspect each wire, making sure they are fully inserted into the connector with the correct amount of bare copper. When they pinpoint the damaged connector, it can be replaced 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 lasts, the backup battery in your thermostat depletes and the thermostat will finally shut down. Presuming 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 could be providing enough power to find out if this specific error code is what you’re working with. You can detach the thermostat from its base and provide power by using a USB cable. If it presents error code 195, you should continue to visually inspect components including the wiring as well as your air conditioner’s air filter or drainage system. If you struggle to find anything wrong with these components, it will likely be best to contact a pro.

e103 – Critical

Another critical error code, e103 signifies an electrical problem with your Nest thermostat. More specifically, e103 may refer to an overcurrent problem, which means the wiring is experiencing more power than necessary. This can stem from the breaker box, an error from the control board or thanks to a defective connection in the thermostat. The technician needs to 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

While this error code isn’t critical, it can 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 the absence of one can block your Nest from getting sufficient power. You can examine the Nest’s C connector for the presence of a C wire and adjust the wiring itself if there is. If not, you can get a Nest Power Connector.

Due to installation of a Nest Power Connector, you might notice error code E297 appear. This can be resolved by updating your thermostat in Settings -> Software -> Update. If the Power Connector was 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 sent inside the Nest’s wiring, it may damage internal components and can even be a fire hazard. If you notice 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 straightaway. You can then contact a professional technician with the appropriate experience identifying and resolving electrical damage.

e73 – Critical

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

This might be as straightforward as the breaker being switched off, but it can also be a problem with the wiring. After shutting off the power to your HVAC system and thermostat, you can visually check the wires to make sure they’re not loose or damaged. If nothing appears to be out of place, it’s best to speak with a local professional.