How to Resolve These Seven Error Codes on Your Nest Thermostat

Installing a Nest thermostat is one of the easiest ways to improve the daily schedule of your heating and cooling. This smart thermostat can recognize your preferences and automatically make adjustments. But as you might expect, it won’t work correctly or at all if you see an error code appear. The exact error code offers useful information about the underlying problem, something a knowledgeable technician can use to offer solutions that much quicker.

Listed below are seven of the most common error codes you might find on your Nest thermostat. We’ll review the basics of each error code on top of how you might solve it and the approximate cost to do so. Remember that while the price will ultimately depend on the specific Nest model, you can anticipate paying between $75-$200 for repairs. This should include travel and labor costs along with any specific parts necessary to complete repairs.

e298 – Critical

This critical error code is limited to newer models of the Nest thermostat and appears when the power is shut off. As this is a critical power error, the thermostat will change to the backup battery system. The error message will remain on the screen until the problem is resolved.

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 your home’s electrical system. This may be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A trained technician will inspect electrical connections and wiring until they locate the source of the problem.

e294 – Critical

Critical error code e294 appears when your Nest thermostat’s wiring should be reconfigured. More specifically, the technician should reconfigure the R wire. They’ll first complete a factory reset of your thermostat to make sure it’s not just a software issue. If that doesn’t work, they’ll examine the wiring diagram of the thermostat and begin looking at connectors.

They’ll disconnect the power and gradually inspect each wire, ensuring they are fully placed into the connector with the correct amount of bare copper. Once they find the problem connector, it can be swapped for a new one.

e195 – Critical

This critical error code can show up when the weather outside is severely hot. The HVAC system can shut down and stop delivering power to your Nest thermostat. When this problem lasts, the backup battery in your thermostat drains and the thermostat will subsequently turn off. Presuming the breakers are on, you can check a couple of other places before calling a professional technician.

As this error can deplete your thermostat’s battery, the first step could be supplying enough power to figure out if this specific error code is what you’re working with. You can detach the thermostat from its base and supply power with a USB cable. Assuming it presents error code 195, you can continue to visually examine 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 probably be best to contact a pro.

e103 – Critical

Another critical error code, e103 indicates an electrical issue with your Nest thermostat. More specifically, e103 will refer to an overcurrent problem, which means the wiring is experiencing more power than needed. This may stem from the breaker box, an error from the control board or because of a faulty connection in the thermostat. Your technician can 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

Even though this error code isn’t critical, it can still stop you from using the Nest thermostat how you prefer to. Error code n260 pertains to the lack of a C wire or Nest Power Connector, as missing one can block your Nest from getting 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’ll need a Nest Power Connector.

With installation of a Nest Power Connector, you will sometimes notice error code E297 appear. This can be dealt with by updating your thermostat in Settings -> Software -> Update. If the Power Connector has already been installed, you’ll instead need 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 being delivered inside the Nest’s wiring, it can damage internal components and may even be a fire hazard. If you see this error code pop up on your Nest thermostat and want to protect from electrical damage, it’s a good idea to shut the power off as soon as you can. You can then get in touch with a professional technician with the proper 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 may be as easy as the breaker being turned off, but it could also be an issue with the wiring. After switching 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 appears to be out of place, it’s time to get in touch with a local professional.