How to Resolve These Seven Error Codes on Your Nest Thermostat

Installing a Nest thermostat is one of the easiest ways to improve the everyday schedule of your comfort system. This smart thermostat can be taught your preferences and automatically make adjustments. But as you might expect, it won’t work properly or at all if you see an error code on the display. The exact error code supplies useful information about the source of the problem, something a knowledgeable technician can use to provide solutions that much faster.

Here are seven of the most likely error codes you could encounter on your Nest thermostat. We’ll walk you through the basics of each error code as well as how you could address it and the estimated cost to do so. Keep in mind that while the price will ultimately be dependent on the exact Nest model, you can anticipate paying around $75-$200 for repairs. This should include things like travel and labor costs along with any specific parts required to wrap up repairs.

e298 – Critical

This critical error code is limited to newer models of the Nest thermostat and is displayed when the power is shut off. Since this is a critical power error, the thermostat will change to the backup battery system. The error message will continue to be displayed until the problem is fixed.

Losing power to your Nest thermostat can be for a number of reasons. The wiring could have disconnected or become damaged, or a disconnection could have occurred further along in your electrical system. This could be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A trained technician should examine electrical connections and wiring until they find 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 should reconfigure the R wire. They’ll first conduct a factory reset of your thermostat to make sure it’s not simply a software problem. If that doesn’t work, they’ll check the wiring diagram of the thermostat and begin inspecting connectors.

They’ll detach the power and slowly inspect each wire, making sure they are fully attached into the connector with the correct amount of bare copper. After 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 severely hot. The HVAC system can fail and stop sending power to your Nest thermostat. When this problem lingers, the backup battery in your thermostat drains and the thermostat will finally turn off. Assuming the breakers are on, you can examine a handful of other places before calling a professional technician.

Since this error can consume your thermostat’s battery, the first step could be supplying enough power to find out if this specific error code is what you’re working with. You can separate the thermostat from its base and provide power by using a USB cable. If it displays error code 195, you should continue to visually examine components like the wiring as well as your air conditioner’s air filter or drainage system. If you struggle to uncover anything wrong with these components, it will likely be best to call a pro.

e103 – Critical

Another critical error code, e103 indicates an electrical issue with your Nest thermostat. More specifically, e103 can refer to an overcurrent problem, which means the wiring is getting more power than needed. This will sometimes stem from the breaker box, an error from the control board or through a bad connection in the thermostat. A technician should meticulously examine and test the Nest’s electrical system to understand where the power is surging or why the thermostat believes there’s an overcurrent problem.

n260

Even though this error code isn’t critical, it may still keep you from using the Nest thermostat like normal. Error code n260 refers to the lack of a C wire or Nest Power Connector, as missing 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 modify the wiring itself if there is. If not, you need a Nest Power Connector.

Due to installation of a Nest Power Connector, you will sometimes notice error code E297 be displayed. This can be resolved by updating your thermostat in Settings -> Software -> Update. If the Power Connector was already installed, you’ll instead be required 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 being delivered inside the Nest’s wiring, it can 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 guard against electrical damage, it’s recommended to switch the power off as soon as possible. You can then get a hold of a professional technician with the appropriate experience identifying and resolving electrical problems.

e73 – Critical

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

This will sometimes be as easy as the breaker being switched off, but it could also be something with the wiring. After turning 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 a good idea to get in touch with a local professional.