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 learn your preferences and automatically make adjustments. But as you may expect, it won’t work correctly or at all if you see an error code appear. The exact error code supplies useful information about the source of the problem, something a professional technician can use to present solutions that much faster.

Listed below are seven of the most likely error codes you may encounter on your Nest thermostat. We’ll review the basics of each error code on top of how you could solve it and the estimated cost to do so. Don’t forget that while the investment will ultimately depend on the specific Nest model, you can anticipate paying about $75-$200 for repairs. This should include things like travel and labor costs along with 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 detached from the system. Because this is a critical power error, the thermostat will swap to the backup battery system. The error message will continue to be displayed until the problem is dealt with.

Losing power to your Nest thermostat can be for a number of reasons. The wiring may have disconnected or become damaged, or a disconnection may have occurred further along in your home’s electrical system. This may be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A knowledgeable technician should check electrical connections and wiring until they locate the root of the problem.

e294 – Critical

Critical error code e294 appears 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 simply a software issue. If that doesn’t work, they’ll examine the wiring diagram of the thermostat and begin inspecting connectors.

They’ll detach the power and slowly inspect each wire, seeing to it that they are fully attached into the connector with the correct amount of exposed copper. Once they locate the malfunctioning connector, it can be exchanged 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 sending power to your Nest thermostat. When this problem lingers, the backup battery in your thermostat depletes and the thermostat will eventually power down. Presuming the breakers are on, you can check a few other places before contacting a professional technician.

As this error can deplete your thermostat’s battery, the first step may be restoring enough power to determine if this specific error code is what you’re working with. You can detach the thermostat from its base and provide power with a USB cable. Assuming it presents error code 195, you should continue to visually inspect components like 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 probably be best to call a pro.

e103 – Critical

Another critical error code, e103 suggests an electrical malfunction 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 bad connection in the thermostat. A technician should meticulously inspect and test the Nest’s electrical system to figure out where the power is surging or why the thermostat believes there’s an overcurrent problem.

n260

While this error code isn’t critical, it may still stop you from using the Nest thermostat how you want to. Error code n260 refers to the lack of a C wire or Nest Power Connector, as not having one can block your Nest from receiving adequate 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 need a Nest Power Connector.

With 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 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 sent using the Nest’s wiring, it can damage internal components and may even be a fire hazard. If you notice this error code show up on your Nest thermostat and want to guard against electrical damage, it’s recommended to shut the power off as soon as possible. You can then get a hold of a professional technician with the proper experience detecting and resolving electrical issues.

e73 – Critical

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

This might be as straightforward as the breaker being shut off, but it may 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 they’re not loose or damaged. If nothing appears to be out of place, it’s time to contact a local professional.