How to Resolve These Seven Error Codes on Your Nest Thermostat

Installing a Nest thermostat is one of the easiest ways to improve the day-to-day schedule of your heating and cooling. This smart thermostat can learn your preferences and automatically make improvements. But as you can expect, it won’t work correctly or at all if you see an error code show up. The precise error code offers useful information about the root of the problem, something a professional technician can use to offer solutions that much faster.

Listed below are seven of the most frequent error codes you might find on your Nest thermostat. We’ll walk you through the basics of each error code on top of how you might solve it and the approximate cost to do so. Keep in mind that while the price will ultimately hinge on the exact Nest model, you can count on paying around $75-$200 for repairs. This should also cover travel and labor costs as well as any specific parts necessary to complete repairs.

e298 – Critical

This critical error code is limited to the latest models of the Nest thermostat and appears when the power is shut off. Because 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 resolved.

Losing power to your Nest thermostat can be for several reasons. The wiring may have disconnected or become damaged, or a disconnection might have happened further along in your home’s electrical system. This could be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A professional technician should examine electrical connections and wiring until they locate 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, you’ll need the technician to reconfigure the R wire. They’ll first complete a factory reset of your thermostat to make sure it’s not merely a software problem. If that doesn’t work, they’ll examine the wiring diagram of the thermostat and begin checking connectors.

They’ll detach the power and progressively look at each wire, making sure they are fully attached into the connector with the correct amount of uncovered copper. After they find the damaged connector, it can be swapped for a new one.

e195 – Critical

This critical error code can appear when the weather outside is particularly hot. The HVAC system can shut down and stop sending power to your Nest thermostat. When this problem lasts, the backup battery in your thermostat drains and the thermostat will subsequently shut down. In the event the breakers are on, you can examine a couple of other places before contacting a professional technician.

Since this error can drain your thermostat’s battery, the first step might be providing enough power to determine if this specific error code is what you’re facing. You can disconnect the thermostat from its base and deliver power with a USB cable. If it reveals error code 195, you may continue to visually check components like 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 likely be best to get in touch with a pro.

e103 – Critical

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

While this error code isn’t critical, it can still prevent 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 enough 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’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

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 may damage internal components and can even be a fire hazard. If you notice this error code appear on your Nest thermostat and want to protect from electrical damage, it’s recommended to switch the power off as soon as you can. You can then get in touch with a professional technician with the necessary experience diagnosing and solving electrical issues.

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 turned off, but it may also be an issue with the wiring. After turning off the power to your HVAC system and thermostat, you can visually check the wires to make sure nothing is loose or damaged. If nothing looks to be out of place, it’s time to speak with a local professional.