Installing a Nest thermostat is one of the most convenient ways to improve the day-to-day schedule of your comfort system. This smart thermostat can be taught your preferences and automatically make improvements. But as you may expect, it won’t work properly or at all if you see an error code appear. The exact error code offers useful information about the underlying problem, something a professional technician can use to present solutions that much faster.

Let’s consider seven of the most frequent error codes you could encounter on your Nest thermostat. We’ll review the basics of each error code along with how you can solve it and the estimated cost to do so. Remember that while the costs will ultimately depend on the specific Nest model, you can anticipate paying about $75-$200 for repairs. This should include travel and labor costs along with any specific hardware needed 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. As this is a critical power error, the thermostat will switch to the backup battery system. The error message will remain on display until the issue is fixed.

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 can examine electrical connections and wiring until they uncover the source of the problem.

e294 – Critical

Critical error code e294 appears when your Nest thermostat’s wiring needs to be reconfigured. More specifically, the technician should reconfigure the R wire. They’ll first perform a factory reset of your thermostat to ensure it’s not simply a software problem. If that doesn’t work, they’ll examine the wiring diagram of the thermostat and begin inspecting connectors.

They’ll disconnect the power and slowly check each wire, seeing to it that they are fully attached into the connector with the correct amount of uncovered copper. After they locate the damaged connector, it can be replaced for a new one.

e195 – Critical

This critical error code can surface when the weather outside is particularly hot. The HVAC system can fail and stop delivering power to your Nest thermostat. When this problem persists, the backup battery in your thermostat drains and the thermostat will finally shut down. Presuming the breakers are on, you can examine a few other places before contacting a professional technician.

As this error can drain your thermostat’s battery, the first step might be providing enough power to figure out if this specific error code is what you’re dealing with. You can disconnect the thermostat from its base and provide power by using a USB cable. Assuming it displays error code 195, you may continue to visually examine components like the wiring as well as your air conditioner’s air filter or drainage system. If you don’t uncover anything wrong with these components, it will likely be best to call a pro.

e103 – Critical

Another critical error code, e103 signifies an electrical error with your Nest thermostat. More specifically, e103 may refer to an overcurrent problem, which means the wiring is getting more power than what is safe and normal. This can stem from the breaker box, an error from the control board or through a defective connection in the thermostat. Your technician will cautiously 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

Although this error code isn’t critical, it could still keep 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 the absence of one can block your Nest from obtaining adequate 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 can get a Nest Power Connector.

Due to installation of a Nest Power Connector, you might notice error code E297 show up. This can be remedied 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 sent 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 take steps to prevent 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 diagnosing and solving electrical malfunctions.

e73 – Critical

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

This might be as straightforward as the breaker being switched off, but it can also be an issue with the wiring. After shutting off the power to your HVAC system and thermostat, you can visually check the wires to make sure none of them are loose or damaged. If nothing appears to be out of place, it’s best to contact a local professional.