Installing a Nest thermostat is one of the easiest ways to improve the daily 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 on the display. The precise error code supplies useful information about the source of the problem, something a knowledgeable technician can use to offer solutions that much quicker.

Here are seven of the most likely error codes you may find 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 approximate cost to do so. Remember that while the costs will ultimately be dependent 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 components 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 disconnected from the system. Because this is a critical power error, the thermostat will change to the backup battery system. The error message will remain on display 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 appeared further along in your home’s electrical system. This might be the circuit breaker, fuse box or system switch. A professional technician can examine electrical connections and wiring until they uncover the root of the problem.

e294 – Critical

Critical error code e294 is displayed when your Nest thermostat’s wiring has to be reconfigured. More specifically, the technician will need to reconfigure the R wire. They’ll first complete a factory reset of your thermostat to ensure it’s not simply a software error. If that doesn’t work, they’ll check the wiring diagram of the thermostat and begin looking at connectors.

They’ll shut off the power and progressively look at each wire, seeing to it that they are fully attached into the connector with the correct amount of exposed copper. When they locate the problem connector, it can be swapped for a new one.

e195 – Critical

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

As this error can deplete your thermostat’s battery, the first step may be supplying enough power to figure out if this specific error code is what you’re dealing with. You can detach the thermostat from its base and supply power through a USB cable. If it presents 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 detect anything wrong with these components, it’s maybe best to contact a pro.

e103 – Critical

Another critical error code, e103 signifies an electrical error with your Nest thermostat. More specifically, e103 can refer to an overcurrent problem, which means the wiring is getting more power than needed. This may stem from the breaker box, an error from the control board or through a faulty connection in the thermostat. A technician will cautiously examine and test the Nest’s electrical system to determine where the power is surging or why the thermostat thinks there’s an overcurrent problem.

n260

Although this error code isn’t critical, it can still keep 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 missing one can block your Nest from obtaining 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.

With installation of a Nest Power Connector, you may 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 originating from an overcurrent. If too much power is sent inside the Nest’s wiring, it may damage internal components and can 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 recommended to switch the power off straightaway. You can then get in touch with a professional technician with the necessary experience diagnosing and resolving electrical damage.

e73 – Critical

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

This will sometimes be as easy as the breaker being turned off, but it can also be something with the wiring. After shutting 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 appears to be out of place, it’s time to get in touch with a local professional.