Operating a Nest thermostat is one of the easiest ways to perfect the everyday schedule of your HVAC system. This smart thermostat can recognize your preferences and automatically make adjustments. But as you can expect, it won’t work correctly or at all if you see an error code on the display. The precise error code offers useful information about the source of the problem, something a trained technician can use to present solutions that much sooner.

Listed below are seven of the most frequent error codes you could discover on your Nest thermostat. We’ll walk you through the basics of each error code along with how you might solve it and the estimated cost to do so. Remember that while the price will ultimately be dependent on the specific Nest model, you can anticipate paying about $75-$200 for repairs. This should include things like travel and labor costs on top of any specific hardware needed to complete repairs.

e298 – Critical

This critical error code is limited to newer models of the Nest thermostat and is displayed when the power is disconnected from the system. Because this is a critical power error, the thermostat will switch to the backup battery system. The error message will continue to be displayed until the issue is fixed.

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

e294 – Critical

Critical error code e294 shows up when your Nest thermostat’s wiring should be reconfigured. More specifically, you’ll need the technician to reconfigure the R wire. They’ll first conduct a factory reset of your thermostat to ensure it’s not simply a software error. If that doesn’t work, they’ll review the wiring diagram of the thermostat and start checking connectors.

They’ll detach the power and slowly look at each wire, seeing to it that they are fully inserted into the connector with the correct amount of exposed copper. Once they pinpoint the malfunctioning connector, it can be swapped for a new one.

e195 – Critical

This critical error code can appear when the weather outside is especially hot. The HVAC system can shut down and stop delivering power to your Nest thermostat. When this problem lingers, the backup battery in your thermostat depletes and the thermostat will subsequently power down. Presuming the breakers are on, you can examine a few other places before calling a professional technician.

Because this error can consume your thermostat’s battery, the first step might be restoring enough power to figure out if this specific error code is what you’re working with. You can disconnect the thermostat from its base and deliver power with a USB cable. If it displays error code 195, you can continue to visually examine components like the wiring as well as your air conditioner’s air filter or drainage system. If you can’t uncover anything wrong with these components, it’s maybe best to call 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 experiencing more power than what is safe and normal. This may stem from the breaker box, an error from the control board or because of a faulty connection in the thermostat. The technician will cautiously investigate and test the Nest’s electrical system to determine where the power is surging or why the thermostat is convinced there’s an overcurrent problem.

n260

Even though this error code isn’t critical, it can still keep you from using the Nest thermostat like normal. Error code n260 pertains to the lack of a C wire or Nest Power Connector, as missing one can block your Nest from obtaining sufficient power. You can inspect 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.

Due to installation of a Nest Power Connector, you might 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

Similar to error code e103, e104 is a critical error stemming from an overcurrent. If excessive power is being delivered using the Nest’s wiring, it could damage internal components and can 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 suggested to turn the power off as soon as you can. You can then get in touch with a professional technician with the proper experience identifying and solving electrical damage.

e73 – Critical

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

This might be as straightforward as the breaker being shut off, but it can also be something with the wiring. After shutting off the power to your HVAC system and thermostat, you can visually check the wires to make sure they’re not loose or damaged. If nothing appears to be out of place, it’s time to get in touch with a local professional.