Operating a Nest thermostat is one of the easiest 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 can expect, it won’t work correctly or at all if you see an error code on the display. The precise error code supplies useful information about the underlying problem, something a trained technician can use to offer solutions that much quicker.

Here are seven of the most common 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 estimated cost to do so. Keep in mind that while the price will ultimately be dependent on the specific Nest model, you can anticipate paying about $75-$200 for repairs. This should also cover travel and labor costs along with any specific parts needed to complete repairs.

e298 – Critical

This critical error code is limited to the latest models of the Nest thermostat and shows up when the power is shut off. As 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 fixed.

Losing power to your Nest thermostat can be for a number of reasons. The wiring may 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 trained technician should 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 should 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 check the wiring diagram of the thermostat and begin looking at connectors.

They’ll disconnect the power and slowly inspect each wire, making sure they are fully attached into the connector with the proper amount of bare copper. Once they find the malfunctioning connector, it can be replaced for a new one.

e195 – Critical

This critical error code can show up when the weather outside is severely hot. The HVAC system can break down and stop giving power to your Nest thermostat. When this problem persists, the backup battery in your thermostat depletes and the thermostat will eventually turn off. Presuming the breakers are on, you can check a couple of other places before consulting a professional technician.

Since this error can consume your thermostat’s battery, the first step might be restoring enough power to determine if this specific error code is what you’re working with. You can disconnect 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 detect anything wrong with these components, it will probably be best to contact a pro.

e103 – Critical

Another critical error code, e103 suggests an electrical problem with your Nest thermostat. More specifically, e103 will refer to an overcurrent problem, which means the wiring is experiencing more power than needed. This will sometimes stem from the breaker box, an error from the control board or because of a bad connection in the thermostat. The technician should meticulously examine and test the Nest’s electrical system to understand where the power is surging or why the thermostat is convinced 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 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 receiving 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’ll need a Nest Power Connector.

During installation of a Nest Power Connector, you may notice error code E297 appear. This can be remedied by updating your thermostat in Settings -> Software -> Update. If the Power Connector was 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 excess power is sent using the Nest’s wiring, it could damage internal components and can even be a fire hazard. If you see this error code show up on your Nest thermostat and want to guard against electrical damage, it’s suggested to switch the power off as soon as you can. You can then get in touch with a professional technician with the necessary experience identifying and solving electrical problems.

e73 – Critical

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

This will sometimes be as simple as the breaker being shut off, but it could also be something with the wiring. After turning off the power to your HVAC system and thermostat, you can visually inspect the wires to make sure nothing is loose or damaged. If nothing seems to be out of place, it’s time to speak with a local professional.