Sensi Thermostat Blank Screen – (Quick Fix Guide)

Is your Sensi Thermostat getting a blank screen? You have to fix it quickly!

The Sensi Thermostat is very simple to handle and presents a few issues throughout its life span.

However, the blank screen is an annoying problem because it prevents users from checking any info about the HVAC system.

To fix the Sensi Thermostat’s blank screen, check the power breaker, verify the furnace and air handler. Next, check if the issue is associated with a dirty air filter or blown fuse in the HVAC unit.

Learn all the eight quick solutions below so you can keep using your Sensi thermostat!

Sensi Thermostat Blank Screen – 8 Quick Solutions

Solution #1: Check The Breaker

Sometimes, your Thermostat’s screen goes blank because the power breaker has tripped. Such an occurrence is common after power outages.

Since the power breaker requires manual handling, the Thermostat won’t receive power and go past the blank screen until you reset the breaker.

• Locate the power breaker and turn it on, then see if the Sensi Thermostat turns on.
• If the power breaker is already on, you should reset it. Simply turn it off, wait a while, and turn it on again.

Whenever a power issue happens in your house, you should check the power breakers to ensure all devices go back to work.

Solution #2: Verify The Furnace Door And Air Handler

What to do when the Sensi smart touch thermostat gets a blank screen? The issue’s culprit could be the furnace door or the air handler.

When they are not well positioned/aligned, the system will stop, making the Thermostat’s screen blank. 

Check below what you must do.

1. Turn off the power to your HVAC system.
2. Locate the furnace door and air handler access panel.
3. Ensure the furnace door is securely closed and latched.
4. Inspect the air handler for cleanliness and absence of debris or obstructions.
5. Look for any signs of wear, damage, or loose connections in the air handler.
6. Restore power to the HVAC system if all is fine.

If It Is Not Fine

The air handler or the furnace door might be damaged, in which case you will need to replace some components.

The furnace door, for example, might not be latching because of loose screws or hinges. In that case, a screwdriver will do the job.

Moreover, use some cloth to remove dust from the parts you are investigating.

Also, disassemble them and reassemble them in the correct position to ensure the correct functioning.

Solution #3: Check The Wires And Voltage

Once you verify that your Sensi thermostat’s screen is blank, you need to think about the wiring.

There are some possibilities: the wiring is damaged, unable to deliver enough voltage, or it is loose.

Sometimes thermostats are installed with bad wiring that can’t handle the necessary voltage for a long time, so you must verify if that is the case and replace it.

1. Disassemble the Thermostat.
2. Locate the wiring.
3. Secure any part that looks loose.

Test The Voltage

If no parts look loose, the issue might be deeper, as explained. You must do the following:

1. Grab a multimeter.
2. Set it to continuity or 20 VAC.
3. Test the wiring.

Sensi thermostats require 20 VAC wiring. If the installed wiring can’t handle it, that’s the reason your Thermostat’s screen got blank.

Simply take the bad wiring off and replace it with new, proper wiring that’s meant for 20 VAC.

Alert: Remember to turn off the power at the breaker when dealing with the Thermostat's wiring.

Solution #4: Clean The Thermostat

Is the Sensi thermostat’s touch screen not working? Your Thermostat accumulates dirt throughout months or years of usage.

That dirt sometimes compromises its functioning, so you must stay alert and clean it as frequently as possible.

If you haven’t cleaned it in a while or ever, these are the best ways to do it now:

1. Use a dry, soft cloth to gently wipe the Thermostat’s surface.
2. Use a smooth brush to clean hard-to-reach areas inside the Thermostat, but be gentle.
3. Consider using compressed air designed for electronics to remove stubborn debris.

After cleaning, ensure no residue remains before reassembling your Thermostat.

Alert: Avoid using liquids as they can damage the system. The only liquid you should use is isopropyl alcohol, as that is proper for all electronics.

Solution #5: Clean The Air Filter

The Thermostat itself doesn’t have an air filter.

However, it is attached to your HVAC system, and a problem with the air filter will also impact the functioning of your Thermostat.

Hence, you get a blank screen and can’t use the Sensi thermostat. So now you must check the air filter and clean or replace it.

1. Look for the air filter in the return air duct or HVAC unit.
2. Disassemble it.
3. Check its condition.
4. Clean it as best as possible.
5. If it remains too dirty, you must throw it away.
6. Install the air filter back into the HVAC unit. 

If your air filter is still usable, check its precise cleaning instructions.

Some air filters can’t be washed under water because of the fabric on which it is made.

Once you turn the entire system back, check if the Thermostat responds.

If it doesn’t, you might need to reset the breaker circuit again so it recognizes the change in the system.

Solution #6: Verify The Batteries

The Sensi thermostat’s screen blank is sometimes related to the failure of the batteries.

Although your Thermostat is hardwired, it also contains batteries that should hold it online when a power outage happens.

It looks weird that an issue with the batteries makes it get a blank screen, but you should never discard such a possibility. 

1. Detach the Thermostat from its mounting.
2. Remove the battery cover.
3. Check the battery’s condition.

The batteries might be placed badly. In that case, adjust them correctly.

Otherwise, the batteries are dead, and you need to replace them. Once you do, reinstall the Thermostat and see if it lights up again.

Tip: Clean the battery compartment when you remove the batteries. There could be dust inside, and removing that dust will make your device last longer.

Solution #7: Replace A Blown Fuse

Your HVAC system might have a blown fuse, which explains why the Sensi thermostat has shut down.

So again, you will need to locate your HVAC system and do some maintenance on it.

Below are the steps to test if a blown fuse exists and how to replace it when necessary.

1. Turn off the power to your HVAC system.
2. Locate the HVAC control board (within your furnace or air handler).
3. Examine the control board for visible fuses.
4. Inspect for signs of a blown fuse (such as a broken filament or discoloration).
5. Check the rating marked on the fuse.
6. Grab a multimeter and test for that rating.
7. If the test fails, you know the fuse is blown.

How To Replace?

Carefully remove the blown fuse so you don’t damage any other components.

Then check the fuse and buy an exact replacement.

1. Carefully install the new fuse.
2. Ensure it stays firmly in place.
3. Restore power to your HVAC system.
4. Reset the Thermostat’s circuit breaker.
5. Check if the screen has returned to normal function.

Solution #8: Reset The Thermostat

Resetting a Sensi Thermostat will erase all of its previous settings. That is helpful because the blank screen sometimes results from a software malfunction.

Depending on your Thermostat’s model, the proper reset method depends on the system itself.

However, an alternative revolves around cutting power to it.

Check how to do it:

1. Remove the device from its mounting plate.
2. Ensure it doesn’t get any power from the wiring.
3. Remove its battery cover.
4. Detach the batteries from it.
5. Leave it unpowered for a while.
6. Reassemble it.

You should see the screen light up again. 

Quick Recap

The Sensi Thermostat getting a blank screen can indicate some issues in the Thermostat’s hardware or firmware.

Alternatively, it tells you that there is an issue with the associated components or in the HVAC itself.

Do you need to understand the Sensi Thermostat more deeply? Then, keep checking the blog!