Sensi Thermostat Keeps Shutting Off?- (Here’s How to Fix)

If your Sensi thermostat keeps shutting off, this guide will help you, so continue reading!

Sensi are a great option to control your home HVAC system, but sometimes the users find themselves in trouble when the thermostat starts shutting off.

No worries; we will walk you through the simple troubleshooting steps to quickly get your Sensi thermostat back on track. 

To fix Sensi Thermostat that keeps shutting off, simply reset the Sensi thermostat’s breaker, inspect the HVAC system and thermostat wires, and then check and unclog the air filter and vent. 

Before we start troubleshooting, let’s quickly find out the possible causes!

Why is the Sensi Thermostat Keeps Turning Off?

• Power surges or recent AC outages
• Faulty AC charge or weak batteries
• The Sensi thermostat is overheating
• Loose connectors or damaged wiring
• Inappropriate thermostat installation.
• Short cycling due to clogged air filters.
• Refrigerant leak in the HVAC system.
• Lack of airflow due to blocked vents.

These possible reasons can cause your Sensi thermostat to keep turning off.

Now that we know the underlying possibilities and considerable problems, let’s quickly get to the troubleshooting…

How to Fix When a Sensi Thermostat Keeps Shutting Off?

1. Reset Your Circuit Breaker!

Start by resetting your Sensi thermostat circuit breaker to refresh and restore the power supply to the thermostat.

This step is crucial because thermostats are sensitive devices, and any minor power surges or overloaded circuits can cause them to shut off abruptly.

Here is how to reset the thermostat circuit breaker:

1. First, locate your home’s circuit breaker.
2. Open the front panel to expose the fuses.
3. Locate the fuse related to your thermostat.
4. Flip the switch downwards to the “OFF” side.
5. Wait for about 5 minutes to refresh the power.
6. Then, flip the fuse’s switch to the “ON” position.

This operation was necessary to reset the power to your thermostat. When ready, test to see if your Sensi thermostat turns off, and if it does, then don’t panic and try the other methods ahead!

2. Install a Fresh Batteries Set

There is a chance that your Sensi thermostat is getting power from your HVAC system, but weak batteries are malfunctioning and causing it to shut down.

To fix this, try replacing your Sensi thermostat batteries to ensure stable power for your device and prevent shutting down!

Here’s how to install the batteries in a Sensi thermostat:

1. Stop the power supply to your Sensi thermostat.
2. Grab the thermostat’s faceplate with both hands.
3. Gently pull the face plate away from the sub-base.
4. Then, eject both of the batteries from the thermostat.
5. Next, install a fresh set of 2XAA alkaline batteries.
6. Finally, set the face plate back onto the sub-base. 

Quick Info:

Sensi thermostats are primarily powered by your home’s HVAC system, which means that the batteries in your thermostat are optional.

They serve as a backup in case the HVAC power is interrupted, which might be currently happening. 

Hence, with a weak battery charge during an HVAC power outage, the Sensi thermostat cannot stay on and frequently shuts down.

Test: Turn on your Sensi thermostat and wait 5 minutes to check if your thermostat turns off!

3. Check for Thermostat Overheating

If the Sensi thermostat is overheating, you may encounter constant shutdowns and restarts, which are automatic, to preserve the HW components from damage.

Overheating with thermostats can originate from clogged HVAC components or improper thermostat placement, which can restrict airflow.

This will make it difficult for your thermostat to function correctly, which causes the device to malfunction and shut down.

Here is a list of some potential sources of thermostat overheating: 

• Restricted HVAC system airflow
• Nearby heat sources or sunlight
• Incorrect thermostat installation
• Inaccurate temperature readings
• Very warm ambient temperatures

How to Check for Thermostat Overheating: 

Grab a standard thermometer, place it near your thermostat, and compare the temperature readings on both devices.

If you notice a significant difference between your thermostat and thermometer temperature readings, your thermostat is likely overheating.

Simply look for any nearby heat sources and turn them off, or try relocating your Sensi thermostat to a different spot.

4. Inspect the Wiring Connections

If your Sensi thermostat keeps going off, it could be due to a loose or disconnected wiring connection, which might restrict the power supply from circuit breakers.

To fix this issue, simply inspect your Sensi thermostat’s wiring connection to determine the source of a wiring problem!

Here is how to check the Sensi thermostat wiring connection:

1. First, turn off the power to your Sensi thermostat.
2. Grab the thermostat face plate with both hands.
3. Take out the face plate from its base on the wall.
4. Take a picture of your thermostat’s current wiring.
5. Loosen the unit terminal screws via a screwdriver.
6. Disconnect all wires from their input connectors.
7. Connect each labeled wire to a respective terminal.
8. Tighten the terminal screws to secure the unit’s wires.
9. Firmly reattach the front faceplate of your thermostat.

If everything with the wiring connection appears intact, reboot your Sensi thermostat and test whether the device will shut off. 

Warning: Always turn off the power before interacting with live wires!

5. Change the Thermostat Location!

If you have moved your Sensi thermostat to a different location recently, maybe that’s why the device is constantly shutting down.

The main two reasons are inaccurate temperature readings and lack of airflow. 

So, to solve the problem, you must check if your thermostat is close to a heat or a cold source and relocate the unit to a better spot. We will guide you through all the recommendations…

1. Install your thermostat away from direct sunlight.
2. Make sure the unit is in a shady and draft-free area.
3. Verify the thermostat is not near a heat conductor.

If you are sure your Sensi thermostat is installed at a suitable location and getting a power supply but keeps shutting off, you must inspect the HVAC system.

Let’s continue doing that!

6. Clean the Airflow Components

Over time, when components in your home’s heating and cooling system get clogged up, it restricts the airflow, and your system has to work extra hard.

This can sometimes make your thermostat shutdown, and to fix this, you must clean your HVAC system airflow, components.

Step #1 Unclog the Air Filters

1. First, disable the power to your HVAC system.
2. Find the air filters in your AC from the front side.
3. Gently grab and remove the filters from the duct.
4. Clean the filters via vacuum and a brush add-on.
5. Create a solution of warm water and detergent.
6. Soak the air filters in the water for 20 minutes.
7. Wash the filters thoroughly using clean water. 
8. Next, gently shake the filters to soak the water.
9. Place the air filters in a room to let them air dry. 
10. After that, reinstall the air filters back in the AC. 
11. Switch on the HVAC and air conditioning system.

Test: Turn on your Sensi thermostat and check for the consistent turning-off problem!

Step #2 Unclog the Air Supply Vents

1. First, stop the power to your HVAC system.
2. Locate the air supply vents in your home.
3. Gently remove the grilles from your vents.
4. Check for any debris, dust, or obstructions.
5. Clean them with a vacuum brush attachment.
6. After that, reattach the grilles with the screws.
7. Turn on the power and test your Sensi unit.

Step #3 Clean the Blower Wheel

1. First, shut off the power to your HVAC system to prevent shock.
2. Locate the blower compartment in your furnace or air handler.
3. Then, remove the panel cover using a screwdriver or wrench.
4. Locate the blower wheel, which looks like a giant fan’s blades.
5. Clean the blower wheel using a soft brush or vacuum cleaner.
6. Next, mix water and vinegar and gently wipe down the blades. 
7. Leave the blower wheel to let it entirely dry before reassembly.
8. Finally, reinstall the panel cover, turn on the electricity, and test.

If your Sensi thermostat continues to shut down, there could be another issue with your HVAC or thermostat that requires a professional inspection.

Contact any nearby professional HVAC technician or Sensi Support for further guidance. Best of luck!

Quick Recap:

Thus, when your Sensi thermostat keeps shutting off, reset the circuit breaker, check for power surges, and verify the wiring between the thermostat and the HVAC system.

If the issue is persistent, install fresh batteries and clean the air filters, airflow vents, and blower wheel.

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