Technically Reviewed by Jake Smith, Online Marketing Strategist on Oct 25, 2023 | Written by Alpha Mechanical Editorial Contributors
Table of Contents
- Thermostat Screen Blank? Let’s get down to the bottom of it and quick!
- Thermostat Display is Blank: Problems and Solutions
- Problem #1: Your Thermostat may be off
- Problem #2: Thermostat Batteries Died and Need to be Replaced
- Problem #3: Tripped Circuit Breaker
- Problem #4: Dirty Air Filter
- Problem #5: Triggered Safety Switch
- Problem #6: Dirty Wiring
- Problem #7: Blown Fuse
- Problem #8: Wiring Issues
- Problem #9: Incompatible Parts
- Problem #10: Your thermostat needs to be Replaced
- Consider Alpha Mechanical your Trusted Partner
- Final Thoughts
- Frequently Asked Questions
Your HVAC thermostat is like the key that starts your car, without it you have a whole system but nothing to turn it on and off with or to enjoy all of its benefits. As the main line of communication to your heating system and AC unit, your thermostat needs to be fixed the moment it is not working or displaying properly. Finding the underlying cause as to why the thermostat is not working is the first step to restore its use.
Thermostat Screen Blank?
Let’s get down to the bottom of it and quick!
Imagine you’re waking up on a cold California winter day and you decide to turn the temperature in your house up to get a little warmer and you discover the thermostat won’t kick on furnace. You wonder why is my thermostat blank even though I haven’t lost power? Being that your thermostat is the command and chief for your entire home’s air system, it is crucial that the problem gets solved, whatever that may be. It is important because there may be a bigger underlying issue that needs to be addressed, and you might need HVAC service in Sacramento to solve the problem. Here are some of the thermostat options out there and what we recommend:
Standard non-programmable thermostats such as the Honeywell thermostat, Totaline thermostat, and the Trane thermostat brands (which also make smart thermostats) generally have no issues with them other than battery replacement and dust piling up. Although these are the least expensive thermostats and are fairly simple to use, this is the least energy-efficient model. When you modify the thermostat because of the outdoor temperature changing, you have to constantly go back and forth with it to adjust and readjust. If your trane thermostat is blank, there are troubleshooting tips down below.
Programmable thermostats such as the brands listed above as well as Google, Ecobee, and Bosch often have issues such as batteries or drawing too much power when they are using the same power source as a big appliance (tripped circuit breaker). Some programmable thermostats don’t send notifications when the thermostat’s display is dark because the power supply is off, which is a larger issue for homeowners relying on that information to ensure there isn’t an emergency within the home that needs to be tended to. Overall though, programmable thermostats prolong the life of your heating and AC system and can save you up to 30% of your costs lost from energy efficiency.
Smart thermostats learn the behavior patterns of your home (when people are home versus when they are not). They can also detect weather patterns and if there are any major issues with your HVAC system, notify you right away. By using Wifi technology, you can control from your smartphone, computer, or tablet all of its actions. These thermostats can adjust themselves and provide in-system thermostat troubleshooting. Although these are the most expensive thermostats, they are the most energy-efficient option. With this technology can come some issues that usually can be fixed with a minor adjustment. Rarely, they can produce faulty analytics on your home heating and cooling habits. These are the thermostats we recommend.
Typical issues that can come about with any thermostat include:
- Thermostat goes blank then comes back on
- Thermostat blank but fan works
- Wifi thermostat blank screen
- Issues with thermostat’s location
These thermostat power issues and more can be resolved by using the troubleshooting tips we suggest for you below.
Let us help put your worries about replacement and repairs to rest with our Satisfaction Guarantee.
Thermostat Display is Blank:
Problems and Solutions
Problem #1: Your Thermostat may be off
If your thermostat display is not turning on, the first thing you’re going to want to check before troubleshooting the device is if the thermostat turned off by mistake.
Solution: Switch your thermostat to a different setting, if there is an external button.
Problem #2: Thermostat Batteries Died and Need to be Replaced
The thermostat battery can last up to 5 years, but it may have needed to be replaced before that.
Solution: If you’ve determined that the thermostat is on but the screen still won’t show anything, replace and check the batteries. Most devices have an accessible battery compartment, however, depending on the make and model of your thermostat changing the batteries is a simple fix. If you still have a blank thermostat screen without batteries that operate the device, read on for other problems and solutions. If you are in a mobile home and your thermostat is not working, it is likely an air filter or battery issue. However, if you are in need of replacing HVAC system in mobile home due to thermostat or other issues, we’ve got you covered.
Problem #3: Tripped Circuit Breaker
If your thermostat is on the same breaker as another appliance/unit that uses a lot of power to operate, it can sometimes cause a circuit breaker to trip which can make your thermostat shut off.
Solution: If the thermostat is not turning on, check that none of your circuit breakers need to be reset.
Problem #4: Dirty Air Filter
Another potential reason you have a blank thermostat display is that you haven’t changed your air filter in a while and it may have triggered a safety airflow switch in the indoor unit. If your AC air filter is clogged up with dust and dirt, it can result in your air conditioning to shut down.
Solution: Examine your air filter, if it’s dirty replace it with a new one. To be on the safe side, changing your air filter every 1-3 months is highly recommended. However, if your air conditioning needs a closer look, Alpha Mechanical technicians can come out and take care of any air conditioning repair in Sacramento.
Problem #5: Triggered Safety Switch
Some thermostats have a safety feature that is prompted whenever there is a potential issue with your ac system. Sometimes when the thermostat is blank and the AC is not working, the safety switch has detected a problem like excess moisture or high temperatures within your system and will prompt it to turn off before damages take place.
Solution: Switch your thermostat to a different setting, or look to complete a thermostat blank screen reset if there is an external button to do so.
Problem #6: Dirty Wiring
Even your wireless thermostat has wiring and dust can accumulate in those wires which could be one of the reasons it’s not turning on. You may benefit from an HVAC tune up in Sacramento if your thermostat is not working properly due to unclean wiring.
Solution: Remove the cover to your thermostat and if there is an observable amount of dust, a soft brush and gently “sweep” it out to clean it off. Then assess the wiring and terminal screws to determine if there are any loose and tighten them up if so.
Problem #7: Blown Fuse
If your thermostat is blank and has no power and you have attempted the above troubleshooting tips, there might be a blown fuse. In order to check for a blown fuse, you will need a device called a multimeter. When your thermostat display is not working, a multimeter can analyze whether there are voltage complications.
Solution: On the exterior wall of your home by the air conditioner unit there is a fuse box that you will attach the multimeter to (each fuse) one-by-one. The multimeter will tell you if any of the fuses doesn’t have any voltage left, if one does not, a new one can be purchased at a local hardware store or online.
Problem #8: Wiring Issues
Even when your wireless digital thermostat is not working, there are wires behind the unit or within it that keep it operating. There could also be a chance that there is a wiring issue underneath your thermostat that is preventing you from acquiring proper electricity which could draw a blank thermostat screen. If you think this may be the case, we recommend calling on an HVAC professional.
Solution: Call a team of HVAC specialists for service.
Problem #9: Incompatible Parts
Another possibility as to why your thermostat is not working is if you have recently replaced any of the inside or outside parts of your air conditioning system or installed a new heat pump/furnace. If this is the case and your thermostat display not working, it might be because those parts are not compatible with your entire system, including the main way of communication to those systems, your thermostat.
Solution: Call an HVAC specialist for the job to ensure it can all run smoothly. If you are in need of heat pump repair in Sacramento, or an AC specialist, call Alpha Mechanical and we can get the job done right.
Problem #10: Your thermostat needs to be Replaced
There is always the possibility that your thermostat just needs to be replaced. Thermostats generally work for roughly 10 years and then they begin to malfunction. If you do need an upgrade, there are tons of great options available.
Solution: If you’re ready for smart thermostat services, Alpha Mechanical is your trustworthy partner.
Find out why you can trust Alpha Mechanical HVAC company with your next project!
Consider Alpha Mechanical your Trusted Partner
Alpha Mechanical has been serving as a residential and commercial HVAC contractor in Sacramento for over 20 years with its services in the Sacramento area and surrounding regions stretching from Lincoln neighborhoods down to Elk Grove. With quality service, fair pricing, and an honest assessment our team is ready to help with any HVAC needs and desires you.
Our team provides heating and cooling system installation and repair, indoor air quality services, and much more with financing options for every customer. If your thermostat not showing anything, or you want a new smart thermostat installed give us a call: 916.848.5980
Final Thoughts
Smart thermostats, although a larger investment upfront, are the best choice for keeping your home an energy efficient and convenient space for you and your families air comfort.
Every thermostat out there has the potential for faulty behavior, however, there are a number of things you can try, Alpha Mechanical are always ready to help you.
Looking for professional HVAC contractor?
