A display system for a digital thermostat having a backlit user display screen to indicate user intervention or attention is required is provided. The display system flashes the backlight display in a predetermined pattern to draw the attention of the user to the thermostat. Different patterns may be used for different levels of warnings and/or system reminders. An additional visual indication may also be provided on the user display screen in addition to the flashing of the backlight display. Resumption of normal backlight operation occurs during user interaction. If the issue that resulted in the visual indication has not been properly resolved, flashing of the backlight will resume.