Honeywell thermostats, like many other modern thermostats, work based on user settings and inputs to control the heating, cooling, and fan functions of your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system. The functionality and features of Honeywell thermostats may vary depending on the model, but I can provide a general explanation of how they typically work.
Temperature setting: The primary function of a thermostat is to maintain the desired temperature in your home. You can set the desired temperature using the thermostat's interface, and the thermostat will work to keep the room temperature close to that set point.
Heating and cooling modes: Honeywell thermostats typically have different modes, such as "Heat," "Cool," and "Auto." When you set the thermostat to "Cool," the thermostat will activate the cooling system (usually the compressor) when the room temperature rises above the set temperature.
Fan settings: Honeywell thermostats usually have two main fan settings: "Auto" and "On."
Auto: When the fan is set to "Auto," the fan will only run when the heating or cooling system is actively running. In "Cool" mode, the fan will run alongside the compressor to circulate cooled air, but it will turn off when the cooling system reaches the desired temperature.
On: When the fan is set to "On," it will run continuously, regardless of whether the heating or cooling system is actively running. This setting can help with air circulation and maintaining a consistent temperature throughout your home.
Now, let's address your concern based on your spouse's claim:
If the thermostat is set to "Cool" mode and the fan is set to "On," it's not accurate to say that the compressor will run continuously regardless of the temperature setting. The compressor will only run when the room temperature is above the desired set point. Once the temperature reaches the set point, the cooling system, including the compressor, will turn off, but the fan will continue to run if it's set to "On" mode.
In "Cool" mode, the compressor's cycles are controlled by the thermostat based on the temperature differential between the set point and the actual room temperature. The thermostat will signal the cooling system to turn on when the room temperature rises above the set point and turn off when it reaches the desired temperature. The fan, however, can keep running in "On" mode, but it doesn't affect the compressor's operation.
In conclusion, the design is not inherently poor, as it offers flexibility for homeowners to choose between having the fan run continuously or running only when the heating or cooling system is active. Continuous fan operation can improve air circulation and help maintain a more even temperature throughout your home, but it might lead to slightly higher energy consumption. If energy efficiency is a concern, using the "Auto" fan setting would be a better option, as the fan will only run when needed during active heating or cooling cycles.