This is probably why you are experiencing what you are experiencing.To help conserve energy, the system employs a new Variable Displacement Compressor (VDC). Unlike a conventional compressor which can only operate at 100-percent and must be switched on and off frequently to conserve fuel when the cooling load is relatively low, the VDC can vary its output based on the cooling needs, resulting in greater efficiency, reduced drag on the engine and smoother climate-control performance.
Based on what you posted it sounds like you turned on AC manually (instead of auto with a set temp). I believe it allows the AC to run with higher temps because it is used to defrost/dehumidify the interior.
In Auto, the compressor should only come on if you set a temp below ambient.
The '16 Civic includes a new variable displacement compressor:
This is probably why you are experiencing what you are experiencing.To help conserve energy, the system employs a new Variable Displacement Compressor (VDC). Unlike a conventional compressor which can only operate at 100-percent and must be switched on and off frequently to conserve fuel when the cooling load is relatively low, the VDC can vary its output based on the cooling needs, resulting in greater efficiency, reduced drag on the engine and smoother climate-control performance.
