So update on my HVAC. I did a little research and YouTube watching and was led to check the 3 amp fuse inside the furnace. Sure enough, it was burnt out.
So i replaced the thermostat, (wife wanted a new one anyway) with a new programmable one. I then put a new fuse in, and turned everything back on and it blew immediately again.
So I went outside to the AC compressor and took the electrical panel off to find a rather large mice nest. They had chewed through various wires, I’m guessing the recent rains got in and shorted the system. Cut the wires back and re attached them with clean ends, pressed the reset button on the outdoor compressor. Fired everything back up and so far so good. Everything is working.