Does Changing Your AC Temperature Raise Your Electricity Bill?

🎯 Reality Check: Sketchy 🚩

📝 Why: Constantly changing your AC’s thermostat isn’t actually what jacks up your energy bills. In fact, many experts—like the UK’s Energy Saving Trust and the US Department of Energy—recommend turning up the temperature (or turning off the AC) when you’re out! This is because heating or cooling an empty house wastes energy. The myth that the AC uses “more” power to cool back down to a comfortable setting is unfounded. The U.S. Department of Energy says: "You can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting." So adjusting the temperature when you're away saves money, not the other way around!

🔗 Source: US Department of Energy ("Thermostats") | Energy Saving Trust (UK) | Citizens Advice (UK)