During Oklahoma's stretch of triple-digit temperatures, one homeowner said keeping a house at 68 degrees all summer sounds a lot less realistic than some people online make it seem.

Here's what to know

The discussion began in r/hvacadvice, where an Oklahoma homeowner described a 1,900-square-foot house built in 1995 with a newer 4-ton system. They said it can hold 72 overnight and through the morning, but once the afternoon heat sets in, they usually need to nudge the thermostat up a degree or two. 

The homeowner asked on Reddit, "This can't really be the norm for homeowners, can it?"

People in the Reddit thread said those comparisons are nearly useless without more context, including attic venting, windows, shade, wall insulation, air sealing, humidity, and the home's overall insulation. 

One user said, "There is so much that goes into sizing hvac systems and a house's insulation. It is pretty much impossible to compare."

Users said the bigger issue is usually the building envelope, not just the equipment. 

One person said, "It's mostly the house, not the unit." 

If cool air leaks out while hot, humid air gets in, the system has to run longer—and utility bills rise with it.

For homeowners trying to figure out whether their next step should be better insulation, a new heat pump, or a more efficient HVAC system, Palmetto's Comfort Plan network can help explain your options, connect you with vetted installers, and slash your energy bills.

More background

The thread also addressed a frequent misunderstanding about the "20-degree split." Users said the term isn't about how much cooler your home should be than the outdoor temperature; it refers to the temperature difference between the return air and the supply air within the system.

That matters even more in places with extreme summer heat. In the thread, several people said brick exteriors, limited shade, settled attic insulation, single-pane windows, and poor air sealing can make a house much harder and more expensive to cool, even when the A/C equipment itself is fairly large.

Users said that question often comes before any equipment upgrade: Is the home simply losing too much cooled air? Upgrading heating and cooling equipment can be one of the best ways to save money on utility bills and protect yourself against rising energy prices, but users said the first question is often whether the home is wasting cooled air.

What can be done?

One user said, "Don't guess, just have an energy audit performed and then you'll know exactly where your energy transfers are occurring."

If a bigger upgrade does make sense, Palmetto can help there too. Through Palmetto's Comfort Plan, homeowners can explore efficient heating and cooling solutions. If you're not ready to spend up front, the Comfort Plan includes $0-down options that can lower your heating and cooling costs by up to 50%, and Palmetto Comfort Plans include 12 years of free maintenance.

Homeowners can also pair solar panels with electric appliances, like efficient HVACs, to drive utility costs even lower. EnergySage makes it easy to find the best solar system and installer for your home and budget, with savings of up to $10,000 on installations.

One user said, "It's just heat coming in vs heat the system can take out." 

Another user said, "The people running 68 either have new builds with spray foam and good windows, or they're paying 500+ a month and dont care."

Where can I learn more?

For homeowners weighing that same tradeoff, these stories look at ways to stay comfortable without overworking the A/C. They cover thermostat settings, cooling habits, and simple home changes that can lower bills.

• U.S. experts said the best AC setting is 78 when fans and shades help.

• In Florida's record heat, setting the AC higher by a few degrees can cut bills by 10%.

• In Florida, HVAC pros said viral AC savers usually waste money instead of cooling homes.

• Homeowners found that running a fan can feel cheaper than blasting the AC alone.

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