Eventually you realize the air conditioner has been running non-stop, but it's not getting any cooler. Like most renters, you’ve probably heard this explanation...An air conditioner can only cool your house about 20 degrees below the temperature outside. It’s the temperature difference between the air going into your air conditioner and the air coming back out. The air conditioner didn't need to come on until late April or early May. All the same, I try to stay thankful that during this stretch of 105-plus-degree Oklahoma heat, my air conditioner isn't running constantly.