In a bygone era, homes were designed with a screened porch as an extension of the living area. Today, with the advent of air conditioning for summer cooling, the vast majority of home designs, particularly in large residential developments, do not include a screened porch.

Another feature of modern home design is the use of large picture windows. In times past, these would not be practical as they would have the effect of overheating a home's interior in summertime. But with air conditioning, these features are feasible, and have the added benefit of allowing winter sunlight into the home to cut costs of heating.

Much the same can be said about the incorporation of sliding glass doors in homes today. So, the phenomenon of affordable air conditioners has wrought changes in how we live, and how our homes are constructed today.