We're in the shoulder season now, the time when most of us have little to no climate control required in our homes.  In the north, it's not cold enough to warrant turning up the heat.  And in the south and east, it's not hot enough to turn on the AC.  

But what does that really mean?  I recently read an interesting article at the Powell's blog about how our bodies adapt to temperatures.  I can say "it's not hot enough in the south to turn on the AC," but I just checked weather.com. and right now it's 89 degrees in Orlando, FL.  I live in a cool climate, and the thought of 89 degrees makes me wilt at the thinking of it.

By the same token, I'm sure someone in Orlando would be horrified to learn that as I write this, it's 62 degrees here at my desk.  And I'm perfectly comfortable.  In fact, it's warmed up a few degrees - it was only 58 inside when I woke up this morning - and the sun is out, and I know it's going to warm up a little bit more later this afternoon.  

Are that Orlando person and I from a different species?  Of course not.  It's just that they have adapted to a warm climate, and I have adapted to a cool one.  In fact, the human body adapts fairly well to a wide range of temperatures, from below zero to triple digits, without too much trouble.  

This winter I was determined to cut my heating costs.  I severely restricted my temperature control efforts, and as a result I cut my costs by half.  Half!  And the big shock is that I wasn't made greatly uncomfortable.  You do adapt, and that's what sweaters are for.

Now that it's summer, I delight in the opportunity to open my windows and let the outdoors take care of my temperature control.  My home is well shaded by three giant cedar trees, so it stays cool in here even during that one week of unbearably high temperatures.  (Last summer it hit 95!  The horror!)

Now it's time for our warm-weather readers to step up to the plate.  Whatever your AC rules were last year, bump them up by five degrees.  That's all I did to cut my heating bill in half last winter - instead of 65, my rule was 60.  You can easily tolerate an extra five degrees.  There's no need to suffer!  No one's handing out awards for the person who sweats the most.  (Just bragging rights!)

A mere five degrees can make a staggering difference in your electricity bill, and in your carbon footprint as well.  The electricity you save by adjusting the AC five degrees warmer is incredible!  

Aside from saving the planet and your power bill, Cox's blog post details several ways in which it can help improve your health.  Our systems are more robust when we have to handle a wide range of temperatures, and air conditioning can lead to a lot of subtle physical problems, from increased allergies to obesity.

I'm passing the ball to you, Hot Parts Of The Country!  I took the five degree challenge - I think you can hack it, too!

Creative Commons-licensed image courtesy of Flickr user YPMiley