As someone living in a 90 year old home in Kansas City, KS, I have to qualify your statement. Yes, at certain times of the year, air conditioning is the only way to be productive. But there are things that can be done to minimize the amount of air conditioning used.

First, figure out the purpose of air conditioning. The point isn't to make an isolated universe that is 72 degrees year round. The point is to keep the air cool enough that you don't feel a need to camp out in the bathtub to stay cool. We don't turn the air conditioning on until the interior house temp is over 80.

Have windows and doors set up to catch cross breezes. Work on the east side of the house, as it will be a lot cooler. Use the grill for cooking to reduce the amount of heat in the kitchen. Have large shady trees around the house to keep the sun off. Also, use curtains and blinds to limit direct sunlight. Have ceiling, occilating, and box fans to help direct the cool air inside.

Doing this, we only have to run our air conditioner for 7-8 weeks out of the year. Still not great, but the fresh air reduces the indoor air pollution, makes our cats happier, and gives us an extra room in our house for 4-5 months of the year.