Here in Florida, I have orchids such as Phalaenopsis and Paphiopedalums that like to remain cooler in summer than the climate generally allows. I keep them close to the outside of the glass patio doors so that the cool from the a/c that comes through the glass keeps them cooler in summer, and warmer in winter. Amongst my orchid growing friends I'm the only one who has had fairly good success with Phals here. It's an artificially moderated microclimate that is good for several other plants, too. Wish I had more patio doors!
When we have cold nights in winter, we create microclimates by covering tender plants with frost cloth. It traps some of the heat rising from the soil, to keep the plants from freezing or getting frost burnt.
