Need ideas for keeping my house cool

[ray1970]

Plant another tree outside that side of the house, and in about 15 - 20 years it will shade the house again.

I'll probably do that. Unfortunately, I'll probably be dead before it gets big enough to shade the house.

[nisils14]

There is tint at specifically meant for heat control. You can find it at home depot. I installed some on some south facing windows in the living room, it was a noticeable difference.

[BPTactical]

An attic fan will help lots, especially on the top floor. You get the added benefit of helping your roof last longer.

[Grant H.]

If you use tint, put it on the outside of the window.

The heat that gets created will be on the outside of the window instead of inside.

[def90]

Low E window film and blackout curtains.

http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3...ces_List/FAQs/

http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3..._Window_Films/

[hghclsswhitetrsh]

Any return air vents upstairs? Specifically you room or a hallway that shares the same wall?

[ray1970]

Any return air vents upstairs? Specifically you room or a hallway that shares the same wall?

There's one in the hallway right outside my bedroom door. Why?

[hghclsswhitetrsh]

If you can cut the dry wall in your room and use the chase way of the studs and put in a high air return it will pull the hot air off the ceiling.

[ray1970]

If you can cut the dry wall in your room and use the chase way of the studs and put in a high air return it will pull the hot air off the ceiling.

Ahh. No can do on that. I do have another one on a lower level. What if I block that one off and pull all of my return air off the top level of the house? Will that make it better or worse?

[hghclsswhitetrsh]

Don't do that. Another option is to cut the upper and lower directly above and block off the lower. Unless you cut vents above your door this solution will not help the bedroom you specifically asked about.