Window tinting won't do anywhere near as much as insulation. However if your house is constructed from something like fibro or plywood, then the insulation won't help that much with all of the heat radiating through the walls.

Also consider extraction fans, they are relatively cheap, just drill them into the roof and it can help pull that hot air out. If it's a small house, some people do the DIY method of simply throwing huge sail shaped tarps over it, hanging about 30 cms above the roof. Stops the sun beaming down on the house so heavily.

 

I know of a few companies that make solar roof vents. It get can get warm where I live especially when the trade winds are not blowing. About a year ago I installed two solar roof vents on the house. I replaced the access panel to my attic with a vented panel to allow the air in the house to circulate to the attic. The vents make a noticeable difference. In the past I left a few windows cracked during the day to allow the air to circulate the house.

Here are some examples.

 

You can also get the vents that spin in the wind.

 

I second the get trees planted.

Also a whole house fan can help alot.

Or put a craigslist add out for free sunbathing in front of your house for hot women. You may not save in bills, but at least you'll enjoy. (Offer free sunscreen application too.)

 

Curtains with block out liner. That will get you about 50% of the way. They the roof vents will get you the rest. Most other options will be higher cost, lower return.

Trees will always add to the value of a property.

 

Get some big fake (metal) trees that light up at night a. la. used car lot.

 

 

wow thanks guys!

to answer some replies:

- i've got blinds on all the windows and they do help, just not as much.
- i'll check my attic entry but it's located in the master WIC, and that little room is rarely warm (i checked before and the attic is well insulated)
- i understand there are some tax rebates on certain energy reducing stuff though i have no idea what applies and what don't...need to study up on that.
- tree: if i can spend $1200 for a big tree i would, but so far i haven't found a nursery in indy that sells big trees and transport/plan them - i asked that question before and was told buying a tree is not a good idea (even though i have plenty of room for it in the back yard - facing west).

i would spend $2000 on two big shading trees if that's how much it costs, but i'm afraid it'll be much more expensive than that.

 

If you're ok with being really cheap and tacky, tape aluminum foil to the windows. It will look absolutely terrible but reflect the sun out extremely well and save money.

Sounds like the tint might be worth looking into more. Perhaps a second quote?

 

or you could default on your mortgage payment and live somewhere else