Consider transplanting a more mature tree to a good location for more immediate help. Another option for homeowners are smaller plants, such as creeping plants, vines or roses, placed on trellises, brick or concrete walls. Placed close to the house, these fixtures provide shade, greenery and color outside a window. Trellises do not have to be an expensive treatment. A Saturday afternoon spent doing some creative gardening can create beneficial shade.
Awnings are also an effective means to combat excessive heat from entering the home.
Properly installed awnings on south, east and west-facing windows, can reduce the direct heat gain significantly. A final option sunscreens is perhaps the greatest benefit. These darkened, thick screens block as much as 80 percent of heat from entering the home. The rooms with sunscreen- covered windows do become darker, but a darker room does give a cool sensation. The actual temperature set on the air conditioner is a personal choice.