Shades for shadeDon't let the sunshine in. Shades on your window or awnings over your windows can keep your house cool - especially if you are out all day. It might spoil the view, but on really hot days you might appreciate the relief. Reflect the sun with paint and colourA house with a black roof and a dark colour paint will absorb heat. If you want to keep it cool, lighter colours for the exterior paint and a lighter coloured roof will reflect more heat. Ventilate the Attic if you have oneAn attic fan with a thermostat and an automatic switch can help cut down on the heat that builds up at the top or your home. If you want to keep your cool, make sure your attic stays well ventilated. Be a fan fanFans circulate air for very little cost. They also have a cooling affect when the breeze passes over you if you're perspiring. Even if you have air-conditioning, the combination of a fan with air-conditioning distributes the cool air so your thermostat doesn't over-react to hot-spots. Install a Whirly BirdIf you have the appropriate roof, install a whirly bird. They require no power to function, take the hot air out of your roof space and lower inside temperatures by a couple of degrees. They also assist in taking dampness and condensation out of the roof space and improving bathroom ventilation.PlantsTrees provide natural shade and can cool your house by several degrees regardless of the colour of your roof or exterior paint. Trees also improve air quality, reduce noise, lower green house emissions and helps manage erosion. Plants in window boxes can also help shade windows and stop the sun before it heats the house. Plant grass or ground cover where you have bare dirt.InsulationInsulate your ceiling and walls. Ceiling insulation will drop your temperature by a couple of degrees.Image: Vaclav Mach/Shutterstock