"meirman" wrote in message
news
A friend's house faces west and it gets so hot in the afternoon that
his rather new and just recharged central AC can't keep up with it.
Much hotter than other places. Cathedral ceiling.

All I can think of is anti-heat window film. Does this work? Can he
do it himself? He's afraid it will look tacky after he does it.

Depends on what he has for windows. If he has newer low E double windows,
film isn't likely to do anything. It may be poor or lack of insulation in
the walls facing West. I'm told insulation can easily be added to walls.
Check Google.

With a window film kit, all you need is a hair dryer and a steady hand.

Or he won't be able to see out the window. Does it look as dark as
tinted windows on cars do, or are they dark on purpose and the
anti-heat part isn't so dark?

Any recommendations for a good brand or where to get it?

www.doitbest.com

Thanks a lot.

Oh, should he stop using his ceiling fan in the summer?

Depends. He could try it and see if the light breeze cools him off as well
as AC.

He should also check his registers. They might be closed, or the air
otherwise blocked by a kinked duct.

He should consider planting a couple trees in front of his house. That will
save him money on AC bills, make his home look nicer, and give him a good
place to hang a hammock.

Pagan