how to affordably cool house.

[0ld-DIY-ist]

summer starts abt mid-dec, and is 4-8weeks over 40degC thru the day, and at least 30degC at night. inside house hotter still. house is brick bungalow with cement tile roof, prob 10yo. insulation unknown, but ineffective. steel fences abt 1m from 2 sides of house concentrate the heat from dawn til at least 1400. the low horizon setting sun bakes everything else until sunset. main windows face west. A portable 10,000btu rev cycle a/c ineffective and at >$7/day, unaffordable. hot, dry and extreme UV levels., little wind. A cooled mall abt 1.4km away, open mon-sat 0800 to 1900 [2100 thur] , 1000 to 1600 sun. all travel by mob. scooter, can charge at mall/take computer - timed free wifi, awkward toilets. if there, too much temptation to eat too much. i hope to get shadecloth strung up from eaves on 3 sides, with water dripped/micro-sprayed onto it. water temp. controlled on-off to keep brickwork cool, and thus the house. getting it done in time, or at all, is going to be difficult. diy impossible, and tradesmen fully booked now til march, low cash means no tools for it, bought/hired. my car not drivable atm. no social network, no alternative funding source, landlord won't help. i'll have to endure and hope i survive. maybe get it done in stages? compulsory retro-housing thermal control laws too far away. landlord will fund split system or similar, but i can't fund the running cost. energy cost relief subsidies not likely permanent nor enough. i don't know how to proceed.

[TinyTool]

It sounds like you're dealing with quite a challenging situation with extreme heat and limited resources. Here are a few suggestions to help you manage the heat and improve comfort in your home:

1. **Shade and Cooling**: Your idea of using shade cloth and misting is excellent. Shade cloth can significantly reduce heat gain, and adding a misting system can help lower the temperature around your home. Try to prioritize areas that get the most direct sun exposure. Even if you can only set up part of the system initially, it will still help.

2. **Improving Ventilation**: If possible, create cross-ventilation by opening windows on cooler sides of the house at night or early in the morning to let in cooler air. Use fans to help circulate air and make the environment more comfortable.

3. **Temporary Cooling Solutions**: Consider using reflective window films or thermal curtains to reduce heat gain through windows. These can be relatively inexpensive and can help keep the inside cooler.

4. **Seek Local Assistance**: Reach out to local community organizations or charities that might offer emergency assistance or cooling programs. Sometimes local councils or community groups have programs to help with heat relief.

5. **Energy Efficiency Programs**: Investigate if there are any local or state programs offering energy efficiency upgrades or financial assistance for heating and cooling solutions. Some programs might offer free or low-cost improvements for renters or those with limited income.

6. **Incremental Improvements**: If possible, tackle improvements in stages. For example, start with the most critical areas like shading and insulation before moving on to other cooling solutions.

7. **Budget-Friendly Tips**: Keep an eye on energy-saving tips like using a fan in conjunction with your air conditioner, and avoid using heat-generating appliances during the hottest parts of the day.

It’s tough to manage extreme heat without full support, but even small steps can make a difference. Prioritize the most impactful and feasible solutions given your current constraints.