How to cool off my west facing porch?

Question

How do I keep my west facing back porch cool in summer. Have used bamboo blinds, doesn’t work. Have a ceiling fan , just blows around hot air.

Susan E · Answer

Bushes/trees and one of those misters.

Kathy Gunter Law · Answer

Consider adding misting to your ceiling fan, maybe a couple. Insulate the porch roof. Identify items that are increasing the heat like wrought iron furniture and flooring that is reflecting the heat back to you. Invest in a portable evaporative cooler like this: https://www.portacool.com/en/us/home

Linda · Answer

While you are waiting for the bushes to grow tall, hang curtains to block the sun. You can make them out of drop cloths or buy ones on sale and hang them with extension rods. When the sun goes down, tie center of curtain with rope (etc.) for a evening breeze.

Pam Walker · Answer

A WHITE SHEET ~ White reflects heat & with the right elemental accents could look very pretty. GETCHA some PVC pipe & create a curtain rod to run along the edge of the porch. Fold over 2-3 inches of fabric & safety pin or sew it. Insert the curtain rod & hang on the porch. You can move it around until you get the look you like. It's also easily removed when dirty or weathered to clean it. Also, you could build you a portable air conditioner for the porch. A Styrofoam cooker, some ice, a mini fan & a piece of 4 inch PVC pipe about 12 inches long. Step 1 ~ Hold your mini fan on top of the cooler & cut hole in the lid for the fan to sit down into but NOT fall thru. Be sure that the fan is aimed inward facing the ice inside the cooler. Tape down to secure. Step 2 ~ Hold the PVC pipe's end up to the side of the cooler & cut a hole for the pipe to fit thru. This pipe will go all the way thru the side of the cooler. Tape down to secure. Step 3 ~ Fill cooler with ice. You don't even havta take the ice outa the bag for this to work. Once melted, just remove the bag & insert another one (ice from the store that comes in bags). Step 4 ~ Put the lid on & turn on the fan. Step 5 ~ Sit back & point the PVC pipe at you to enjoy your new air conditioner.