Looking for ways to beat the heat? One or more of the following improvements will make your home more comfortable and lower your utility bill. Shade trees strategically located on the south or east sides of the house are an attractive and inexpensive way to insulate the home from the sun. And speaking of insulation, adding or upgrading insulation at the floor, walls and attic will really cool things down, and like the tree planting, can be a do-it-yourself project. High-efficiency double-pane windows, decorative window awnings, reflective window film and dense vinyl mesh window screening are a few the many things that can make yours "home sweet home." Check with your local utility company for rebates and other incentives for energy-efficient improvements such as these. And that's the On The House tip for today.