The reason the handyman gave for installing two fans was basic, to improve the dispersal of hot air. My partner and I concluded that removing heat would be the most effective first step to decreasing the temperature of the house, but we can be talked into considering insulation first. We'll look into leak patching and into insulation.
Do you happen to know if during the winter months, if insulation would significantly block the house from being heated by the sun? We are looking to get a heat pump in the long run and originally planned to have the insulation done at the same time, but in the meantime, winters can get cold here and any heat we get goes a long way.