What research are the recommendations based on?

Our recommendations are built on authoritative Australian sources: the Australian Government's YourHome guide (yourhome.gov.au) for passive cooling principles, the National Construction Code (NCC) climate zone classifications, CSIRO housing research on thermal comfort, and NatHERS energy rating guidelines. Product recommendations feature items rated by CHOICE and verified on ProductReview.com.au.

Is CoolMyHouse really free?

Yes, completely free with no catches. You get personalised recommendations, a PDF action plan, and shareable results. We don't sell your data. Some product links are affiliate links (we may earn a small commission if you purchase), but this doesn't affect which products we recommend.

I already have air conditioning. Will this help me?

Absolutely! Many of our highest-impact recommendations help you use your existing AC more efficiently. We'll suggest strategies like optimising your ducted zone controls, pre-cooling before heatwaves, using ceiling fans alongside AC (which lets you set the thermostat 2-3°C higher), and reducing heat gain so your AC doesn't work as hard.

We've got you covered. When you select 'rent', we automatically filter to non-permanent solutions: portable evaporative coolers, removable window film, internal blockout blinds, door draft stoppers, and behavioral strategies like night purging and cross-ventilation.

Does this work for apartments and units?

Yes! While some recommendations are house-specific (like roof ventilation), many apply equally to apartments: window film, internal blinds, ceiling fans, sealing air gaps, cross-ventilation strategies, and portable cooling options.

What about two-storey homes?

Two-storey homes have unique challenges - heat rises, making upper floors significantly hotter. We provide specific recommendations: ensuring adequate ceiling insulation, installing ceiling fans on the upper floor, using stairwell doors to contain cool air, and optimising ducted AC zones.

How much can I actually save?

Typical Australian households spend $600-1,200/year on cooling. Our users commonly save 30-50% by implementing high-impact recommendations. External shading on west windows can save $100-250/year, ceiling fans used with AC can save $100-300/year, and proper ceiling insulation can save $180-400/year.

What makes west-facing windows so critical?

The afternoon sun (1-6pm) hits west-facing windows at a low angle, penetrating deep into rooms. A large unshaded west window can add 1-2kW of heat - equivalent to running a bar heater! External shading blocks 80% of heat before it enters, while internal blinds only block 20-30%.

How do climate zones affect my recommendations?

Australia has 8 distinct climate zones, and strategies that work in Perth can fail in Darwin. In hot-dry climates (WA, SA) with humidity under 40%, evaporative cooling is excellent. In hot-humid climates (QLD, NT) with 60-80% humidity, evaporative cooling is ineffective - you need refrigerative AC instead.

Can I trust the product recommendations?

We only recommend products that are highly rated by Australian consumers (4+ stars), readily available (Bunnings, Amazon AU), and appropriate for your situation. Some links are affiliate links, but this never influences our recommendations.

Can I share my results?

Yes! You can share via a unique link (which includes your assessment data so others see your specific recommendations), get a detailed PDF report emailed to you, or print the page.

CoolMyHouse

How to Choose the Best Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are the most cost-effective way to stay cool in Australia. Running at just $0.01-0.03 per hour, they provide a cooling effect of 3-5°C and can be used with air conditioning to reduce AC costs by 25-35%.

Key Features to Understand

Motor Type: DC vs AC

DC motors use 40-70% less energy, run much quieter (especially at low speeds), offer more speed settings, and typically include remote controls. They cost more upfront but save money over time.

Size and Blade Span

Fan size should match room size: 1200mm for rooms up to 20m², 1400mm for 20-35m², 1500mm+ for larger spaces. Undersized fans work harder and are less effective.

Blade Pitch

Steeper blade angles (12-15°) move more air. Cheap fans often have shallow 8-10° pitch which provides less airflow despite looking similar.

What to Look For

✓DC motor for bedrooms - significantly quieter operation (19-30 dB)
✓At least 5-6 speed settings for flexibility
✓Reverse function for winter (pushes warm air down)
✓Remote control or wall controller included
✓Timer function for overnight operation
✓Smart/WiFi capability if you want voice control or scheduling

What to Avoid

✗Very cheap fans with shallow blade pitch - noisy and ineffective
✗AC motors for bedrooms - the hum can disturb sleep
✗Undersized fans - they work harder and still don't cool well
✗Fans without reverse function if you also use heating

Typical Price Ranges

Budget

$150-$300

Mid-Range

$300-$500

Premium

$500-$1,000+

💡 Note: Budget fans are often AC motor; mid-range and up typically feature DC motors. Installation adds $100-$200 if you don't have existing wiring.

Climate Considerations

Ceiling fans work in all Australian climates but are most effective in dry heat where the wind-chill effect works best. In humid climates, fans are still valuable for air circulation but less effective for perceived cooling. In mild climates (Melbourne, Hobart), fans alone may suffice for most summer days.

Research Resources

We recommend these credible sources for comparing specific products and finding current reviews:

CHOICE Ceiling Fan Reviews

Independent Australian product testing and ratings

Energy Rating Calculator

Compare running costs of different models

YourHome - Passive Cooling

Government guide on ceiling fans and natural cooling

Frequently Asked Questions

DC vs AC motor - which is better?

DC motors are better in almost every way: 40-70% more energy efficient, much quieter (especially at low speeds), more speed options, and often include remotes. They cost more upfront ($100-$200 extra) but save money over time and provide better sleep quality in bedrooms.

What size ceiling fan do I need?

Room size determines fan size: up to 12m² needs 900-1000mm, 12-20m² needs 1200mm, 20-35m² needs 1400mm, over 35m² needs 1500mm or multiple fans. Higher ceilings may need larger fans or extension rods.

Can ceiling fans be used with air conditioning?

Absolutely - this is one of the best energy-saving combinations. Running ceiling fans with AC allows you to set the thermostat 2-3°C higher while feeling equally cool, reducing AC costs by 30-40%. Run fans on low-medium when AC is on.

Do I need a licensed electrician to install?

Yes, in Australia ceiling fan installation must be done by a licensed electrician if it involves any new wiring. If you're replacing an existing fan and the wiring is already in place, some states allow DIY replacement of the fan unit itself, but check your local regulations.