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 Insulation

Ceiling insulation is one of the highest-impact cooling upgrades. Up to 35% of a home's heat enters through the roof in summer. Proper insulation (R5.0+) can reduce cooling costs by 20-40% and typically pays back within 3-5 years.

Key Features to Understand

R-Value Requirements

R-value measures thermal resistance - higher is better. NCC 2024 requires R5.0-R6.0 for most of Australia, with R6.0+ for cooler climates. Many older homes have R2.0-R3.0.

Material Types

Glasswool batts are most cost-effective. Polyester is better for allergy sufferers. Blown-in insulation fills gaps better in retrofits but costs more.

Gap-Free Installation

Gaps around downlights and at edges can reduce effectiveness by 35% or more. Professional installation typically achieves better coverage than DIY.

What to Look For

✓R-value that meets or exceeds NCC requirements for your climate zone
✓Quality batts with consistent density
✓Gap-free installation around downlights and at edges
✓Proper coverage of the entire ceiling area
✓Blown-in for retrofits with difficult access or existing insulation
✓Government rebates that can reduce cost significantly

What to Avoid

✗Undersized R-value - aim for R5.0+ regardless of minimum requirements
✗Gaps around downlights - major heat loss points
✗Compressed or damaged batts - reduces effectiveness
✗DIY if you have limited roof access or many obstacles

Typical Price Ranges

Budget

$800-$1,500 (DIY materials only)

Mid-Range

$1,800-$3,000 (professional installation)

Premium

$3,000-$5,000 (retrofit + difficult access)

💡 Note: State rebates (VEU in Victoria, ESS in NSW) can reduce professional installation costs by 30-50%. Always check rebate availability first.

Climate Considerations

NCC 2024 requires different R-values by climate zone. Hot zones (QLD, NT) need R4.6-R5.1 minimum. Temperate zones need R5.0-R6.0. Cool zones need R6.0+. Higher is always better for cooling - aim for R6.0+ regardless of minimum requirements.

Research Resources

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

NCC 2024 Insulation Requirements

Official National Construction Code requirements

YourHome - Insulation

Government guide on insulation types and installation

Victorian Energy Upgrades

VIC insulation rebates through accredited providers

NSW Energy Savings Scheme

NSW rebates for insulation upgrades

Frequently Asked Questions

What R-value do I need for my climate zone?

NCC 2024 minimums: Zone 1 (Darwin): R4.6, Zones 2-3 (QLD coast): R5.1, Zones 4-6 (most of mainland): R5.0-R6.0, Zones 7-8 (cold areas): R6.0+. For cooling, aim for at least R5.0 regardless of zone. Higher is always better.

Can I install ceiling insulation myself?

Yes, if you have safe roof access and the space to move around. Safety essentials: proper lighting, secure planks to walk on (don't step on ceiling), dust mask, gloves, long sleeves. Professional installation is recommended for difficult access, blown-in requirements, or if uncomfortable in roof spaces.

What rebates are available for insulation?

Victoria (VEU): Significant discounts through accredited providers, often 30-50% off. NSW (ESS): Discounts available through energy retailers. SA (REPS): Rebates for ceiling insulation. Check with your state energy program or retailer for current offers.