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 Split System Air Conditioners

Split system air conditioners are the most popular cooling solution in Australian homes. They're efficient, relatively affordable, and can also heat in winter. Understanding what to look for helps you make the right choice for your home.

Key Features to Understand

Inverter Technology

Inverter units adjust compressor speed to match demand, using 30-50% less energy than fixed-speed units. Nearly all modern splits are inverter - avoid non-inverter models.

Correct Sizing

Size matters: 120-150 watts per m² of floor area is the baseline. Add 20% for poor insulation, 10-20% for high ceilings, 15-25% for west-facing windows.

Energy Star Rating

Look for 4+ stars for both cooling AND heating. A 5-star unit uses about 25% less power than a 2-star unit - this adds up over the system's 15-year lifespan.

What to Look For

✓Minimum 4-star energy rating for both heating and cooling
✓Inverter technology (standard on quality units)
✓WiFi control for scheduling and remote access
✓Quiet operation - look for indoor units under 26dB
✓Good warranty - 5+ years indicates manufacturer confidence
✓Hot climate rating - check the unit works efficiently at 45°C+ outdoor temps

What to Avoid

✗Non-inverter (fixed speed) units - outdated and inefficient
✗Undersizing - a struggling unit uses more power and wears out faster
✗Ignoring heating efficiency if you'll use reverse cycle in winter
✗Unknown brands with limited warranty and parts availability

Typical Price Ranges

Budget

$1,500-$2,500 installed

Mid-Range

$2,500-$3,500 installed

Premium

$3,500-$5,000+ installed

💡 Note: Premium brands typically offer better efficiency, longer warranties (5-10 years), quieter operation, and maintain performance in extreme heat. Budget brands save upfront but may cost more to run.

Climate Considerations

Split systems work in all Australian climates. In humid areas (QLD, NT), the dehumidification function is essential. In mild climates, a smaller capacity unit often suffices. In extreme heat areas, choose quality brands that maintain efficiency at 45°C+ outdoor temperatures.

Research Resources

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

CHOICE Air Conditioner Reviews

Independent Australian testing with performance scores

Energy Rating Calculator

Compare energy use and running costs by model

AIRAH Fair Air

Industry body with guides on sizing and installation

Frequently Asked Questions

Are premium brands worth the extra cost?

Often yes, especially if you use AC regularly. Premium brands typically last 15-20 years vs 8-12 for budget brands. They're also 10-20% more efficient, saving $50-$150/year in running costs. Over 10 years, this can exceed the upfront difference. Warranty coverage (5-10 years vs 2-5 years) is also valuable.

What size split system do I need?

Rule of thumb: 120-150 watts per m² of floor area. A 25m² room needs about 3-3.5kW. Add 20% for poor insulation, 10-20% for high ceilings, and 15-25% for unshaded west windows. A 5kW unit suits most standard living rooms (30-40m²).

How much does installation cost?

Basic installation (back-to-back, single storey) costs $400-$700. Complex installations (long pipe runs, multi-storey, difficult access) can cost $800-$1,500+. Some retailers include basic installation in the price. Always get itemized quotes from licensed installers.