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

Dehumidifier vs Air Conditioner: When Do You Need Each?

Quick Verdict

Air conditioning both cools AND dehumidifies - it's usually the better choice if you need cooling. Dehumidifiers are for humidity control without cooling (winter dampness, coastal homes, specific rooms like bathrooms). In humid climates, AC handles both jobs; in cool-humid conditions, a dehumidifier is more appropriate.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Factor	Dehumidifier	Air Conditioner
Upfront Cost	$200-$800	$1,500-$4,000 (split installed)
Running Cost	$0.15-$0.40/hour	$0.45-$0.70/hour
Cooling Power	Minimal cooling (compressor types add slight heat)	Full cooling + dehumidification
Best Climate	Humid climates, coastal areas, winter dampness	All climates
DIY Install?	Yes	No

Dehumidifier

Removes moisture from air without significant cooling. Compressor or desiccant types.

Pros

Targeted humidity control
Works in cool conditions (desiccant type)
Portable - move between rooms
Helps prevent mould
Lower running cost than AC for humidity only

Cons

Does not cool the air
Compressor types add slight heat
Needs emptying or drain setup
Can be noisy
Another appliance to maintain

Air Conditioner

Cools air and removes humidity as a byproduct of the cooling process.

Pros

Cools AND dehumidifies simultaneously
More effective dehumidification when cooling
Single appliance for both jobs
Precise temperature control
Also heats in winter (reverse cycle)

Cons

Higher running cost
Requires professional installation
Overkill if you only need dehumidification
Fixed location (split systems)
May over-dehumidify in some conditions

Climate Zone Guide

Hot-Dry Climates (WA, SA, Inland)

Neither is typically needed for humidity. If anything, you might want to ADD humidity. Air conditioning for cooling only.

Hot-Humid Climates (QLD, NT)

Air conditioning is essential - it handles both cooling and dehumidification together. A separate dehumidifier is usually unnecessary unless you have specific dampness issues.

Temperate Climates (VIC, NSW, ACT)

This is where dehumidifiers shine. Cool, damp winters (Melbourne, Sydney coast) benefit from dehumidifiers. They reduce dampness without the cost of running AC in cold weather.

Cost Analysis

If you need cooling AND humidity control, AC is more efficient than running both separately. If you only need humidity control (no cooling), a dehumidifier costs $0.15-$0.40/hour vs $0.45-$0.70/hour for AC. For a typical coastal winter (90 days, 8 hours/day), dehumidifier costs $110-$290; running AC in dry mode would cost $320-$500.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use AC dry mode instead of a dehumidifier?

Yes, most ACs have a dry mode that prioritises dehumidification over cooling. It's less effective than a dedicated dehumidifier but works for mild humidity. Dry mode uses less energy than cooling mode but more than a standalone dehumidifier.

Do I need a dehumidifier if I have ducted AC?

Usually not in summer - the AC dehumidifies while cooling. In winter, if you have dampness issues (coastal homes, poor ventilation), a dehumidifier helps. Ducted AC in dry/heat mode is expensive to run just for humidity control.

Which type of dehumidifier works best in Australia?

Compressor dehumidifiers work best in warm conditions (above 20°C) - ideal for QLD, NSW summers. Desiccant dehumidifiers work better in cool conditions (below 20°C) - ideal for Melbourne/Hobart winters. Check the operating temperature range before buying.

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