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

Ducted Evaporative Cooling vs Ducted Air Conditioning

Quick Verdict

Ducted evaporative costs 70-80% less to run and works excellently in dry climates (Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, inland areas). Ducted AC works in all climates and offers precise control. In suitable climates, evaporative saves $400-$800/year in running costs.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Factor	Ducted Evaporative Cooling	Ducted Air Conditioning
Upfront Cost	$3,500-$7,000 installed	$8,000-$20,000 installed
Running Cost	$0.10-$0.20/hour	$2.00-$3.50/hour
Cooling Power	Whole-home cooling in dry conditions	Whole-home precise cooling
Best Climate	Hot-dry, mild-temperate (humidity <50%)	All climates
DIY Install?	No	No

Ducted Evaporative Cooling

Central evaporative unit on roof with ducts to each room. Requires windows/doors open.

Pros

70-80% cheaper running costs than ducted AC
Fresh air circulation (not recirculated)
Lower environmental impact
Simpler maintenance (pads, pump)
Works brilliantly in dry heat

Cons

Ineffective in humid conditions
Cannot cool to exact temperature
Uses 15-25L water per hour
Requires windows/doors cracked open
Pads need annual replacement

Ducted Air Conditioning

Central refrigerative system with ducts to each room. Works with house sealed.

Pros

Works in any climate or humidity
Precise temperature control
Also heats in winter (reverse cycle)
Dehumidifies the air
Zoning for room-by-room control

Cons

Much higher running costs
Higher upfront cost
Complex maintenance requirements
Recirculated air can feel stuffy
If system fails, whole house affected

Climate Zone Guide

Hot-Dry Climates (WA, SA, Inland)

Ducted evaporative is the clear winner in Perth, Adelaide, and inland areas. It's half the upfront cost and runs for a fraction of the price. Many families run it all day long affordably.

Hot-Humid Climates (QLD, NT)

Ducted AC is essential in Brisbane, Darwin, and coastal Queensland. Evaporative cooling simply won't work when humidity exceeds 60%. Budget for higher running costs.

Temperate Climates (VIC, NSW, ACT)

Melbourne is ideal for evaporative - low humidity most days, with only occasional humid periods. Many homes have evaporative as primary with a split system backup for humid days.

Cost Analysis

Over summer (120 days, 8 hours/day), ducted evaporative costs $100-$200 to run. Ducted AC costs $1,920-$3,360. Annual savings with evaporative: $1,700-$3,200. Even accounting for the occasional humid day requiring alternative cooling, evaporative saves $1,500-$2,500/year in suitable climates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have both ducted evaporative and ducted AC?

It's uncommon due to the cost of two ducted systems. A more practical approach is ducted evaporative for whole-home cooling plus one or two split systems for humid days or bedrooms. This gives you efficient cooling 90% of the time with reliable backup.

Which has better resale value?

Ducted AC typically adds more to resale value as it appeals to buyers from all climate backgrounds. However, in dry climate areas (Perth, Adelaide), well-maintained ducted evaporative is valued by local buyers who understand the running cost savings.

What maintenance is required?

Evaporative: Annual pad replacement ($100-$200), pump check, clean water tank. Takes 1-2 hours DIY. Ducted AC: Annual professional service ($150-$300), filter cleaning quarterly, refrigerant check. Both last 15-20 years with proper maintenance.

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