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

Apartment Cooling: Working Within the Constraints

Apartments have unique cooling challenges: limited outdoor space for equipment, strata restrictions on external changes, and often only one or two aspects for cross-ventilation. But there are effective solutions for both owners and renters.

Common Challenges

Limited or no outdoor space for AC outdoor units
Strata rules may restrict external changes
Often only one aspect (no cross-ventilation)
Limited ability to shade windows externally
Heat transfer through shared walls and floors

Quick Wins

Quality ceiling fan or pedestal fan

For many apartments, good fans are sufficient most of the year. DC motors are quiet for bedrooms.

$60-$400Impact: Medium-High

Internal shading for key windows

Cellular (honeycomb) blinds or thermal curtains can reduce heat gain 40-50%.

$100-$300 per windowImpact: Medium

Window film (if permitted)

Check strata rules first. Internal-applied film often acceptable. Reduces heat by 30-60%.

$30-$80 per window DIYImpact: Medium-High

Portable evaporative cooler (dry climates)

If humidity allows, portable evap coolers are effective and have no external unit.

$150-$300Impact: High (dry climates only)

Recommended Strategies

ceiling fans

internal blinds

window film

cross ventilation

split system ac

Budget Considerations

Apartment cooling can be very affordable: fans ($100-$400), window treatments ($200-$500). If you own and want AC, check strata rules first - many bodies corporate have approved locations and styles. Newer apartments often have AC condenser spaces designated. Budget $2,000-$4,000 for split system installed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install a split system AC in my apartment?

If you own: usually yes, but strata approval is typically required for the outdoor unit. Many buildings have designated spots. If you rent: you need landlord approval plus usually strata approval. Some newer buildings come pre-wired with condenser locations.

What if I only have windows on one side?

Single-aspect apartments are challenging for natural ventilation. Create pressure differential by using exhaust fans (bathroom/kitchen) while a window is open. A small fan blowing out a window can help. AC may be more necessary than in cross-ventilated apartments.

Do window films need strata approval?

Usually not if the film is applied internally and doesn't significantly change external appearance. However, very reflective or obviously tinted films may need approval. Check your strata by-laws. Neutral films are less likely to cause issues.

Helpful Resources

Guide

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