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

Cooling Solutions That Don't Require Landlord Approval

Renting doesn't mean suffering through summer. Many effective cooling strategies require no modification to the property. From portable cooling to removable shading, here are solutions that move with you when your lease ends.

Common Challenges

Cannot make permanent modifications to the property
May not be able to install split system AC without landlord approval
Need solutions that can move to your next rental
Limited ability to improve insulation or external shading
Often inherit properties with poor cooling efficiency

Quick Wins

Portable evaporative cooler

Effective in dry climates (WA, SA, VIC). Much cheaper than portable AC. Moves easily between rooms.

$100-$300Impact: High in dry climates

Removable window film

Static-cling films don't require adhesive and peel off easily. Block 30-60% of solar heat.

$30-$80 per windowImpact: Medium-High

Door draught stoppers

Keep cool air in, hot air out. Remove when you move. Very affordable.

$15-$40Impact: Low-Medium

Thermal curtains

Block-out curtains with thermal backing. Take with you when you move.

$50-$150 per windowImpact: Medium

Recommended Strategies

pedestal tower fan

cross ventilation

night purging

close blinds

exhaust fan strategy

Budget Considerations

Most rental-friendly solutions cost under $500 total. A portable evaporative cooler ($200) plus window film ($100) plus fans ($100) is often sufficient for mild-to-moderate climates. Portable AC ($400-$800) is a last resort due to high running costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ask my landlord to install air conditioning?

Yes, you can request it. The landlord is not obligated to install AC (it's not legally required in any Australian state), but many will if you offer to sign a longer lease or agree to a modest rent increase. Some landlords will pay for installation if you pay for the unit. Put any agreements in writing.

What cooling solutions don't need landlord permission?

Fans (pedestal, tower, desk), portable evaporative coolers, portable AC units, removable window film, thermal curtains, door draught stoppers, and behavioral strategies (night purging, closing blinds). Anything that doesn't modify the property is fair game.

Is portable AC worth the high running costs?

Only if you're in a humid climate where evaporative cooling doesn't work, or during extreme heat waves. Budget for $100-$200/month in electricity during heavy use. For occasional hot days, it may be worth it. For everyday use, look for a rental with fixed AC or negotiate installation with your landlord.

Helpful Resources

Guide

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