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

Climate Zone 5South Australia

Home Cooling Tips for Adelaide Homeowners

Adelaide is in climate zone 5 (hot dry) with average summer temperatures of 17-29°C and 45% humidity. Evaporative cooling works well here due to lower humidity.

Adelaide's Climate Challenge

29°C

Avg Summer High

45%

Summer Humidity

45c

Avg kWh Cost

1.4 million

Population

Best Cooling Solutions for Adelaide

Evaporative Cooling Works Well Here

With average humidity around 45%, evaporative cooling is highly effective in Adelaide. It costs 70-80% less to run than refrigerative AC.

Top Recommendations for Adelaide

evaporative cooling

external shading

ceiling insulation

smart ac controller

night purging

Local Considerations

Highest electricity costs in Australia - efficiency is critical
Evaporative cooling works well due to dry climate
Extreme heat events (40°C+) are common
REPS scheme offers rebates on efficiency upgrades

South Australia Energy Rebates

South Australia residents may be eligible for energy efficiency rebates on cooling equipment and insulation.

View South Australia Rebates

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is electricity so expensive in Adelaide?

South Australia has Australia's highest electricity costs (42-47 c/kWh) due to grid constraints, high renewable penetration requiring backup, and network costs. This makes energy efficiency even more important. Running an air conditioner costs 40-50% more than in Melbourne or Brisbane.

How do I prepare for Adelaide heatwaves?

Adelaide regularly hits 40°C+ in summer. Essential preparations: 1) Pre-cool your home overnight, 2) Close blinds and curtains by 10am, 3) Ensure your AC is serviced before summer, 4) Have a backup plan if power fails (battery, cool room in the house). Evaporative cooling is effective up to about 38°C; above that, refrigerative AC is better.

What rebates are available in South Australia?

The Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme (REPS) provides discounts on energy-efficient upgrades including air conditioning, ceiling insulation, and draught proofing. Contact accredited providers for current offers. Solar SA also offers rebates on battery storage which can reduce cooling costs.

Related Guides

Energy Saving

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Home Cooling Tips for Adelaide Homeowners

Adelaide's Climate Challenge

Best Cooling Solutions for Adelaide

Evaporative Cooling Works Well Here

Top Recommendations for Adelaide

Local Considerations

South Australia Energy Rebates

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is electricity so expensive in Adelaide?

How do I prepare for Adelaide heatwaves?

What rebates are available in South Australia?

Helpful Comparisons

Evaporative vs Split System

Ducted Evaporative vs Ducted AC

Ceiling Fans vs Air Conditioning

Insulation vs Air Conditioning

Related Guides

How to Reduce Your Cooling Costs

Australian Climate Zones Explained

Prepare Your Home for Summer

Understanding AC Energy Ratings

Get Your Personalized Adelaide Cooling Plan