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 2Queensland

Home Cooling Tips for Brisbane Homeowners

Brisbane is in climate zone 2 (hot humid) with average summer temperatures of 21-30°C and 70% humidity. Split system AC is recommended due to higher humidity levels.

Brisbane's Climate Challenge

30°C

Avg Summer High

70%

Summer Humidity

28c

Avg kWh Cost

2.6 million

Population

Best Cooling Solutions for Brisbane

Split System AC Recommended

Brisbane's humidity (70%+) makes evaporative cooling less effective. Split system or ducted AC with dehumidification is recommended.

Top Recommendations for Brisbane

external shading

ceiling fans

split system ac

roof ventilation

cross ventilation

Local Considerations

High humidity makes evaporative cooling ineffective
Traditional Queenslander homes designed for airflow
Modern homes often lack adequate ventilation
Dehumidification is important for comfort

Queensland Energy Rebates

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

View Queensland Rebates

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does evaporative cooling not work in Brisbane?

Brisbane's high humidity (often 70%+ in summer) means evaporative coolers can't effectively evaporate water to create cooling. They may even add moisture to already humid air. Refrigerative air conditioning with dehumidification is essential for Brisbane homes.

How can I cool my Queenslander home efficiently?

Traditional Queenslanders were designed for Brisbane's climate: raised floors for airflow, wide verandahs for shade, and high ceilings. Maximize cross-ventilation by opening windows on opposite sides. Install ceiling fans (DC motors are quietest). Use external shading on the western side. Modern split systems with inverter technology are efficient for the hottest days.

What size air conditioner do I need for Brisbane?

Brisbane's hot, humid climate requires slightly more cooling capacity. Rule of thumb: 150-170 watts per m² (versus 120-150 in cooler climates). A 30m² room typically needs a 5-6kW split system. Undersizing means the AC runs constantly and struggles on hot days.

Related Guides

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Home Cooling Tips for Brisbane Homeowners

Brisbane's Climate Challenge

Best Cooling Solutions for Brisbane

Split System AC Recommended

Top Recommendations for Brisbane

Local Considerations

Queensland Energy Rebates

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does evaporative cooling not work in Brisbane?

How can I cool my Queenslander home efficiently?

What size air conditioner do I need for Brisbane?

Helpful Comparisons

Ducted vs Split System

Multi-Split vs Ducted

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 Brisbane Cooling Plan