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 5Western Australia

Home Cooling Tips for Perth Homeowners

Perth is in climate zone 5 (hot dry) with average summer temperatures of 18-31°C and 40% humidity. Evaporative cooling works well here due to lower humidity.

Perth's Climate Challenge

31°C

Avg Summer High

40%

Summer Humidity

31c

Avg kWh Cost

2.1 million

Population

Best Cooling Solutions for Perth

Evaporative Cooling Works Well Here

With average humidity around 40%, evaporative cooling is highly effective in Perth. It costs 70-80% less to run than refrigerative AC.

Top Recommendations for Perth

evaporative cooling

external shading

ceiling insulation

night purging

ceiling fans

Local Considerations

Evaporative cooling is highly effective due to dry climate
Hot easterly winds (Perth Doctor) can spike temperatures
Afternoon sea breeze provides natural cooling
West-facing windows are critical to shade

Western Australia Energy Rebates

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

View Western Australia Rebates

Frequently Asked Questions

Is evaporative cooling good for Perth?

Perth is ideal for evaporative cooling. With average summer humidity around 40%, evaporative coolers work extremely efficiently. A ducted evaporative system can cool an entire home for about $0.40-0.60 per hour, compared to $2-4 for ducted refrigerative AC. Most Perth homes have evaporative cooling.

How do I deal with hot easterly winds in Perth?

Perth's hot easterly winds can push temperatures above 40°C. Preparation is key: pre-cool your home the night before using evaporative cooling or AC. Close up the house and draw blinds before 10am. External shading on west and north windows is critical. Consider a split system AC for one room as backup.

What rebates are available for Perth homeowners?

WA currently has limited state-wide rebate programs compared to Victoria and NSW. However, some local councils offer sustainability rebates, and Synergy occasionally runs efficiency programs. Check with your electricity retailer for current offers.

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Home Cooling Tips for Perth Homeowners

Perth's Climate Challenge

Best Cooling Solutions for Perth

Evaporative Cooling Works Well Here

Top Recommendations for Perth

Local Considerations

Western Australia Energy Rebates

Frequently Asked Questions

Is evaporative cooling good for Perth?

How do I deal with hot easterly winds in Perth?

What rebates are available for Perth homeowners?

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

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Understanding AC Energy Ratings

Get Your Personalized Perth Cooling Plan