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.

Is it worth waiting for a sale to buy an air conditioner?

Yes, if you can plan ahead. The difference between peak and sale pricing can be $300-800 on a quality split system. However, if your current cooling is failing before summer, don't wait and suffer — the health risks and productivity loss outweigh the savings.

Are Boxing Day AC sales worth it?

Boxing Day sales offer genuine discounts of 15-30%, but popular models sell out quickly. If you have a specific unit in mind, check stock early. Less popular sizes and brands often have the best remaining discounts by late December.

Should I buy online or in-store?

Compare total installed prices. Online retailers often have lower unit prices but may charge more for installation. In-store allows negotiation and bundle deals. Get quotes from both and compare the bottom line including installation.

How far in advance should I plan an AC purchase?

Ideally 3-6 months before you need it. This gives you time to research, wait for sales, compare quotes, and book installation during a quieter period. If buying in autumn for installation before summer, you'll hit the price sweet spot.

Best Time to Buy an Air Conditioner in Australia

Why Timing Matters

Air conditioner prices fluctuate significantly throughout the year. The difference between buying at peak demand versus during a sale can be $300-800 on a quality split system. Understanding these patterns helps you plan your purchase for maximum savings.

The Best Times to Buy

These periods consistently offer the best deals on air conditioning:

End of Financial Year (May-June): Retailers clear stock for new financial year, discounts of 20-35%
Autumn (March-May): Demand drops after summer, retailers discount to move inventory
Boxing Day to January sales: Major discounts but limited stock on popular models
Click Frenzy/Black Friday (November): Growing sales events with genuine AC deals
End of summer (February-March): Last season's models discounted heavily

Tip: The absolute best time is late autumn (April-May) when demand is lowest and retailers are preparing for EOFY sales.

The Worst Times to Buy

Avoid purchasing during these periods if possible:

During a heatwave: Prices firm up, stock runs low, installation wait times blow out
Early summer (November-December): Peak season means premium pricing
January (outside sales): Post-holiday period with regular pricing
When your old unit dies: Emergency purchases mean no time to compare or negotiate

Warning: During extreme heat events, installation wait times can extend to 4-6 weeks and emergency callout fees apply. Plan ahead.

EOFY Sales: The Sweet Spot

End of Financial Year (late May through June) is consistently the best time to buy. Retailers are motivated to clear stock and meet sales targets. You'll find discounts of 20-35% on quality brands, bundle deals including installation, and the widest selection of models before summer stock arrives.

New Models vs Last Season

Air conditioner technology doesn't change dramatically year-to-year. A "last season" model from a quality brand will perform almost identically to the newest release at 15-25% less. The main differences are usually cosmetic or minor app updates. Focus on energy ratings and capacity rather than model year.

Tip: Ask retailers specifically about previous season models — they're often in the back room at significant discounts.

Installation Timing

Even if you buy during a sale, installation timing matters:

Book installation for autumn or winter when technicians are less busy
Expect 1-2 week wait times in off-peak vs 4-6 weeks in summer
Some installers offer discounts during their quiet periods
Pre-summer installation (September-October) beats the rush but misses the best prices

Price Matching and Negotiation

Australian retailers often price match, especially on big-ticket items. Get quotes from 3-4 suppliers, including online retailers. Bring competitor quotes to your preferred retailer and ask them to match or beat. Bundle installation for better overall pricing. Ask about floor stock or display models at additional discounts.

Online vs In-Store

Online retailers like Appliances Online often have lower base prices but may charge more for installation. Bricks-and-mortar stores like The Good Guys, Harvey Norman, and JB Hi-Fi offer negotiation opportunities and bundle deals. Compare total installed price, not just the unit cost.

The Best Time to Buy an Air Conditioner in Australia