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.

What temperature should I set my AC for sleeping?

Most people sleep best at 18-22°C. Hot sleepers should aim for 18-20°C. However, using a fan allows you to set the AC at 24-25°C while still feeling comfortable — saving significant energy. Many ACs have a sleep mode that gradually warms through the night as your body temperature naturally drops.

Is it bad to sleep with a fan on all night?

Fans are generally safe to run all night. They use minimal electricity (1-3 cents/hour) and create white noise many find helpful. Some people experience dry throat or sinuses — pointing the fan to create airflow over you rather than directly at your face helps. Stay hydrated.

Why do I get so hot when I sleep?

Several factors contribute: mattress and bedding materials that trap heat, hormonal factors (menopause, thyroid issues), higher metabolism, room not cooling down at night, or simply being a naturally warm person. Try eliminating factors one at a time to identify your specific triggers.

Are cooling mattress toppers worth it?

For hot sleepers with heat-retaining mattresses (especially memory foam), a cooling topper can make a significant difference. Gel-infused options or natural latex toppers provide the best cooling. Expect to pay $150-400 for quality options that genuinely work.

Cooling Tips for Hot Sleepers | Sleep Better in Summer

Why Some People Sleep Hot

Body temperature naturally drops at night to promote sleep. Hot sleepers may have faster metabolisms, higher muscle mass, hormonal factors (including menopause), or simply sleep in rooms that don't cool effectively. Understanding why you're hot helps target the right solutions.

The Ideal Sleep Temperature

Research suggests the ideal bedroom temperature for sleep is 18-22°C for most adults. For hot sleepers, aim for the lower end: 18-20°C. However, running AC at 18°C all night is expensive. These strategies help you feel cooler without extreme air conditioning.

Bedroom Preparation During the Day

What you do during the day affects nighttime temperatures:

Close blinds/curtains on sun-facing windows before you leave in the morning
Open windows on shaded sides to create cross-ventilation in the evening
Use reflective window film on east and west-facing bedroom windows
Run ceiling fans during the day to prevent heat buildup
Avoid using the oven in the evening — it heats the whole house

Tip: A bedroom that heats up during the day can stay warm well into the night. Prevention is easier than cooling down a hot room.

The Ceiling Fan Advantage

A ceiling fan creates a wind-chill effect of 3-5°C at minimal cost (1-3 cents/hour). For hot sleepers, this is often enough to enable comfortable sleep without AC. Set your ceiling fan to counter-clockwise (summer mode) to push air downward. Position so air flows over the bed, not beside it.

Bedding Choices Matter

Your bedding can trap or release heat:

Cotton sheets: Breathable, absorbs sweat — the classic choice
Linen sheets: Even more breathable than cotton, stays cool
Bamboo/Tencel: Moisture-wicking and cool to touch
Avoid: Polyester, flannel, or high thread-count percale (traps heat)
Mattress topper: Gel-infused memory foam or natural latex breathe better
Pillow: Switch to a cooling gel pillow or buckwheat hull pillow

Personal Cooling Tricks

These techniques cool your body directly:

Cold shower before bed: Lowers core body temperature for 1-2 hours
Ice pack or frozen water bottle at your feet: Feet regulate body temperature
Damp sheet over you with fan running: "Egyptian method" — very effective
Cooling towel on neck or forehead: Targets blood vessels near the surface
Stay hydrated: Dehydration impairs your body's ability to regulate temperature

Tip: Avoid ice-cold drinks right before bed — they can cause your body to generate heat to warm up.

Strategic AC Use for Sleepers

If you need air conditioning to sleep, use it strategically:

Pre-cool the bedroom for 30-60 minutes before bed, then turn off
Use sleep mode: Gradually raises temperature overnight
Set to 24-25°C, not 18°C — use fan for additional cooling effect
Timer function: Run for 2-3 hours until you're deeply asleep
Close bedroom door to keep the cool air contained

Mattress and Sleep Surface

Your mattress affects heat retention:

Memory foam: Notorious for sleeping hot — add a cooling topper
Innerspring: Better airflow through coil structure
Latex: Natural latex breathes well
Hybrid: Combines springs with foam — moderate heat retention
Consider: Mattress pads with active cooling (water circulation)

What to Wear

Sleepwear choices affect temperature:

Loose, lightweight cotton or bamboo fabrics
Moisture-wicking athletic fabrics can work well
Sleeping nude: Works for some, but sweat absorption is lost
Avoid: Silk (doesn't breathe), synthetic fabrics, tight clothing

Cooling Tips for Hot Sleepers: Sleep Better in Australian Summers