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.

When should I service my air conditioner?

Ideally in late autumn or early spring, before the cooling season begins. This ensures any issues are resolved before you need the system, and technicians are more available with better pricing. Annual servicing maintains efficiency and extends the system's lifespan.

How do I check if my home has enough insulation?

Access your roof space and measure the insulation depth. Batts should be at least 200-270mm deep for R4.0-R6.0 coverage. Look for gaps, compressed areas, or missing sections. If insulation is thin, patchy, or missing entirely, an upgrade will significantly improve comfort and reduce cooling costs.

What's the most important preparation for summer?

If you had to pick one thing: ensure your air conditioning is serviced and working properly. A well-maintained AC system that fails during a heatwave is both uncomfortable and potentially dangerous. After that, external shading on west-facing windows provides the best heat reduction.

Prepare Your Home for Summer in Australia

Why Preparation Matters

The best time to prepare for summer is before it arrives. Waiting until a heatwave hits means paying premium prices for emergency repairs, missing out on rebates, and suffering through the worst days unprepared. This checklist helps you tackle everything in order of priority.

6-8 Weeks Before Summer: Major Systems

Start with the items that may need professional help or have long lead times:

Book AC service — technicians are busy in summer, book early for better availability and prices
Check insulation levels — inspect your roof space for adequate coverage (aim for R4.0 minimum)
Research rebates — state programs like Victoria's VEU can cover 50-100% of upgrade costs
Get quotes for any major work — external shading, insulation upgrades, or new AC installation

Tip: Many rebate programs have waiting lists or limited funding. Apply early in the financial year for best chances.

4-6 Weeks Before: External Preparation

Focus on blocking heat before it enters your home:

Install or repair external shading — awnings, shade sails, or shutters on west-facing windows
Check weatherstripping on doors and windows — replace any worn seals
Trim vegetation — ensure AC outdoor units have 60cm clearance for airflow
Clean gutters — blocked gutters can cause moisture issues and affect roof performance
Test outdoor blinds and awnings — repair any stuck mechanisms

2-4 Weeks Before: Interior Setup

Prepare your indoor environment:

Clean or replace AC filters — dirty filters reduce efficiency by 5-15%
Test all fans — clean blades and ensure motors run smoothly
Set ceiling fans to summer mode — counter-clockwise rotation pushes air down
Install reflective window film — especially on east and west-facing windows
Set up thermal curtains or blinds — ensure they're ready to close before the heat

1 Week Before: Final Checks

Last-minute preparations:

Run your AC for 30 minutes — confirm it's cooling properly before you need it
Check thermostat batteries — replace if needed
Stock up on supplies — portable fans, ice packs, hydration supplies
Plan your cool zones — identify the most efficient rooms to cool during extreme heat
Download your energy provider's app — monitor usage and get peak pricing alerts

Create a Heatwave Plan

Know what you'll do when extreme heat arrives:

Identify your coolest room — usually south-facing, shaded, or with best AC access
Know your local cool refuges — libraries, shopping centres, community centres
Have backup cooling — even a portable fan can help if AC fails
Check on vulnerable neighbours — elderly and those with health conditions need extra care
Plan low-heat meals — avoid using the oven on extreme days

Warning: During severe heatwaves, stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activity between 11am-4pm, and never leave children or pets in cars.

How to Prepare Your Home for an Australian Summer

Why Preparation Matters

6-8 Weeks Before Summer: Major Systems

4-6 Weeks Before: External Preparation

2-4 Weeks Before: Interior Setup

1 Week Before: Final Checks

Create a Heatwave Plan

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I service my air conditioner?

How do I check if my home has enough insulation?

What's the most important preparation for summer?

Related Guides

How to Reduce Your Cooling Costs This Summer

Australian Climate Zones: The Complete Cooling Guide

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