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.

Can my landlord refuse to let me install a portable AC?

Landlords generally cannot prevent you from using portable cooling devices that don't require permanent modifications. This includes portable AC units that vent through a window (no cutting required), portable evaporative coolers, and all types of fans. Check your lease for any specific restrictions.

Will reflective window film damage windows?

Removable static-cling window film designed for renters will not damage windows when applied and removed correctly. Avoid adhesive films that require scraping. Quality removable films peel off cleanly without residue. Always test on a small area first.

What's the most effective cooling for renters on a budget?

A combination of fans and behavioural changes. A $50-100 investment in a good pedestal fan plus consistently closing blinds before the heat arrives can make a significant difference. In dry climates, a $200-300 portable evaporative cooler is very cost-effective.

Can I claim cooling costs on my energy bill from my landlord?

No, tenants are responsible for their electricity costs including cooling, unless otherwise specified in your lease. However, you may be able to negotiate including air conditioning in your lease renewal, especially if you offer to pay slightly higher rent.

Renter's Guide to Staying Cool | No-Damage Cooling Solutions

The Renter's Cooling Challenge

Renters face unique challenges: you can't install permanent fixtures, modifications risk your bond, and landlords aren't required to provide air conditioning in most states. But effective cooling is still possible — you just need the right strategies.

Your Rights as a Renter

Understanding your rights helps you advocate for improvements:

No Australian state requires landlords to provide air conditioning
However, if AC is installed, landlords must maintain it in working order
You can request cooling installations — landlords can't unreasonably refuse in some states
Emergency repairs for existing cooling may be required during extreme heat
Some state rebate programs now include rental properties

Tip: Put cooling requests in writing. If the landlord agrees to install AC, get it documented as part of your lease.

Portable Air Conditioners

Portable AC units are a renter's best friend in humid climates where evaporative cooling won't work. Modern portables are more effective than their reputation suggests.

Choose dual-hose models — 30-50% more efficient than single-hose
Size appropriately — 2.5-3.5kW suits most bedrooms and living areas
Expect $400-800 for quality units
Running costs: $0.50-0.90 per hour
Ensure you have a suitable window for the exhaust hose

Warning: Avoid single-hose portable ACs — they're highly inefficient (0 energy stars) and create negative pressure that draws hot air into your home.

Portable Evaporative Coolers

In hot-dry climates (Perth, Adelaide, inland areas), portable evaporative coolers are highly effective and much cheaper to run than portable AC.

Work best when humidity is below 50%
Cost just $0.03-0.08 per hour to run
Unit cost: $150-500
Require ventilation — keep a window open
Add humidity which can be beneficial in dry climates

Fans: The Renter's Essential

Fans are the most affordable and flexible cooling solution:

Pedestal fans ($30-150): Versatile, adjustable, powerful
Tower fans ($50-200): Space-efficient, quieter, oscillating
Desk fans ($20-80): Personal cooling for work-from-home
Box fans ($30-80): High airflow, great for window ventilation
All types cost just 1-3 cents per hour to run

Tip: Place a fan facing outward in a window on the shaded side of your home in the evening. This creates powerful whole-home ventilation.

No-Damage Window Treatments

Block heat before it enters your rental:

Removable reflective window film — applies with water, peels off cleanly
Thermal curtains — hang from existing rods, highly effective
Exterior shade cloth — can be attached temporarily to balconies
Car windscreen shades — surprisingly effective on small windows
White or reflective blinds — simple upgrade from existing dark blinds

Free Behavioural Strategies

These cost nothing and make a real difference:

Close all blinds/curtains before leaving in the morning
Create cross-ventilation — open windows on opposite sides when cool
Cook outside or use microwave — ovens heat your home significantly
Shower with bathroom exhaust fan running — removes heat and humidity
Sleep with cotton sheets — synthetic fabrics trap heat
Use the "Egyptian method" — damp sheet over you with fan running

Approaching Your Landlord

If you want to request cooling improvements:

Research state rebates — landlords may get free or subsidised installations
Offer to pay for a split system installation (negotiate ownership/leaving it)
Document temperature extremes — building a case for habitability
Propose ceiling fans — low cost, permanent improvement to property value
Request permission for temporary window film installation

The Renter's Guide to Staying Cool in Australia