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

ACTPotential savings: Interest savings of $500-$2,000+ on loans; product discounts vary

Australian Capital Territory Energy Rebates for Cooling

The ACT offers strong sustainability incentives including interest-free loans for energy-efficient upgrades. Canberra's cool-temperate climate means less need for intensive cooling, but efficient systems still pay off.

Sustainable Household Scheme

Interest-free loans up to $15,000 for sustainable home improvements including efficient heating and cooling.

Visit Official Website

Available Rebates

Sustainable Household Scheme

Up to $15,000 interest-free loan

Interest-free loans (not rebates) for sustainable home improvements. Repay through rates or energy bills.

Eligibility

ACT property owner
Property is your principal residence
Eligible product from approved supplier

Products Covered

Reverse-cycle ACCeiling insulationEfficient heating systemsSolar

How to Apply

Apply through ACT Government website with quotes from approved suppliers.

Learn More

Energy Efficiency Improvement Scheme

Varies by product

Discounts on energy efficiency upgrades through participating retailers.

Eligibility

ACT household
Purchased through participating retailer

Products Covered

InsulationDraught sealingEfficient appliances

How to Apply

Purchase through participating retailers - discount applied at sale.

Learn More

Tips for Maximizing Savings

Canberra's climate means night purging is very effective - huge temperature swings
Evaporative cooling works well in the ACT's dry climate
Interest-free loans mean no upfront cost for major upgrades
The ACT is phasing out gas - consider all-electric heating/cooling solutions

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Sustainable Household Scheme work?

It's an interest-free loan (not a rebate) up to $15,000. You get the work done, then repay through your rates or energy bills over up to 10 years. The interest savings are substantial - equivalent to 20-30% discount on typical loan costs.

Do I need air conditioning in Canberra?

Many Canberra homes manage with ceiling fans and evaporative cooling for most of summer. However, heatwaves are becoming more common, and having some form of AC is increasingly advisable. A small split system for backup is a common approach.

What's the ACT's gas phase-out mean for cooling?

The ACT is transitioning away from gas. For new builds and replacements, consider all-electric solutions: reverse-cycle AC (heats and cools efficiently), heat pump hot water, and induction cooking. This also makes you solar-ready.

Get Your Personalized ACT Cooling Plan

Answer 5 quick questions about your home and see which rebate-eligible upgrades are most impactful for your situation.

Get My Free Plan