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

NSWPotential savings: $100-$500 on typical cooling upgrades

New South Wales Energy Rebates for Cooling

New South Wales offers energy efficiency incentives through the Energy Savings Scheme (ESS). While not as extensive as Victoria's program, you can still save on high-efficiency cooling equipment and upgrades through participating providers.

Energy Savings Scheme (ESS)

The ESS creates incentives for businesses to help households and organizations reduce electricity consumption through efficient products and services.

Visit Official Website

Available Rebates

High-Efficiency Air Conditioning

$100-$500 typically

Discounts on energy-efficient air conditioning systems through ESS-accredited providers.

Eligibility

Replacing old inefficient AC or heating
New system meets efficiency requirements
Installed by ESS-accredited provider

Products Covered

Split system ACDucted AC

How to Apply

Contact ESS-accredited HVAC providers. Discount is applied at point of sale.

Learn More

Appliance Retirement

Varies by appliance

Discounts when retiring old inefficient appliances and replacing with efficient models.

Eligibility

Replacing old, working appliance
Old appliance is disposed of properly
New appliance meets efficiency standards

Products Covered

Air conditionersOther major appliances

How to Apply

Through participating retailers and ESS-accredited providers.

Learn More

Tips for Maximizing Savings

NSW rebates are generally smaller than Victoria's but still worthwhile
Look for retailers participating in ESS programs
Check if your energy retailer offers additional efficiency incentives
Consider timing purchases around sales periods for combined savings

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ESS the same as VEU in Victoria?

Similar concept but different program. ESS creates certificates (ESCs) like Victoria's VEECs. However, NSW's program currently offers smaller rebates on cooling products than Victoria's VEU program.

How do I find ESS-accredited providers in NSW?

Check the NSW Energy website for participating providers, or ask HVAC installers if they participate in ESS. Some large retailers also participate. The discount is usually mentioned in their advertising.

Are there other NSW rebates for cooling?

NSW occasionally runs additional programs, especially for vulnerable households. Check the Energy.nsw.gov.au website for current offerings. Energy retailers may also offer their own efficiency incentives.

Get Your Personalized NSW Cooling Plan

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

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