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

NTPotential savings: Varies by eligibility

Northern Territory Energy Rebates for Cooling

In the Northern Territory, air conditioning isn't a luxury - it's essential. The NT has some energy assistance programs, though cooling-specific rebates are limited. Given the extreme climate, investing in efficient cooling pays back quickly.

Energy Concessions

The NT offers various energy concessions for eligible households.

Visit Official Website

Available Rebates

Pensioner and Carer Concession

Varies by eligibility

Energy bill assistance for eligible pensioners and carers.

Eligibility

NT resident
Holder of eligible concession card

Products Covered

Electricity bills

How to Apply

Contact your electricity provider with concession card details.

Learn More

Tips for Maximizing Savings

AC is essential in the NT - prioritize efficiency to manage running costs
Set thermostat to 24-26°C, not 20°C - each degree lower costs 5-10% more
Use ceiling fans with AC to reduce load
Evaporative cooling does NOT work in the NT's high humidity
Pre-cool your home in the morning when AC works most efficiently

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is evaporative cooling useless in the NT?

The NT has Australia's highest humidity, regularly exceeding 80% during the wet season. Evaporative coolers can only work when humidity is low (below 50%) - they literally cannot cool humid air. Refrigerative AC is the only effective option in Darwin and the Top End.

How much should I budget for cooling in Darwin?

With AC running most of the day, expect electricity bills of $400-$800/month in summer. An efficient system (5+ stars) and smart usage (higher thermostat, ceiling fans) can reduce this significantly. Sizing correctly and maintaining filters also helps.

What size AC do I need in the NT?

The NT's extreme conditions require larger capacity: 170-200 watts per m² (versus 120-150 in southern states). A 30m² room typically needs a 6-7kW split system. Don't undersize - the AC will run constantly and struggle on hot days.

Get Your Personalized NT 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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