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

QLDPotential savings: $372+ per year for eligible households

Queensland Energy Rebates for Cooling

Queensland has limited state-wide cooling rebates compared to southern states. However, there are still some programs and incentives available, particularly for vulnerable households and energy-efficient upgrades.

Various Programs

Queensland offers various energy assistance programs, with cooling-specific rebates varying over time. Check current offerings.

Visit Official Website

Available Rebates

Energy Concessions

$372/year for electricity (2024-25)

Ongoing electricity rebates for eligible households (not cooling-specific but helps with cooling costs).

Eligibility

Queensland Seniors Card holder, OR
Receiving Centrelink payments, OR
Other eligible concession card holders

Products Covered

Electricity bills

How to Apply

Contact your electricity retailer with your concession card details.

Learn More

Medical Cooling Concession

Additional amount per year

Additional electricity rebate for people with medical conditions requiring cooling.

Eligibility

Medical certification of need for cooling
Queensland resident

Products Covered

Air conditioning for medical needs

How to Apply

Apply through Queensland Government with medical certification.

Learn More

Tips for Maximizing Savings

Check with your electricity retailer for any current efficiency incentives
Consider medical cooling concession if you have a qualifying condition
Queensland's climate makes efficient AC essential - prioritize high-star ratings
Ceiling fans are particularly effective in Queensland and cost little to run

Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn't Queensland have the same rebates as Victoria?

Each state sets its own energy efficiency schemes. Victoria's VEU is funded through energy certificates that increase electricity costs slightly. Queensland has chosen different approaches to energy policy. Programs change over time, so check current offerings.

What is the medical cooling concession?

If you have a medical condition that requires air conditioning (e.g., MS, severe respiratory conditions), you may be eligible for additional electricity rebates. You'll need medical certification. This recognizes that cooling is essential, not optional, for some people.

Are there any efficiency rebates in Queensland?

Queensland occasionally runs specific programs, and some energy retailers offer their own incentives. Check your retailer's website and the QLD Government's current offerings. The situation changes, so it's worth checking annually.

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

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