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

VICPotential savings: $400-$1,500 on typical cooling upgrades

Victoria Energy Rebates for Cooling

Victoria offers Australia's most generous energy efficiency rebates through the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program. You can save hundreds to thousands of dollars on cooling equipment, insulation, and efficiency upgrades through accredited providers.

Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU)

The VEU program creates incentives for accredited providers to offer discounted energy-efficient products and services. Rebates apply at point of sale - no claiming required.

Visit Official Website

Available Rebates

Reverse-Cycle Air Conditioning

$200-$1,000+ depending on system size and efficiency

Discounts on high-efficiency split system and ducted AC when replacing old/inefficient units or heating systems.

Eligibility

Replacing existing inefficient heating or cooling
New system meets minimum efficiency requirements
Installed by VEU-accredited provider

Products Covered

Split system ACDucted reverse-cycleMulti-split systems

How to Apply

Contact a VEU-accredited provider. Discount is applied at point of sale. No paperwork for you.

Learn More

Ceiling Insulation

$500-$2,000+ depending on home size

Significant discounts on ceiling insulation installation for homes with no or inadequate existing insulation.

Eligibility

Little or no existing ceiling insulation
Home meets eligibility criteria
Installed by VEU-accredited provider

Products Covered

Ceiling battsBlown-in insulation

How to Apply

Get quotes from VEU-accredited insulation installers. Discount is included in their quote.

Learn More

Draught Sealing

$100-$400

Discounts on professional draught sealing of doors, windows, and other gaps.

Eligibility

Existing home with draught issues
Work done by VEU-accredited provider

Products Covered

Door sealsWindow sealsChimney dampersExhaust fan seals

How to Apply

Contact VEU-accredited draught sealing providers.

Learn More

Tips for Maximizing Savings

Get multiple quotes from different VEU-accredited providers
Check the Victorian Energy Compare website for accredited providers
Combine multiple upgrades (e.g., insulation + AC) for maximum savings
Some retailers like The Good Guys participate in VEU

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the VEU program work?

Accredited providers receive Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs) for installing efficient products. They sell these certificates to energy retailers, which funds the discounts they offer you. You simply pay the discounted price - no forms or rebate claims required.

Am I eligible for VEU rebates?

Most Victorian households are eligible. Key requirements: you own or rent a home in Victoria, the upgrade is installed by a VEU-accredited provider, and the product meets efficiency standards. Some rebates require replacing old equipment. Contact providers for specific eligibility.

Can renters access VEU rebates?

Renters can access rebates if the landlord agrees to the upgrade. For owner-installed items like split systems, the landlord would typically arrange this. Portable and removable items don't usually qualify for VEU rebates.

Get Your Personalized VIC 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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