Staying Cool in Austin's Heat

So the heat in Austin is ever rising, and the summer months are pounding away at our fragile epidermis. The summer months can be really brutal, especially in central Texas, and no on enjoys spending an arm and a leg to keep cool for the long summer months. Paying for a lot of air conditioning can really be expensive, and joining a pool can be as well. Here are a few ways that I like to keep cool, without spending too much money.

1.) Finding Alternative Study Areas

There are a lot of great places that you can study and get a lot of work done, without spending money for. The local library system is amazing, and we have some of the coolest libraries on the University of Texas at Austin campus. I have found it really helpful to study in the PCL during the day, so I don't have to spend money on my air conditioning at home.

The library is a vast resource that can really aid you in a lot of different things. They have kids programs, summer camps, and not to mention a huge database of pure information and knowledge. If anything, the library can offer you a highly air conditioned working space.

Another great part about the library system during the summer, is that a large percentage of the student population isn't on campus any more. The library is generally much more empty than it is during school sessions, and it is a great place to concentrate on your work without too many people distracting you.

I have turned off my air conditioning during the day, packed a lunch, and studied at the library all day multiple times this summer. It really is a great way to save on electricity money, and to get away from your house to get work done.

2.) Timing Your Air Condition Use

Try to make it a point to air condition your house on hours that you only really need it. Remember that there is a trade off: It will cost more to let your apartment or House become really hot and then to cool it down, as opposed to keeping it around a consistent heat.

What I have found to be really cost effective is to set my air conditioner to around 78 or 79 degrees. It is not really cool, but it is definitely bearable. If I put on fans in my house, I feel very comfortable with this temperature throughout the house.

It also will cost you less to air condition at night, so If you want to bring your house temperature down, do it than. The cooler temperature outside means it uses less energy to cool your space during the night hours. Remember though, that this is a time that you are asleep and won't notice your temperature too much.

You have to decide when you really want to spend energy on air conditioning as opposed to cooling yourself off in other ways.

3.) Local Swimming

There are a lot of local places to chill in fresh cool water around Austin. I wrote an article on some great local swimming pools in Austin. I would suggest trying to go to pools that don't cost money at all, or really cheap pools.

There are greenbelts all around Austin that have natural streams and waterfalls that you can swim in for free. This is a great option for a nice, cool, and chill afternoon. You can spend all day working on something while sitting by the water, occasionally taking a dip. This is a really easy option for keeping cool, getting out in nature, getting some sun, and getting some studying or work done all at once. It is a great time manager and a great way to stay cool this summer.

Barton Springs is also a great place, and you can get in the free side for no money. The regular pool does cost something like three dollars, but it is a pretty cheap price for a really refreshing swim.

There are a lot of really great local swimming pools, and I suggest doing some research on what ones are the cheapest. I'm sure some have free programs.

4.) Refreshing Drink Options

There are a lot of ways you can chill yourself out with some refreshing drinks. Classic southern ice tea is definately appropriate for the Austin area. I also would suggest trying to drink some hot chai, as this has been proven to physically cool your body down.

When I was in India, one of the hottest countries in the world, during a summer, I drank a lot of hot tea. Chai was served all over, and I was offered it all the time for free on the streets. It really worked to help cool me down. Hot chai is a really good option to cool yourself down.

I would also try making some fruity alchoholic drinks as they are more refreshing than other drink options. I personally like skittles vodka, and also making this delicious Mario themed drink called "the warp pipe". Check out two recipes for them here:

http://mixthatdrink.com/skittles-vodka-tutorial/

http://www.thedrunkenmoogle.com/post/641091347/warp-pipe-super-mario-bros-cocktail

5.) Spend Time Outside at Night

Although the daytime in Austin can be really brutal, I have been throuroughly enjoying the nighttime weather. It gets a whole lot cooler around 8 or 9 o'clock. The breeze that kicks in feels really wonderful, and activities are so much more enjoyable during the nighttime. I like sitting on my porch swing, playing some games in a park, or doing anything with my friends outside.

I really suggest trying to do things outside at night as opposed to the day, especially in Austin.

There you have it, now stay cool Austinites! The city is beautiful and the day is hot, but we can stay cool together on a dime!