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Summer Survival Guide: Hacks to Stay Chill and Save Energy

We’re nearing the dog days of summer, which means it’s hot out. Not that it hasn’t been hot for the past six weeks already, but at this point, Central Texas might as well be on the sun. 

 

Don’t sweat it, though; finding ways to keep cool without adding zeros to the energy bill just takes a little strategy. 

 

Thermostat and Energy Efficiency

 

There’s no getting around not using your air conditioner in Texas, but aim to set it as high as you can and still feel relatively comfortable during the hottest hours of the day (2 to 5 PM). Increasing the inside temperature of your home by just 1oF in the summer months can lower your energy bill by as much as 10 percent. 

 

Another thing to consider if you’re in the market for a new appliance in the summer is buying one with a good energy star rating. This will also help lower your summer utility bills.

 

Garage Hacks

 

Garages can trap a lot of heat during the summer. One way of removing some of that heat is installing some ventilation in your garage’s ceiling (remember, hot air rises). If your garage has windows, consider adding a reflective material to help radiate the sun’s rays outward rather than inward. 

 

Another simple trick is to wait a few hours before putting your car back in the garage after returning home. A car’s engine can hold onto heat for a long time, and taking your vehicle straight into the garage will only bring that heat with it. 

 

Outdoors and Watering

 

If you spend any time at all out on the porch or deck during the summer and it’s not covered, buying an umbrella for shade is paramount. 

 

And when it comes to watering your grass or flower beds, do this either in the morning or in the evening just before sunset. This will help to reduce the amount of water that is evaporated by the hot sun. It’s also a good idea to water plants at the base, rather than watering them directly on their leaves or flowers. 

 

Keep Things Cool Inside

 

One of the biggest challenges is keeping the inside of the home cool, but there are lots of small things homeowners can do that make a big difference. 

 

  • Close your blinds on the side of the house that gets the most sunlight
  • Adjust ceiling fans to ensure they are pushing cool air downward (counter-clockwise)
  • Close doors of rooms that aren’t in use. This helps trap cool air in the room
  • If you’re still using incandescent light bulbs, switch to LED, as they give off less heat
  • Buy a cooling pillow or mattress topper
  • Seal off any window cracks that might be letting cool air out and hot air in

 

One of the best things about the homes within the Crosswinds community is that they were all constructed by the industry’s leading home builders, using the best building materials and construction practices. This means a cooler home in the summer and a warmer home in the winter. 

If you’d like to find your dream home in the Crosswinds community, reach out to us today.

Categories
Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Kyle Texas TX

Slide into Summer: Water Parks Near Austin

Nothing provides relief from the scorching summer heat quite like a dip in the pool or blast down a waterslide with a near 90-degree drop! Texas residents have no shortage of water parks to cool down in this summer – each of them offering landscape slides, pools, and lazy rivers that promise a wet and wild good time. 

 

Schlitterbahn (New Braunfels)

 

It wouldn’t be an understatement to call Schlitterbahn the grandaddy of waterparks. The park rivals every water park in the country when it comes to the staggering number of slides, pools, and other attractions visitors can cool down in. 

 

Guests have over 50 water rides to explore, with everything from adrenaline-rushing slides like Dragon’s Revenge to relaxing zero-entry pools like Kristal Cove. One day really isn’t enough to soak up all Schlitterbahn has to offer and the park has several overnight accommodations guests can reserve. 

 

Kalahari Resorts (Round Rock)

 

Nothing can zap the fun out of a day at the water park like a bad sunburn. Move the water park indoors, however, and that chance of sunburn shrinks down to zero! At over 223,000 sq ft, Kalahari is America’s largest indoor water park. 

 

Twisting indoor slides like the Kenya Korkscrew and Stingray are two of the most popular attractions, but there’s plenty of variety to enjoy, like the FlowRider surfing simulator, Grotto swim-up bar, and Splashdown Safari kid’s area. 

 

Volente Beach Water Park (Leander) 

 

With water park passes easily climbing upwards of 50 bucks, Volente offers some welcomed relief for families on a budget. Weekday passes are only $15 a person, and season passes are only $40!

 

While Volente isn’t as large as some of the other parks, there’s still plenty of cool-down fun to be enjoyed. Fans of thrill rides will enjoy slides like Flash Flood and Sidewinder, and kids will love playing at the Gators Crossing obstacle course and floating pirate ship. 

 

Typhoon Texas (Pflugerville)

 

There’s something for everyone at Typhoon Texas, with slides that nearly defy the limits of gravity, as well as colossal water playscapes and relaxing tidal pools. Slides like Duelin’ Daltons promise thrill-seekers a 7-story free fall, and guests in search of something more relaxing are sure to enjoy a float down the Lazy River. 

 

The park also offers private cabana rentals for guests who are looking for a bit more relaxation and privacy with their visit. 

 

Crosswinds Splash Park

There’s no doubt that a day at the water park provides great family fun, but sometimes skipping the parking and locker rental and opting for a staycation can be the more appealing choice. 

 

Whether you’re looking to work on your tan and enjoy a good book, splash around with the kids, or perfect your cannonball, the pool and splash park is the ideal place for Crosswinds residents to cool down on a hot summer day. 

If you’d like to learn more about all the amenities Crosswinds has to offer and find your dream home, contact our team today.