Portable AC, fans and more: Here are some cheaper ways to stay cool in the Texas heat

The Texas heat runs rampant over the summer months causing many to crank up the air conditioning, but what other alternatives are out there to help cool you down?

Fort Worth recorded its hottest temperature of the year on Monday at 109 degrees, which was followed the next day with the same triple digit number. The rest of the week is projected to be a little cooler, with temperatures hitting low triple digits.

It has been an exceptionally warm summer in North Texas, thanks to severe drought conditions and ridge of high pressure that has impacted the central U.S. since June, according to the National Weather Service. Attributing to the summer heat, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas have issued several energy conservation requests over the last few weeks as demand peaked.

A central air conditioning unit is a proven way to stave off hot weather, but it is also the biggest energy consumer in most homes. Here’s a look at cheaper alternatives to cool you down this summer:

Portable air conditioning unit: $30-300

A portable air conditioning unit is just as it sounds, a smaller version of the cooling unit you’re likely used to.

Portable units come in all shapes and sizes, some two to three feet high, while others are even smaller at six to 12 inches. Some of the benefits going portable, according to My Home Climate, include:

• Cutting energy costs — Portable units can cool a room or small space, rather than the entire house, which can help save on your bill.

• Movability — Some portable units have wheels making them easier to roll to another location., and some are small and light enough to carry.

• Easy setup, no contract — For most portable units all you need is an exhaust hose and it’s ready to use, plus the added benefit of no contract to sign.

Portable units range in price and can be found at most major retailers or hardware stores such as Home Depot or Lowes. Find portable units at Walmart, Amazon, Home Depot and Lowes.

Cooling fans: $30-100

Fans might seem like an obvious way to stay cool, but the technology has evolved from the traditional bladed product.

Now, fans come in all shapes and sizes from the common round metal design to units that cool without blades. Fans might not offer the same cooling qualities as air conditioning units, but they will save on your electric bill.

Here are a few benefits of using fans, according Sylvane:

• Energy efficiency — Fans typically use less energy than other cooling units.

• Humidity control — Fans circulate the air and take moisture out of humid rooms.

• Air circulator — Fans can even help expand an air conditioner’s effectiveness by helping circulate the cool air.

Fans in all shapes and sizes can be found from major retailers such as Walmart or Amazon.

Handheld cooling products: $8-30

When it comes to staying cool, there is a product for everyone no matter how big or small.

Handheld fans are a quick fix for any warm situation you find yourself in, whether that be inside or outside. Handheld fans are easy to use and require only batteries or charging to operate, cutting energy costs and improving mobility.

Fans range in size from a few inches to even smaller as attachments for the bottom of smartphones. Yes, you can scroll your social media feeds while staying cool.

Some handheld fans even have misting features to lightly disperse water while in use, or others can be slung around your neck like headphones.

Handheld fans can be found at most major retailers such as Amazon and Walmart.