5 Ways to Keep Summer Break from Heating Up Your Home

5 ways to keep summer break from heating up your home

Children play outdoors on a sunny day, splashing water and using colorful water guns in a backyard setting.

During the summer, we work hard to keep the heat outside and our homes comfortable, but those efforts can be challenged once school lets out. Suddenly, the back door is opening every few minutes as kids run inside for a snack, sunscreen, or the toy they forgot they needed.

While one trip through the door won't make much difference, the impact on your home's comfort and energy use can start to add up when several people are moving in and out throughout the day. Warm air enters every time the door opens, making indoor spaces feel less comfortable and increasing the amount of energy needed to maintain your preferred temperature.

Here are a few simple ways to keep the fun outside and reduce the number of times the door swings open.

Set up a snack and hydration station

One of the biggest reasons kids head indoors is simple: they’re hungry or thirsty.

Set out a few coolers in the shade and keep them stocked with everything needed for an afternoon outside. Some ideas include:

Water bottles
Juice boxes
Popcorn
Pretzels
Granola bars
Applesauce pouches

Avoid drinking water from the garden hose. While the water coming out is the same clean municipal tap water used inside your home, the materials used for the hose itself – along with any mold and bacteria build-up – can contaminate the water before it reaches your mouth.

Cooler, electric cooler or portable fridge?

The best option depends on how often you'll use it, how much cooling power you need, and how permanent you want your outdoor setup to be.

Traditional cooler: A practical, energy-efficient option for keeping drinks and snacks cold for a few hours.
Electric cooler: Plugs into a standard outlet and keeps contents cool without the need for ice, making it a convenient choice for long afternoons outdoors.
Portable or mini fridge: Provides true refrigeration and maintains a consistent temperature. They’re ideal for outdoor kitchens or covered patios.

Keep outdoor essentials outside

A deck box, storage bench, or weather-resistant cabinet can keep everything organized and easy to access. Eliminate countless trips inside by storing common items outside:

Sunscreen and bug spray
Towels
Water toys
Sports equipment
Sidewalk chalk
Outdoor games

Make the backyard somewhere people want to stay

You don't need an elaborate backyard makeover to make a difference. Consider adding:

A portable speaker for music
Comfortable seating
A shaded area with an umbrella or canopy
Backyard games
A sprinkler or water play station
A cozy reading corner

Backyard activities that cost nothing

Create an obstacle course with whatever you have on hand and time each run to see who completes it the fastest.
Set up a water relay and race to fill a bucket, carry water across the yard, or create a sponge toss challenge.
Make a list and go on a backyard scavenger hunt to find things like feathers, a yellow flower, a smooth rock, etc.
Turn sidewalk chalk into a game like hopscotch or a giant board game.

Don't forget the door itself

Even with the perfect outdoor setup, people will still come and go. A few simple upgrades can help ensure cool air stays where it belongs:

Replace regular door hinges with self-closing hinges
Add a hydraulic closer to your storm or screen door
Check the weatherstripping around exterior doors for any signs of wear or damage

By keeping drinks, snacks, storage, and activities close at hand, you can reduce trips indoors while helping keep your home comfortable.

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