With the warm weather here already here is a list of 10 things to do to your home to get it ready for summer!

Check Hoses

Check all of your outside hoses for leaks and repair or replace, if necessary. Often you don’t need to replace an entire hose if just one part is busted — picking up a garden hose repair kit at the hardware store can save you from lugging a whole new hose home.

Air Conditioning Tune Up

Get a professional tune up on your air conditioning unit(s) at least once a year. The last thing you want is for your A/C to go out when those high temperatures hit. A professional can check for damage or leaks and make sure your equipment is running as efficiently as possible.

Check Outlets

Check all of your outside electrical outlets to make sure they are working properly.

Clean and Adjust Fans

Clean your ceiling and portable fans for maximum efficiency and minimum dust. Turn off your fans when they are not in use and when you leave the house.

Adjust Sprinklers

Adjust sprinklers and watering time. This is a good time to make sure you don’t have any sprinkler leaks and to reposition sprinkler heads to make sure you are not wasting water on walls, sidewalks, or the driveway. During the summer the best time to water is in the late evening, after the sun has gone down, or early morning, when the air is the most cool. Let your grass grow slightly longer in the summer to help retain moisture.

Check Filters

Make sure clean filters are installed in your heating or cooling systems — washable home furnace/HVAC system filers can be cleaned and reused. They only require replacement every few years, saving you money in the long run. Don’t skimp on the quality, though, and follow the directions for proper cleaning and drying.

Adjust Thermostat

Install a programmable thermostat if you don’t already have one. Benefits: increased comfort, more control, and big savings! A programmable thermostat can help lower energy costs by ensuring that your cooling system isn’t running all day or night.

Adjust Sprinklers

Adjust sprinklers and watering time. This is a good time to make sure you don’t have any sprinkler leaks and to reposition sprinkler heads to make sure you are not wasting water on walls, sidewalks, or the driveway. During the summer the best time to water is in the late evening, after the sun has gone down, or early morning, when the air is the most cool. Let your grass grow slightly longer in the summer to help retain moisture.

Skip the Oven

Skip the oven, which can create heat in your home and make it more difficult to cool down. Instead, start using the BBQ more often. Run appliances like your dishwasher and washer/dryer at night. Running appliances at night will save energy and money — the humidity created from the dishwasher can compete with the cooling effects of A/C, and energy prices may be slightly lower on off-peak hours, such as bedtime.

Create Shade

Replace heavy curtains with a lighter material. Consider window tinting or plantings that can create more shade on areas that get the most sun.

Clean Windows

Clean your windows inside and out, and check for any damage to glass. Rinse window screens, and check for damage. Replace weather stripping if necessary. Keep the cool air in and the hot air out!