As we head into the summer and warmer temperatures, it's important to reacclimate your home accordingly. Whether you cool your home with air conditioning or fans, spring is the time to assess whether you're prepared for summer's first heat wave of the year. If you're looking for ways to conserve energy in warm weather and keep your home cool, we have you covered! However, assessing your HVAC unit isn't the only thing you can do to prepare. The exterior of your home can use just as much attention as the interior. Here's our advice on how to prep your home for summer.

Ready Your Yard for Sunshine

Your lawn is one of the most visible parts of your property and deserves a proportionate amount of attention! Aerating your lawn is a big task, but it can promote a healthy root system for all plants in your yard. If you have cool-season grass, try to aerate earlier in the spring; if you have warm-season grass, late spring or early summer is the recommended time. Not all grass needs to be aerated every year, but high-traffic yards or dense soil foundations are more likely to need it annually.

When it comes to mowing, experts recommend leaving the grass taller in warm weather, which helps water hydrate the soil more efficiently. Before you get started, be sure to sharpen your mower blade, which will make cutting easier and prolong the life of your lawnmower. If you have a sprinkler system, now's a good time to test it and set it on a timer. It's best to water your lawn before 10 AM so the soil has a chance to hydrate before the water evaporates with the midday heat. For more landscaping tips, check out our lawncare guide.

Clean the Grill Before You Fire It Up

If your grill stays outside over the winter, now's a great time to make sure it's in working order before the season's first cookout! Clean off debris and rust, and, if you have a gas grill, be sure to check the fuel line. If you're pulling your grill out of storage, don't forget to position it at least 10 to 15 feet away from your home.

Inspect Your Windows and Doors

Temperature fluctuations from winter to spring can really mess with your windows and doors. Ice can freeze in the cracks around your windows and door frame, which leads to damaged or warped weatherstripping that can only get worse with high-humidity, summer weather. It's a good idea to inspect your home for air leaks and seal them sufficiently. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, sealing air leaks can help you save more than 20% on heating and cooling bills, so it's a good idea to maintain the space around your windows and doors, year-round. It's also not a bad idea to clean your windows while you're inspecting them!

Clear Your Gutters

A summer rain is a terrible time to find out your gutters are blocked or in need of repair. Stay on top of clogs by clearing them out (or hiring a professional to do it for you). Clean gutters prevent water damage to the inside or outside of your home via leaks as they direct water away from your home's foundation.

Semi-Annual To-Dos

Seasonal home maintenance is also a good time to cross other semi-annual tasks off your to-do list. Early-to-late spring is a great time to check on your air conditioning filters, clean out your dryer vent, and replace your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors' batteries. Consider checking on the humidity level on each floor of your home, too. You may want to consider a humidifier to keep basement areas dry during the summer.