Most of us have been waiting for summer since, well, last summer! The warm sun, drinks by the pool, and all of the outdoor activities make summertime a great time. Although swimsuits and cookouts should be top of mind, we’ve put together 9 great tips to get your home as ready for summer as you are.

Inspect and Service Your Air Conditioning Unit
We all love the long days full of sunshine that summer brings. That is, until you want to cool off. It’s always best to ensure you have your air conditioning unit working before you really need it. After winter, it’s always a good idea to replace the filter. Turn the unit on, and see how it’s working. If you notice any signs that the unit is cooling as cool as it should or as quickly as it should, contact a professional to have the unit serviced.

Let The Summer Inside
We know we mentioned keeping your home cool by properly maintaining your air conditioning unit, but that doesn’t mean you have to live in complete darkness. Use the cooler mornings to open the windows and air out the home. Keeping the curtains open and letting in natural light can easily help bring the summer vibes into your home. In addition, pick some wildflowers and bring them in to add more natural, summer scents into your home.

Weatherproof Your Home
While you want to let some of the aspects of summer into your home, you don’t want them all to come in. With summer heat comes summer thunderstorms, lightning, and other extreme weather. Check for air leaks around doors and windows to ensure you have the most efficient use of your air conditioning and you’re not wasting money by “cooling the whole neighborhood.” It’s always a best practice to ensure you have a severe weather plan and kit ready just in case of violent storms.

Home Security Is A Must
While a lot of time can be enjoyed at home during the summer, a lot of families use summertime to vacation. While you’re away, make sure your home is well protected. Increase security with self monitored systems, or paid systems. In addition, use certain features to make it look like someone is home to cause disinterest to potential burglars. Some of these features can even be automated. Use smart light bulbs and smart outlets that connect to your home’s wifi and can set certain appliances to turn on based on the time of day (or controlled manually by your smartphone). This will make it appear like you’re home even when you’re not.

Clean Your Windows
It would be a shame if you can’t see the beautiful flowers, the singing birds, and the everyday life of summer all due to dirty windows. Make sure to clean the window screens while you’re at it. Your windows have spent the last several months protecting you from the cold, so if they seem to hard to DIY, make sure to contact a professional.

Clean The Gutters And Downspouts
While you’re cleaning the windows, make sure to check your gutters and downspouts. They play a critical role in protecting your home by directing the rain away from the foundation of your home. So if you are able, grab a ladder, some gloves, and a trash bag to clean out the gutters and downspouts and allow water to flow freely. If you’re not able to clean them yourself, this is a great way for neighborhood kids to learn how to earn money. If your house is too big for teens to be helping, call a professional to ensure safety.

Inspect The Roof
If you call a professional to clean the gutters, make sure to also have them take a look at the roof. Your home’s roof is vital in protecting everything underneath it. Professionals suggest having your roof inspected twice per year. Most reputable roofing companies even offer free inspections.

Keep The Critters Out
The heat of summertime creates the perfect living space for household pests. Make sure to protect your home against these invasive bugs by checking your doors, windows, and house foundation for cracks where bugs can enter. Consider hiring a local pest control company to inspect your home for possible entry points.

Get The Lawn Summer Ready
Summertime is the perfect time to spend outdoors. So get the lawn ready by bringing out the summer furniture out of storage, inspecting any playground equipment for damage, and set up the perfect spot to sit back, relax, and enjoy a nice book or beverage. If you need a break from all of the rest and relaxation, consider planting a few new flowers to enhance your curb appeal and give yourself another reason to smile every time you look outside.

Now that the to-do list is complete, don’t forget to enjoy yourself. Summer is a favorite season of many because of all of the things we can do outside. Get out there and enjoy it. And if you happen to be looking for a new place to call home this summer, make sure to check out our available properties.