Were weeks away from sweltering temperatures, hurricane warnings, and bug invasions.

And this year is expected to bean especially hot onein many areas.

Before summer hits at full force, check that you and your home are prepared.

First, replace your air filter to double-check the whole system runs smoothly.

Keep it there for five minutes and note the temperature.

Do the same thing at the return vent.

The air coming out should be 14 to 20 degrees cooler than the air going in.

An air conditioner thats not cooling to those levels could be low on refrigerant or have leaks.

A unit cooling more than 20 degrees could have a severe blockage.

If your unit isnt working properly or efficiently, it might be time to call in a professional.

Theyll test the unit itself and test your air ducts for any potential leaks.

Test for Ventilation Leaks

Your air conditioner is functioning efficientlygreat!

First, look for actual leaks: drafts in your windows and doors.

If you do find any leaks, you’re free to seal them upwith caulk and weather stripping.

You should also confirm the attic floor is insulated without blocking vents.

Other insects migrate someplace warm to wait out the colder months.

Still others decide the best way to stay out of the cold is to camp out in your home.

In my old apartment, wed get an influx of ants every year.

First, confirm everything is properly sealed.

And if you checked for leaks, youve already done this.

Spray your outdoor perimeter with a pesticide, along with baseboards, sinks, windows, and doors.

Read all the applicable warnings on the pesticide and confirm your pets dont get into it.

Its easy enough tomake your own DIY natural repellant, andApartment Therapy offers a simple solution here.

In winter months, it should rotate clockwise to help distribute heat thats risen.

Prevent Water Damage

Summer weather isnt just hot and sticky.

It can also be stormy and, sometimes, dangerous.

For example, hurricane season hits in the summer months, and with it often comes flooding.

Build up dirt or place grates outside your house to direct water away from the foundation.

If the dirt you currently have has settled around your house, water will start running toward your house.

As a general rule, a grate of one-inch-per-foot will ensure proper water runoff.

Again, double-check your windows and doors are properly sealed and caulked, too.

You should also test your gutters.

Turn on your garden hose and place it inside the gutter so water begins to run.

Then, walk around your homes perimeter and check the gutter.

Look for water coming out of any places it shouldnt.

You should also check your gutters for dips or sags where water might pool near your house.

Shingles that are buckling, curling, or blistering.

Missing or broken shingles.

Cracked and worn rubber boots around vent pipes.

Missing or damaged chimney cap…

Masses of moss and lichen, which could signal the roof is decaying underneath.

Black algae stains are just cosmetic.

you could check your indoor ceiling for early signs of leaking, too.

You might notice dark water stains or peeling paint.

Now is the time to make a few changes around your home to prepare for the extreme weather.

Illustration by: Sam Woolley