It's that time of year, when the sun is shining bright and all we really have on our minds is getting out of town to enjoy a beach vacation at the Jersey Shore. But before you can enjoy some fun in the sun, there are a few things to take care of at home.

 

Here are 7 ways to prepare your home for summer.

 

1. Get your air conditioner ready

Cleaning your AC unit and having any necessary service will help it work at its best capacity. Professionals recommend preparing you air conditioner for summer by cleaning it. Shut the air conditioner off, and clear away leaves and yard debris outside. Inside, clean or replace filters, dust the fan blades if you can do so safely. Make sure air can flow freely over the inside and outside coils. It is a good idea to call a professional to inspect your unit early in the summer.

 

2. Change your filters

Anyone who lives in a warm climate is on a constant search for ways to keep electric bills down. Clean, new filters work more efficiently, which can help keep cooling costs lower. Check doors and windows for any areas that need to be shored up as proper insulation will help keep cold air in and warm air out.

 

3. Change the filter in your fridge

Summer is a good time to check the filter in your refrigerator. If it's more than six months old, get a new one so all that lemonade you make on sunny summer days tastes as fresh as possible.

 

4. Clean out your freezer

"Do an audit of what's in there... throw out anything that's been in there over a year," said Style at Home. "With the extra freezer capacity, you can be stocked up on a summer supply of popsicles."

 

5. Adjust your sprinklers

Your lawn may need to be watered more frequently during the summer. Or perhaps your city is under watering restrictions because of draught conditions. Either way, it's time to get your hands on that automatic sprinkler control. You don't want to be the only house on your block with brown grass. And you don't want to get in trouble by the water police either!

 

6. Change your bedding

Still sleeping with flannel sheets and a heavy-duty down comforter? It's time to strip it down. Temperature-regulating sheetsmay help keep you cooler at night, which means you may be able to turn your thermostat up and save yourself a few bucks.

 

7. Check the perimeter

Give the outside of your home a summer check-up by walking the perimeter of your home and property line and noting anything that needs attention. Do your outside lights need new bulbs? Do you have a broken sprinkler? Are your gutters clogged? Think about having your roof flashing, caulking, and shingles inspected in preparation for the spring storms.

 

Having peace of mind will make your Jersey Shore vacation even more enjoyable. Hope to see you at the beach!